Meet Hannah Gray-Chambers | Auntie & Creative Being

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Gray-Chambers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, why did you pursue a creative career?
AdornedFRDM started from challenging myself to explore more modes of creativity. I found myself in this cycle all of my life, picking up new things, but never finishing or seeing them through. I have a knack for cooking, holding space for others, but was longing for a bit more. So I found myself down at the Dollar (25) Tree picked up some yarn, a hook took to YouTube University for some crochet tutorials and I fell in love.

From there, things just began to flourish as I have strengthened my practice and used crochet as a mode for self healing and fun. Trying out new patterns, playing with colors, and making pieces that bring each individual some joy and freedom.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am so grateful for all that my hands can do and the currency that creative creates. Instead of always monetizing my art, I have been opening up to bartering and trading with other locals or people that I admire. I think creating space for exchange, makes things more meaningful.

I am still learning the in’s and out’s of turning a hobby into a business but I will say that I have learned the importance of patience, challenging oneself, believing in self and taking risks with trying new things. Being an artist is not easy, but it is imperative that we stand behind our work and continue with the visions we have.

AdornedFRDM is an experience. Your piece will always be made with love and pure intention, and co- created between me and you. You will have a product that is made with crazy colors and will help you make a bold statement each time. After the piece is completed, a prayer and cleansing is done to ensure that more good innerG is instilled as it parts from my hands into yours.

AdornedFRDM is more than crochet, I envision it to be a brand that centers the joys of good food, dope adornments, and healing with self and in communal spaces where you can find Freedom (FRDM) in everything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If bestie was here, we would Picnic at Kate O Session’s Park or Balboa, catch the Sunset at the Cliffs, take a stroll in Chicano Park and check out Barrio Logan, get it in at thrift stores down in Chula Vista, have some bomb food from Sahara Taste of the Middle East and def hit the Farmer’s Market in Hillcrest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my Umi, Kim Gray. Her creative has always inspired me and it is wonderful to have a bond with her through art. Whether it is a creative hour, or asking for her input, my Mother has supported and rooted for me each and every step of the way.

Also to my tribe Kwanz, Brytt, and Wynndeé for always encouraging me, supporting me, and embodying AdornedFRDM.

And to anyone who has a adorned FRDM piece, thanks for your support and letting me rock with you!

Instagram: adornedfrdm

Image Credits
Diane Amaya, Suni Mullen, Kim Gray, and Liana Rae