Nancy S

The Crochet Designer Behind

“Hook Me Up”

Catwalks to Crochet: The Story of Success

In the vibrant tapestry of the fashion world, few stories are as compelling as that of Nancy Sandhu. Once a luminary on the runways, Sandhu has seamlessly transitioned into a celebrated crochet designer, weaving her narrative into the very threads of her creations. Her brand, “HOOK ME UP,” stands as a testament to her ingenuity and artistry.

TKC: Could you tell us about your journey in the modelling industry? How did it all begin for you?

NANCY : My journey in the modeling/acting industry has been nothing short of exhilarating. It all began with a spark of curiosity and a passion for artistic expression. From there, it evolved into a full-fledged career that has taken me to places I never imagined. Like many aspiring models, my journey started with small steps. I began by attending local auditions and casting calls, eager to learn and showcase my potential. These early experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the industry and refining my skills. Of course, no journey is without its challenges. From facing rejection to navigating the competitive nature of the industry, I encountered obstacles that tested my resilience and determination. Yet, it was these challenges that fueled my drive to persevere and move on. Along the way, I've had the privilege of achieving milestones that I once only dreamed of. (By the way my first milestone was participating in very a popular reality show ”MTV SPLISTVILLA” in 2010 ) 8

A Tête-à-Tête with Nancy S

From signing with reputable agencies to collaborating with esteemed brands, each accomplishment has been a testament to the unwavering belief in myself and the trust I placed in my abilities. In conclusion, my journey in the modeling industry has been a transformative experience filled with highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. Through it all, one thing remains constant: my passion for the art whether its modeling, acting or designing and the limitless possibilities it holds. I am grateful for the journey thus far and eager to embrace the adventures that lie ahead.

TKS: Can you explain the transition from being a model and actor to becoming a business entrepreneur?

One of the driving forces behind my transition to becoming a business entrepreneur was the desire for greater creative control and independence. While modeling and acting provided me with incredible opportunities, I often found myself wanting more autonomy over my projects and the ability to shape my own narrative. By venturing into entrepreneurship, I could take ownership of my ideas, build my own brand, and pursue ventures aligned with my vision and values.

NANCY : As a model and actor, I had the privilege of working within two dynamic industries that constantly exposed me to new experiences and opportunities. However, over time, I began to recognize that my skill set and passion extended beyond the realms of modeling and acting alone. I saw an opportunity to leverage my creativity, networking abilities, and industry knowledge to explore new ventures and make a meaningful impact in different ways.

Entrepreneurship appealed to me as a platform for innovation and problem-solving. I was drawn to the challenge of identifying unmet needs or gaps in the market and developing innovative solutions to address them. The prospect of creating something from scratch and seeing it come to fruition fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. Ultimately, what motivated this shift was a deep-seated alignment with my personal values and passions. As an entrepreneur, I had the freedom to pursue ventures that resonated with me on a deeper level, whether it was in the realm of fashion, entertainment, or beyond. By aligning my professional endeavors with my core values and passions, I found a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose in my work.

TKC: How did the idea for "Hook Me Up," your clothing brand, come about? What inspired you to start this venture?

NANCY : The idea for "Hook Me Up," my crochet clothing brand, came about quite organically. It all started as a personal hobby that quickly grew into a passion. I’ve always been fascinated by fashion and textile arts, and crochet, in particular, offered a unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship that really resonated with me. I began crocheting as a way to unwind and express my creativity. Over time, I honed my skills and started creating more intricate and stylish pieces. Friends, followers on social media and fans began to take notice and encouraged me to consider turning my hobby into a business. I noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, stylish crochet clothing that wasn't just limited to traditional or vintage designs. There was a clear demand for modern, trendy crochet pieces that could be incorporated into everyday wardrobes.

The growing awareness and demand for sustainable and handmade fashion also played a significant role. People are increasingly looking for unique, eco-friendly clothing options, and crochet fits perfectly into this niche. It allows for the use of natural fibers and reduces waste through handmade production. I drew inspiration from various sources including art, nature, and different cultures.

Each piece I create tells a story and reflects a part of my journey as an artist. This personal connection to my work is something I wanted to share with others. The support and feedback from my community were instrumental. When I started sharing my creations on social media, the positive response was overwhelming. It was a clear indication that there was a real interest and appreciation for handmade crochet clothing. I wanted to offer something different from mass-produced clothing. With crochet, each piece can be customized and tailored to the customer's preferences, making it truly unique. This customization aspect is a key part of "Hook Me Up."

Overall, "Hook Me Up" was born from a combination of personal passion, market demand, and the desire to contribute to the sustainable fashion movement. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.

TKC: As a crochet designer, how do you find the process different from your modeling career?

Which role do you find more challenging and why?

