We had the good fortune of connecting with Yaya Khatib Villarreal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yaya, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always been into physical art, something that I can do to keep my hands busy. Before I started making rugs, I loved ceramics, the feeling of the clay under my fingernails was so exciting. At this moment most of my art is yarn based, I make rugs, knit, and crochet. I started my business unconsciously, I simply began by just making things that I personally loved and wanted to have for myself, and as a member of Gen Z, of course, I posted pictures of it on my instagram and thought nothing of it. However, I immediately started getting messages from old friends, family, and even random people I didn’t know asking me to make them one. So that’s when Yassuck was born! As I explored different hobbies and posted my creations, slowly more and more people started to see my etsy, and it was exhilarating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I really do pride myself in every rug I make. Before I send out every rug, I spend hours on it to perfect it because ultimately I want the person who bought the rug to know that I sincerely care for them to have the best rug I can possibly make. I have also recently taken a big interest into sustainability, so I make sure that every customer has the option to choose natural and ethical fibers, which is quite pricey, but I still offer alternatives because I want everyone to be able to afford any rug I make. I am still learning so much as I find my way in my business. I recently started a YouTube channel to teach people how to crochet, make rugs, and also to just show some days in my life, and I am learning that teaching people to crochet is much easier than having to custom make anything someone wants. I’ve learned that what is most important is what I enjoy making, if I am not happy to sell and make something, I don’t want to waste my energy on something I don’t totally enjoy. I am learning everyday as I try to grow my business on social media, and there are definitely days where I am super frustrated because engagement isn’t where I want it to be. However, I am trying to change my mindset and just make sure I am having fun in the process and not focusing too much on numbers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you were to come to San Diego for a little trip, you will never run out of fun things to do! We have plenty of beaches to choose from, on vacation I love starting my day in Torrey Pines beach and doing a hike that leads me to the ocean and enjoying the sea breeze. Getting coffee is an absolute necessity as we have some of the best coffee shops in San Diego, and my top picks would be Humblebean Coffee and Lightbulb Coffee.Then I would probably get some breakfast at my favorite breakfast spot Nutmeg, they have the most delicious French toast and a very vegetarian and vegan friendly menu! If you are looking for some inspiration or a fun place to walk around and maybe get a snack, the UTC or Fashion Valley mall are great places to walk around and window shop. However if you are looking to go somewhere that is more full of rich culture, Chicano Park has beautiful murals as well as Balboa Park. When you are ready for lunch, a great option is Yasai, they have the best vegan ramen that I believe might be even better than any normal ramen that exists. I love walking around Downtown San Diego after a nice meal, The Gaslamp Quarter is beautiful during the day and even more at night when the lights are turned on. There are so many options to choose from however the first 2 options I could think of for dinner was first VeganUrbano, a delicious small business owned by a friend of mine who makes the most delicious vegan Mexican food that you would never know is vegan. The best part is that it is very healthy, he cooks with almost no oil and everything is freshly made everyday. Another great option if you are feeling something different like Italian is Buona Forchetta, they have great prices and delicious pastas and pizzas that you are sure to love. For dessert I love to either get some pie from Pop Pie and right next door they have a very unique and delicious ice cream place called Stella Jean.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so lucky to have a family that has given me the freedom to explore my interests. Don’t get me wrong I am still going to school, however not once has my family ever wavered their support in my search of my passion in the arts. I know that others might not be so lucky, most parents think the Arts are a waste of time, and I don’t come from a family of artists, so this is a very new path for them, but they still encourage me to pursue what makes me happy because why not?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yassuck/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3KzVa5WfhzSUFuQl15khg

Other: etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/yassuck?ref=profile_header tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yassuck?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
the first image (of me holding the green skein of yarn and laughing) was taken by umas_photos on instagram. All other pictures taken by me.

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