Meet Tracey Sykes Ambrose

We were lucky to catch up with Tracey Sykes Ambrose recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
A wrap/W.R.A.P. (with revelation and purpose) not only covers you but identifies one’s style, fashion sense, and presents presence with PURPOSE. In 2005, I crocheted a large scarf/wrap for a coworker moving to the East Coast. From that gift Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. was born from overwhelming compliments such as “this scarf looks like you purchased it from a major department store.”

Through many failed design ideas, life life*ing on full speed, and diagnosed with major depression, anxiety and panic attack disorders, complex PTSD, & Bipolar II (high functioning; resulting in early retirement from corporate America), I’ve had to find my purpose within the peaceful crafting of crochet and leaning heavily on scripture Galatians 6:9 Do not grow weary in doing good for in due season you will reap a harvest in you faint not [don’t give up].

Crocheting has been a great way to find purpose and fulfillment in my life.
Exploring different styles and techniques: Crocheting offers a myriad of possibilities, from relaxing granny squares to intricate custom styles.  Crocheting has been a form of self-care and contributed to my mental well-being. Taking breaks when needed and ensuring that I am taking care of my physical and emotional needs.  As a Crochet Designer, I set personal goals for my crocheting collection and work towards achieving them. This helps provide a sense of purpose and motivation in my craft.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Tracey Sykes Ambrose and I am a proud mother of 2 handsome young men, Kirk Jr (graduated from an HBCU college/Summa Cum Laude/Majoring in Computer Engineering in May 2022; currently working with Boeing as a Main Cabin Design Engineer) and Kerrington (on the Autistic spectrum Sophomore in high school, Jr PGA golfer- 2nd place golfer in the high school district and 2nd place in HIS high school, and an artist), and Owner/Head Designer of Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. ; Where Crochet Meets Classy and Chic, hand crocheted accessories and wearable fashions. My mission is to create a space/room/table for black fiber artists in the fashion runway and print industry. It was revealed to me in 2004 that [black] crocheters are artists, designers, and fashion influencers and overwhelmingly overlooked in the fashion runway and print industry as well as systemically ignored. My designs are handmade wearable art and says goodbye to boring and predictable accessories and step up your style game with my stunning collection. Each piece of Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. is lovingly hand crocheted by me and crafted with the finest specialty yarns to ensure maximum durability, longevity, and versatility. My hand crocheted collection is designed to grace the shapes and sizes of many women and men providing an unlimited variety of wearable fashions to choose from. 98% of my collection is designed from no written patterns but created through vision modes of artistry. I’m given a vision or see an eye catching fashion wear then inspired to crochet according to the vision. I use specialty yarn that is normally used for commonly known crocheted items such as throws/blankets (for which I use blanket yarn to design handbags and Bolero shrugs)… giving “outside the box” crochetivity to the traditional crochet industry. Plus I am proud to say I am the only black hand crochet designer brand currently in 6 retail locations:

Our Culture Hub in Inglewood CA

Sole Folks in Leimert Park Los Angeles CA

Exquisite U Boutique in Sacramento CA

Urban Market in the Brea Mall, Brea CA

Adore Collective Boutique in the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Carlsbad CA

OceansandRoads.com luxury brand online boutique

From headbands to scarves, to hand held clutches, and even resort wear, there is something for everyone at Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to round out your outfit or the perfect accessory to complete your look, Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. Where Crochet Meets Classy and Chic has got you covered. Let your fashion sense shine with my beautiful pieces that will bring out the best in you and your style. Don’t settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary with hand crocheted accessories and wearable fashions by Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P.

I’m currently working on securing a 7th retail location in the East Coast, new designs for Summer ‘23 & Fall/Winter of ‘23/‘24, plus rebranding and relaunching my new website including the hire of a website manager/coordinator.

Tracey Ambrose W.R.A.P. is paving the way where permission is given to create outside the box of traditional crocheted items therefore expanding the territory of [black] crocheters to thrive unapologetically.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Creativity: Creativity is essential in the field of crochet design as it allows you to come up with unique and innovative designs. You need to have a creative eye for combining colors, textures, and patterns to create something that stands out from the rest. It’s important to constantly expand your creativity by trying new techniques and experimenting with different yarns.

Technical Skill: Technical skill is essential in crochet design as it allows you to translate your creative vision into a tangible product. You need to have a strong foundation in crochet techniques, such as chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and more. This knowledge will help you create intricate patterns and designs with ease. It’s important to continue improving your technical skills by learning new stitches and techniques.

Business Sense: As a crochet designer, it’s important to have business acumen to be successful in your career. You need to understand the market, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics to effectively sell your designs. You should also be able to communicate with clients and negotiate contracts. It’s essential to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices to grow your business.

I have 2 degrees… Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Business Administration; and I’m currently enrolled in Cornell University to receive Certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

1. Spend time with family and loved ones: Take the opportunity to spend quality time with those closest to you and create lasting memories.

2. Travel and explore new places: Use the time to explore the world and make new experiences.

3. Giving back to my community: help in making the world a better place by volunteering with charity organizations, schools, hospitals, or other social endeavors.

4. Pursue long standing interests or projects: Use the remaining years to focus on a project I have been passionate about, writing a book (Dressing The Wounds),  start a new business (ICONS CROCHET), or finish an unfinished work.

5. Making peace with oneself and others: Let go of any grudges or grievances I might have held onto and instead focus on cultivating healthier relationships and an internal sense of peace.

Ultimately, the way I spend my final decade depends on my personal values and priorities; which are deeply rooted in God, integrity and character, and my children.