Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Yang
Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I never imagined that I would fall so deeply in love with handicrafts.
When my daughter was four years old, she picked up a pen and doodled on my notepad. Curious, I asked her what she had drawn. With a proud grin, she exclaimed, “It’s a spooky banana!” I couldn’t help but laugh—it was the cutest thing ever. That little drawing became so special to me that I turned it into a digital file, and before I knew it, it had become more than just a memory. It became my business name—Spooky Banana Crochet—as well as my logo, a sweet reminder that creativity often begins in the most unexpected, heartfelt moments.
Back in 2017, I stumbled upon an adorable handmade bag online. Excited, I placed an order, envisioning myself carrying it everywhere. But when it arrived, I realized it wasn’t a finished product at all—it was a DIY crochet kit! I had no idea how to crochet, but curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try. That was how my journey with crochet began. I started with the basics, learning different stitches, then moved on to granny squares and coasters. Before long, I found myself endlessly browsing YouTube, captivated by intricate patterns and eager to bring them to life with my own hands.
My daughter was obsessed with Pokémon when she was little. One day, I surprised her with a Pikachu plushie. She loved it so much that I made her a Pikachu hat next. Then, as the pandemic turned the world upside down, she would excitedly name the Pokémon she wanted, and I would crochet them for her. Without a pattern, I relied solely on online pictures, figuring out the stitches as I went. It was challenging, but I loved every second of it—each stitch was infused with love, a way to bring joy to my daughter during those uncertain times.
During the pandemic, my sister sent me a crochet book filled with animal patterns. I fell in love instantly. I spent countless hours crocheting, my hands moving instinctively as I brought each tiny creature to life. One day, a friend mentioned that her daughter adored a little mouse plushie I had made and asked if she could buy it. I happily agreed. That moment sparked something in me—a realization that others found joy in what I created. I wasn’t satisfied with just one book—I began searching for more on Amazon, and that’s when I discovered Picapau. The author had published three books, and I bought them all without hesitation.
Crocheting became my refuge. Whenever I didn’t know what to make next, I would turn to my daughter and let her choose. Whatever she picked, I would make. A year later, I looked around and was amazed—my home had transformed into a haven of the most adorable crocheted animals, each one holding a story of its own.
As time went on, more friends began reaching out, asking to buy my handmade animals as birthday gifts for their children. Then, in 2022, during the Christmas season, I emailed Picapau’s author, asking if I could sell the animals I had made using her book. To my delight, she replied, “Of course! As long as it’s not wholesale, go ahead.” I was overjoyed.
But the moment that truly changed everything for me was when I handed one of my crocheted animals to a child and saw their face light up with pure happiness. In that instant, I knew—this small craft of mine had the power to bring joy, to comfort, and to create memories. And so, I made a decision: for every child in my neighborhood, I would gift them a crocheted animal of their choice on their birthday.
Interestingly, this wasn’t my first encounter with turning a simple, heartfelt moment into something bigger. It all started with a “spooky banana.”
Crochet started as an unexpected challenge, but it became a way to express love, to connect with others, and to spread happiness—one stitch at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a special education assistant at a public elementary school. The children in my class require a great deal of care, patience, and support. To be honest, this job is not easy—it demands an immense amount of responsibility, and every day presents new challenges. But despite the difficulties, I love my students. I love the moments when they learn something new, when they smile, when they achieve something they once thought was impossible. No matter how exhausting the day may be, I always leave work with a sense of fulfillment, knowing I am making a difference in their lives.
My journey to where I am today has been anything but straightforward. I was born in China and moved to the U.S. after graduating from college. My major was art design, and even then, I knew that while I loved design, I didn’t want it to be my only path. I wanted to use creativity in a way that went beyond just graphic design—I wanted to integrate it into my life’s work.
Coming to the U.S. as an international student was an uphill battle. The early years were filled with hardships—loneliness, cultural adjustments, financial struggles—but I pushed through. I took on different jobs, each one teaching me something new about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why I was on this winding path. But now, looking back, I see that every experience, every challenge, and every step I took had its purpose. They were all threads woven together, shaping the person I have become today.
I am proud of the journey that brought me here, of the struggles I overcame, and of the work I do now—helping children who need extra care, just as I once needed guidance when I was navigating a new world. And in many ways, I still carry my passion for design with me, not just in a professional sense, but in the way I approach problems, find creative solutions, and bring warmth and connection to the people around me.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was quiet and reserved, often lost in my own world. I preferred observing over speaking, always taking in the colors, the details, and the emotions around me. But as I grew older, something changed. In middle school, I started opening up, and by the time I was in college, I had stepped into leadership roles in my class. I discovered that I loved helping others—not just because it was the right thing to do, but because of the joy and fulfillment it brought me. There is something incredibly rewarding about making someone’s day a little better.
My sensitivity to color and art was evident from a young age. I could always sense the mood of a place just by its colors, and I loved expressing myself through drawing. That same sensitivity shaped my personality—I became someone who deeply feels for others, someone who empathizes easily. Sometimes, this means putting others’ happiness before my own, even when it means swallowing my own discomfort. But at the end of the day, knowing I’ve brought a little bit of joy to someone else makes it worth it.
Beyond my love for crochet, I have an insatiable curiosity for puzzles and logic games. I find immense satisfaction in unraveling complex problems, piecing together clues, and making sense of the unknown. This fascination extends beyond games—I am drawn to unsolved historical mysteries, ancient craftsmanship, and the vastness of the universe. I often spend hours reading about forgotten legends, lost civilizations, and the intricate artistry of the past, captivated by the stories they whisper through time.
Looking back, I see that every part of me—the quiet observer, the leader, the artist, the problem solver—has shaped the person I am today. And while my interests span from the tactile art of crochet to the vast mysteries of history and space, at the heart of it all is the same passion: a love for creation, discovery, and human connection.
Contact Info:
