An Inspired Chat with Chalyse Dandridge of Suffolk

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chalyse Dandridge . Check out our conversation below.

Chalyse , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about creating a peaceful start for my family. I wake up with my sons, put on a fresh pot of coffee, and start cooking breakfast while classical music plays in the background. We keep the mornings screen-free to maintain a calm, connected atmosphere. After we eat together, I take a few moments to plan out our day. It’s our small but important ritual that sets a positive tone for everything that follows.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chalyse Dandridge, and I’m a crochet artist and the heart behind Urban Stitch Assassin, which I launched in 2022. What began as a simple creative outlet quickly became a deep passion, and I’ve been dedicated (and honestly a little obsessed!) ever since. Crochet has become more than a craft for me; it’s a form of wearable art that allows me to express individuality and bring comfort, confidence, and joy to others. The freedom to create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to each person’s style, and then seeing their happiness when they receive something handmade just for them, is priceless. Every smile and message of appreciation reminds me that this path was truly meant for me.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mother has most shaped how I see myself. I truly believe I have one of the best mothers in the world, and I’m endlessly grateful for her. She’s been my biggest supporter since I was a little girl, always showering me with love, encouragement, and reminding me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Her presence and support has never wavered, and it only grew stronger when I started Urban Stitch Assassin. She’s a fashionista herself and her eye for style and thoughtful advice has helped me make so many important decisions within my business. She’s my role model, my motivator, and my constant reminder to lead with love and confidence.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that she is beautiful and far stronger than she realizes. Looking back, I see all the challenges I’ve overcome, things my younger self could never have imagined. There were countless moments when I thought I couldn’t go on, couldn’t push any further, and each time I proved myself wrong. I would want that little girl to know that we always get back up, because that’s who we are.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Laughter. I think my closest friends would say that really matters to me. I’ve always been young at heart, and one of my favorite things in life is being able to make the people around me laugh, even when I’m not trying. As I get older, those fun, lighthearted moments with friends, family, and now my children mean more than ever. No matter what we’re all going through in our separate lives, laughter keeps us connected. It’s therapeutic, it’s important, and it keeps us youthful.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I’m surrounded by love. Being in the presence of my children and family, the people who love and support me the most, brings me a sense of calm that nothing else can. As long as we’re all healthy, happy, and together, that’s all the peace I could ever ask for in the world we live in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urbanstitchassassin.etsy.com
• Instagram: @UrbanStitchAssassin
• Other: [email protected]