NANCY : As a crochet designer, I have complete creative control over my work. I can bring my visions to life from scratch, experiment with patterns, colors, and textures, and iterate until I’m satisfied. This role involves a deep level of creativity, planning, and technical skill. Modeling, on the other hand, is about executing someone else’s vision. It involves interpreting the designer's creations and presenting them in the best possible way. This role requires adaptability, confidence, and the ability to convey emotions and stories through poses and expressions. Designing crochet clothing requires meticulous attention to detail and patience. The process can be time-consuming, especially when creating intricate patterns or custom pieces. Balancing creativity with practicality and managing time effectively are significant challenges. Staying ahead of fashion trends while maintaining a unique style is crucial.

Additionally, running a brand involves understanding marketing, customer preferences, and business logistics, which adds another layer of complexity. For me, the role of a crochet designer is more challenging due to the sheer amount of creative energy, time, and business acumen it requires. Designing involves not only the artistic aspect but also understanding the technicalities of crochet, sourcing sustainable materials, and managing the business side of things. The level of responsibility and the breadth of skills needed are extensive. Being a model has provided me with invaluable insights and advantages that have helped shape "Hook Me Up." Working in front of the camera has provided me with a keen understanding of what customers look for in fashion. I know firsthand how different designs and styles are perceived and what makes a garment not only look good but also feel comfortable and empowering to wear.

Being the face of "Hook Me Up," I bring a level of confidence and relatability that can inspire and connect with customers. They see a real person behind the brand, someone who shares their passion for fashion and sustainability. I can personally model the pieces, saving on hiring external models and ensuring the presentation aligns perfectly with the brand’s vision. This adds a personal touch and authenticity to the brand’s image.Sharing my journey as both a model and a designer helps build a strong connection with customers. They appreciate the personal touch and story behind each piece. My modeling/acting career has significantly contributed to my role as the face of "Hook Me Up." The experience has equipped me with industry knowledge, a professional network, and an understanding of customer preferences, all of which are invaluable assets.

Being both a model and a designer allows me to bring a unique and authentic perspective to the brand, helping it stand out in the competitive fashion market. While both roles are fulfilling in different ways, the satisfaction of seeing my designs come to life and resonate with customers provides a unique sense of accomplishment. Modeling offers immediate gratification through the creative expression in front of the camera, but the long-term creative fulfillment from designing is unparalleled.

TKC : What brought you to settle in the valleys of Dehradun?

How has the environment influenced your creative and business ventures?

Living in close proximity to nature has heightened my awareness of environmental issues. This has reinforced my commitment to sustainability in my business practices. I prioritize using eco-friendly materials and methods, aligning my brand with the principles of environmental stewardship.

Settling in the valleys of Dehradun has been one of the most transformative decisions for both my personal life and my creative and business ventures.

The natural surroundings of Dehradun greatly inspire my crochet designs. The colors, patterns, and textures of the environment often find their way into my work. For example, the vibrant hues of local flowers or the intricate patterns of leaves can inspire new designs and motifs.

Living in close proximity to nature has heightened my awareness of environmental issues. This has reinforced my commitment to sustainability in my business practices. I prioritize using eco-friendly materials and methods, aligning my brand with the principles of environmental stewardship.

Settling in the valleys of Dehradun has been one of the most transformative decisions for both my personal life and my creative and business ventures.

The natural surroundings of Dehradun greatly inspire my crochet designs. The colors, patterns, and textures of the environment often find their way into my work. For example, the vibrant hues of local flowers or the intricate patterns of leaves can inspire new designs and motifs.

TKC: What is your vision for "Hook Me Up"? Have you raised any investments or plan to in the near future?

"Hook Me Up" is a crochet brand that aims to blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, focusing on sustainability and ethical production practices. The brand aims to expand globally while maintaining a strong connection to local artisans and promoting traditional crafts. The brand also plans to create a community of crochet enthusiasts through workshops, online tutorials, and collaborations. Currently self-funded, the brand plans to explore investment opportunities to scale its business, enhancing production capabilities and marketing efforts. Partnerships with investors aligning with the brand's values of sustainability, ethical production, and innovation are also being considered. The brand's vision is to create a globally recognized brand known for its unique, high-quality, and sustainable crochet fashion.

Top rated by 1000+ clients

★★★★★

Some of our Collections: HOOK ME UP

Glam Look

A glam look for the red carpet !!

Bikini Cover Up

Can be worn as a cover-up over a bikini for a more modest beach look.

A crochet beach dress that is perfect for a beach day, with intricate details and a flowy design.

Crochet Beach Dress

Handmade Crochet Bralette

A delicate, handmade crochet bralette that adds a touch of elegance to any beach outfit.

Crochet Handmade Mesh Halter Top

Crochet Handmade Mesh Halter Top in a sophisticated nude shade.

A crochet bikini that offers a stylish and comfortable beachwear option.

Crochet Bikini:

Gallery

Model : Nancy . S

The Kabir Company

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