Macramé and more
My name is Tenley Pratt and I am fourteen years old. I have always loved to create art. I started my business, Over the Rainbow, in the spring of 2023. It started as a grade-six entrepreneur fair project at my elementary school, where I created keychain rainbows and cacti made from rope and yarn. Motivated by my success of making $200, I decided to continue.
In the beginning, there was trial and error in finding the ideal thickness. I have experimented with different macramé cord thicknesses and other materials. While my product focus is rainbows, I also create macramé cacti. I would like to learn how to create macramé wall hangings next.
Finding the perfect materials for handcrafted rainbows
To make my products, I use macramé cord and different colours of cotton rope (instead of yarn). For each rainbow, I wrap the coloured rope around one strand of macramé cord and glue the cords together with a hot glue gun (my mom helps with the glueing). To finish, I brush out the ends of the cord. The rainbows vary in size from keychains up to 12” for a wall hanging rainbow. I find inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, as well as similar products at local markets. I love to experiment with colour and enjoy the process of trying to find new colour schemes my customers will enjoy.
My first market was Downtown Comox Summer Fest in June 2023. Afterward, Island Affair Giftware in Comox asked if they could carry my products. This was exciting! At that point, I was the youngest artist whose work they carried.
From local markets to retail opportunities at age fourteen
After Summer Fest 2024, jewellery designer and maker Darya Mohler reached out about a mentorship with her. Through phone calls and in-person meetings, she provided advice on product display, colours, and signage. Darya’s focus was to help me develop my brand, and she invited me to participate in the Nu Veau market in Nanaimo in November 2024. It was a great opportunity to expose my work to a variety of new people.
At markets, I am usually the youngest person with a booth, and people are always curious about my business. They are genuinely interested and supportive of my venture. The best part of selling at markets is seeing others enjoy my product and answering questions about how I started my business. I also love to visit with friends and family who stop by.
