Isyraq bin Zaqi has always been drawn to the arts. Whether crafting digital art accompanied by evocative prose or mastering the piano and violin, creativity has been his constant companion.
Yet, after the intensity of a graduate programme in teaching left him burned out, he yearned for something simpler, more soothing – perhaps even a touch monotonous.
In his quest for calm, he found solace in a craft often dismissed as kitschy by modern standards, but one that boasts ancient roots: crocheting.
At 26, Isyraq who also has a background in engineering now runs a small crocheting business, specialising in keychains and custom orders, he inherited from a dear friend and mentor, who introduced him to the comforting rhythm of yarn and hook.
“Originally, it was just a hobby, but after I graduated, I didn’t have a source of income. My friend suggested that I join her business. She was the original owner, but she moved out of the country and asked me to take over.”
It’s been less than a year since Isyraq took over the business, having only joined in March – just a month after he first picked up crocheting. Fortunately, he was a quick study, thanks to the dexterity honed from playing multiple musical instruments.
Adapting from two sets of hands to just one was a challenge, inevitably leading to a decrease in output.
Yet, Isyraq shared that the demand for their crochet items has remained steady – a fact he finds both surprising and humbling.
“I initially thought it was a fad. I often struggle to meet demand, with people asking about commissions or custom orders weekly, which I’ve had to decline,” he admitted.
Without a storefront, Isyraq operates primarily online and through a rented cube for his wares. He noted that the cube often sells out, requiring him to restock almost weekly.
While he does accept custom orders seasonally, crocheted keychains remain his bread and butter. Despite crochet being a niche craft, Isyraq said that he has found a unique role within the market.
“We have many talented crochet artists in Brunei, each specialising in different items – flowers, clothes, bags, etc. My specialty is keychains. They’re smaller and more affordable.
That’s my corner of the market.”
To date, Isyraq has crafted over a thousand keychains, and alongside his previous partner, they’ve produced around three thousand – a fact that still amazes him.
Even more remarkable is that this hobby-turned-business now helps support him as a self-employed individual.
“I can say that, for now, I’m able to survive on this income. Of course, there are ups and downs – some months people spend a lot, and other months they don’t. When sales are low, I open my commissions,” he explained.
He shared that crocheting has been surprisingly lucrative, with most of his income coming from the cube sales, commissions, and pop-up events, adding that the profit margins are particularly high, considering the relatively low cost of materials.
The aspiring teacher attributed the current craze for cute and cosy miniatures as a major factor behind the popularity of his products.
“People love trinkets and collectibles these days. I’ve noticed that supporters of my business drop by often to buy new items, and I truly appreciate it.”
At its core, crochet – like knitting – is a timeless craft that has been embraced by fellow Bruneians for many years. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to modern trends, something Isyraq exemplifies through his focus on producing Pokémon-inspired crocheted keychains.
This decision, he shared, was driven by both passion and pragmatism.
“Choosing Pokémon wasn’t a mistake; it’s the largest media franchise in the world, and many people are into collecting Pokémon cards, so I tapped into that market,” he explained.
The 26-year-old acknowledged that he might be accused of overcharging at times, but the prices of his creations reflect the time and effort invested. Even so, he recognised that, in the long run, the business might not be sustainable unless it expands.
“I wouldn’t say this is sustainable since I’m just one person. Currently, I’m job hunting,” he admitted.
Ultimately, Isyraq hopes to pursue a career as a teacher, but crochet will always remain a part of his life – not only for the livelihood it has provided but also for the calm it brings.
During his master’s in teaching, his mornings were dedicated to school placements, and afternoons to university. He would spend his evenings crocheting to unwind from the day’s burnout.
However, his future plans for crochet will focus more on his love for the arts than on business. The demands of using crochet as a livelihood have taken their toll, with Isyraq receiving advice from a physician to ease up or risk wrist issues.
He admitted to crocheting until his hands shake, particularly in preparation for pop-ups.
“My next step is transitioning from creating for business to creating for art. I have ideas for (crocheted) displays, but for now, I need to prioritise the crochet that brings in income,” he added.
Looking back, Isyraq can hardly believe how much impact such a simple hobby has had on his life. Through trial and error, he’s crafted his own unique crochet patterns, which have helped his creations stand out.
“I was commissioned by a British man to crochet Paddington Bear, which he gifted to his grandmother in the UK. I’ve even received international inquiries about selling my patterns,” he shared.
Despite his success, Isyraq encourages others to give crochet a try, particularly those looking for a sense of peace.
“With any creative pursuit, it’s best to start doing it rather than overthinking it. Just grab a hook and a ball of yarn, and start crocheting!” – Wardi Wasil
