Meet Jennifer Xerri, the talented lady behind Starlily Creations. Her grandmother, Nana Lela (Lily in English), taught Jennifer how to knit and crochet at the age of 6. She was told that because of her Maltese heritage, it is in her to create, and she is happy to be carrying on the legacy of her ancestors.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
At one point I wanted to be a drummer, then a fashion designer. I knew I wanted to do something in the art/music world. My mom really wasn't thrilled about the idea of getting me a drum set!
I remember as a kid sewing alongside my mother, and knitting/crocheting with my grandmother really fueling me in the direction of fashion design. She was so proud of how good I became at crochet and encouraged my mom to put me in a class so I could advance. I remember crocheting circles around all the older ladies there and the teacher told my mom I was teaching everyone else in the class and that I didn't need to be there - so basically I got kicked out of the class!
What inspired you to start creating your artwork & how did you turn it into a business?
My grandmother was a great teacher and my biggest inspiration! Truthfully, at first when I felt the nudge to start crafting again, I was a bit jaded from losing my job in fine dining. I recovered some old boxes packed away with my grandmother's supplies and couldn't believe it had been almost 15 years since I had knitted or crocheted anything! I realized I had a bunch of unfinished projects and friendship bracelets. I finished them and gave them to friends, and then decided to make scarves and hats as gifts for my family for Christmas.
It started with a few orders here and there, then a friend introduced me to Cris Borowski and we became really good friends and I began doing shows with her. I began making scarflettes and they quickly became my hot seller. I realized I was onto something! After having such great sales, that's when I started taking things more seriously. I know that after I named my business after my grandmother, I couldn't fail!
What do you most love about the creative process?
I love making things that I like and would love to wear. This gets tricky sometimes though, because once I try something on I want to keep it! The creative process goes beyond making the product as well. The greatest reward is when people fall in love with my things, and the excitement that they express about my work really fuels me to keep dreaming up new creations! The creative process also entails product displays and creatively interacting with customers. When I was in the restaurant business, I really learned the art of customer service, and I'm glad that I can take those pearls of wisdom and use them when I am out there selling my own art!
What do you enjoy doing besides making art?
I love DJing! But wait, that's making art too! I DJ vinyl so you could say I'm old school. I have been DJing since 1995 and collecting records since 1991. Going to events and supporting local artists, DJs, and musicians was my favorite hobby throughout my teens and twenties. I'm a big supporter of Detroit's homegrown talent! I have played the Detroit Electronic Music Festival several times, and also promoted special events in Detroit. You can check out my DJ mixes on soundcloud.
Currently, I am pursuing music production and have a release coming out on Soiree Records, a Detroit based label. Besides making art, kayaking, dancing, yoga, sailing, and going to thrift stores/garage sales/estate sales, I am ALWAYS on the hunt for vintage jewelry and buttons for my scarflettes. I love the HUNT!
You can see much more of Jennifer's fabulous crocheted goods at Yellow Door and online. Stay tuned for more fun & interesting info about Jennifer all week!
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