Today we’d like to introduce you to Mlyka Lecher
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Everything started when I aged out of foster care at 21. Shortly after, I moved into my first place. It was just me and my son, and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Adjusting to this “new life” was rough—like starting with a clean slate but not knowing where to begin. I was attending school, but deep down, I always knew I wanted more out of life. I’ve always had this dream of being an entrepreneur or doing something meaningful that could impact the world.
I decided to start by sharing my story with the world through a YouTube channel. It felt like a step in the right direction, but I also found myself revisiting the things I loved as a child. I was exploring what many call “inner child healing,” hoping it would help me find myself and bring me happiness. For one of my videos, I decided to combine storytelling with knitting—a hobby I learned back in middle school.
At the time, crocheting was becoming very popular, so I decided to give it a try. I went to a craft store, got the materials, and watched a YouTube tutorial. The first thing I made was a bucket hat. Let me tell you, it was far from easy! I laughed at myself the whole time because I felt so clumsy with the hook, but I kept practicing. Every day, I sat on my couch for hours, working on that one hat. The relief and joy I felt when I finally finished were incredible. After that, I was hooked (pun intended), and crocheting became my new passion.
One day, I saw a post on Facebook from someone looking for designers for a fashion show. At the time, I had only made a few pieces—mostly bikinis—but I decided to message her anyway. The show was initially planned for the summer, so it felt perfect. However, the dates kept getting pushed back, and by the time it happened, it was fall. I now had only one month to create 7–14 outfits. I doubted myself, thinking, “Who could do this? Definitely not me.”
Then, I remembered the sewing machine I’d been gifted the year before. I came up with the idea of creating a collection based on the seven chakras, incorporating the colors and meanings of each one. I called the collection Chakra Lotus. It was my first time doing anything like that. Some people thought it was rainbow-themed, but I didn’t mind. For the runway, I chose the song Healing in My Heels by Toni Jones—it was the perfect fit for what the collection represented.
That night sparked something incredible in me. I was nervous, but the rush of putting myself out there was worth it. After the show, I kept going. I participated in more fashion shows, danced, skated, wrote poetry, and explored so many creative outlets. Eventually, I started hosting crochet classes and discovered how much I loved connecting with people through creativity.
Throughout this journey, I’ve struggled with confidence and self-esteem. There were times I didn’t feel like I belonged or had “the look” to be in certain spaces. But creating has shown me that I do belong—and that there’s no one box I have to fit into. I’m so grateful for my community, the people who believed in me, and the mentors who guided me when I felt lost.
Now, I run my own business called Healing Through Hobbies. It’s an art therapy mentorship program for teenage girls in my community. Through this program, I help them build confidence, express themselves, and see the endless possibilities in life. My goal is to guide them in finding their own healing through creativity, just like I did.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been far from smooth. I’ve faced many challenges, especially with fashion shows. Participating in them requires a full-time commitment, which means investing both time and money. As a single mom working full-time and going to school, with very little help, it often felt like too much to handle.
There were countless times I wanted to give up. I would cry, stare into space, and feel completely overwhelmed. But I was determined to keep going. Sometimes, I even had to bring my son with me to events because I didn’t have a babysitter. Other times, money was tight, and I had to figure out how to make things work. Still, somehow, God always made a way for me.
One of my most challenging moments happened on the day of a fashion show. It was an incredibly windy day—just awful weather. I was getting ready to leave and carrying the outfits for my models out to my car. When I opened the door, I couldn’t believe my eyes: a huge tree branch from my neighbor’s yard had fallen onto my car. It was massive.
For a moment, I wanted to break down and cry. I had no time to waste, so I started breaking and pulling at the branches, feeling like it was all over. Then I paused and prayed. It was like God sent angels to help me. A man stopped by and handed me some large garden scissors, and I kept cutting away at the branches. A little while later, a couple stopped to help. The man and another good Samaritan worked together to pull the branch off my car. I was so grateful and thanked God for getting me through it. I went on to the show, and it turned out to be a great success.
I’ve faced many moments like that—moments where giving up seemed like the easiest option. But I refused to quit because I know there’s more for me and my son. Every challenge has only strengthened my resolve to keep going, no matter how hard it gets.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Although I’m best known for crocheting, I do many things! I wear several hats in my work and life, and each one reflects a part of who I am.
First and foremost, I’m a mental health advocate. I’m passionate about raising awareness and helping people understand the importance of mental health. I believe we need to hold more space for those who struggle with mental illness and create environments where they feel supported and seen.
I’m also a youth mentor, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. I never imagined myself working with young people, but it’s turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Connecting with them is such a wholesome experience—they make my heart smile, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to guide and inspire them.
Beyond that, I consider myself a “Jill of all trades.” I’m not afraid to take risks, try new things, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. I love to learn, explore, and connect with people from all walks of life.
In my community, there aren’t many crochet or fiber artists, but I’m proud to be one of the few. My work blends creativity with purpose, and what sets me apart is my ability to infuse meaning into everything I do. Whether I’m crocheting, mentoring, or advocating for mental health, I strive to make a positive impact and inspire others to embrace their unique journeys.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love collaborating and connecting with others! If you’re interested in working with me, you can reach out directly through any of my social media platforms or my website. You’re also welcome to email me—I’m pretty quick to respond. I’m always open to new opportunities to create, inspire, and make a positive impact together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lecherscollect
