In 2018, Bianca Hamel-Smith started macramé as a hobby shortly after coming across the artform on Pinterest.

Bianca was fascinated by the complex knotting technique and started making wall hangings and plant holders for herself as well as close friends and family. She also used macramé as a form of meditation and a way to relax while enjoying the creative challenge of learning a new skill.

After a visitor to her home commented on her macramé pieces and asked to buy some of them, Bianca was inspired to start her small business Mayfield Macramé in November 2019.

Yello asked Bianca to share how she turned her hobby into a growing enterprise.

Describe yourself using three words. 

Compassionate. Patient. Cheerful.

Please tell us a bit about your childhood.

I was born and raised in the east of Trinidad in a quiet neighbourhood. My parents got married and had their first child at 20 and then went on to have four more. I have four brothers, two older than me, and two who are younger.

Our house on Mayfield Road was and still is, full of action, excitement and noise. One of us always had a friend over (or three). When I was around 10, my eldest brothers friends started a rock band, and at one point they held practice sessions in our garage. Luckily, we had great neighbours!

All my childhood, I dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. We’ve had dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, snakes and a parrot.

I went to university to pursue childhood education, but switched to psychology, hoping to be a child therapist. When I graduated, I was four months pregnant, so life had other plans for me!

Were you always a creative person? 

Come to think of it, yes! My parents fixed everything on their own, and my brothers and I have definitely inherited their ‘Do-It-Yourself’ spirit.

At university, I was a Resident Assistant, and I decorated my entire dorm hall with hand-painted, life-size Dr.Seuss images and quotes. Two weeks later, every single one of them was gone! Students were stealing them for their bedroom walls.

Although I cried tears of frustration, I gave myself a pat on the back, because they were clearly loved! Once I became a mother, the creativity flame ignited ten-fold.

How did you get into macramé?

Sometime in 2017, I was scrolling through Pinterest, and I saw a macramé plant hanger. Once I ‘pinned’ it, I was flooded with images of macramé creations.

Fast forward one year, my daughter had just started school here in Barbados and with my new-found ‘free time’, I knew I wanted to give it a go.

What do you like about the art form?

In the beginning, I absolutely loved the challenge of learning the knots. My husband is an avid fisherman who also knows countless knots, but I was amazed that you could actually make something so beautiful by tying rope!

Macrame requires focus and concentration and has become a form of meditation for me. When my daughters are asleep, I light a candle, put on some music or a good podcast, and allow myself to get lost in the creative process.

What was the first piece you made?

After learning two basic knots, I made a plant hanger that I have in our living room, which is still holding strong two years later!

A week after that, I bought a broomstick and some clothesline rope and followed a YouTube tutorial to make a large wall hanging. While making that piece, I knew I was officially hooked.

Tell us about your brand Mayfield Macrame – when / why did you launch it?

I was making plant hangers as gifts for family and close friends for over a year.

In May 2019, a week after my second daughter was born, I had a home visit with a lactation consultant. She commented on my large wall hanging, and when I told her that it was a hobby of mine, she immediately asked if I had any pieces on hand. She bought two plant hangers on the spot, and that was the first time I thought: “Wow, maybe I really can start selling!”

For months after that, my husband was insistent and encouraged me to start an Instagram page. He said: “If you get one sale, amazing! If you don’t get any, that’s fine too! But at least you know you tried.”

Finally, on 4 November 2019, I launched Mayfield Macramé.

What are the challenges you’ve faced starting the business?

Just before launching my small business, I knew I wanted to use high-quality macrame cord, so I shipped in a few spools from the US. I ended up paying an arm and a leg as the cord is heavy!

I have since been trying to find the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to bring in my materials (so if anyone reading this has any tips, please let me know!)

Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting the business? 

I wish I had known to ignore the self-doubt. The only thing holding me back was myself!

Who are your typical clients? How do they find your products?

My typical clients are located in Barbados. What I love about this art form is that it appeals to men, women and children of all ages! My products make ideal birthday gifts, simple thoughts, a thank you, housewarming presents and cake toppers.

Most people find my products through social media or word-of-mouth.

What inspires you when designing your pieces?

When I’m creating a piece, I usually have a general idea of the layout, but I like to go with the flow on the design aspect. I would say I find inspiration in the actual creative process.

The pieces of driftwood I find inspire my designs as well, based on the shape and thickness, so I tend to base my pattern around that.

A lot of customers contact me with a picture of a design they like. I love the challenge of creating something similar but unique with my own twist to it. I never want to copy someone else’s work.

If I ever feel stuck on ideas, I head straight to Pinterest and Instagram. The possibilities of this artform are endless.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

My design aesthetic is ever evolving and alternates between simple and minimalistic, to creating bold statement pieces. I would also describe it as relaxed, unique and even bohemian. If you do a Google search for ‘Bohemian Décor’, you’ll find a macramé piece in about 90% of the image results.

I love designing pieces with the idea of layering patterns, using different textures, and incorporating colours to compliment a space.

I try to incorporate nature into my designs, so I mostly use driftwood for my wall hangings. I also love making beautiful plant hangers to add greenery to any space.

How do you balance the business with being a wife and mother?

Honestly, I am yet to find a balance. It’s sort of intertwined in my day-to-day life; during nap times, when the girls are playing quietly, or between 8pm-11pm before I call it a night.

Some days I can’t tie a single knot and others I am able to work for hours. I often ask my husband “How are the days so long yet there’s never enough time?”

Macramé is therapeutic to me, and having an outlet to express myself has done wonders for my emotional and mental well-being. I’m a happier person when I make time and space to devote to my business, so I try to make it a priority.

Writing to-do lists has become a daily ritual for me, and sometimes I can’t tick a thing off, but hey, at least I wrote it down!

What are your business plans over the next five years?

I currently have a few exciting collaborations in the making with some Barbadian brands. I would love to create more statement pieces as they allow the creative juices to flow.

Next year I hope to design some wedding décor and bring some bohemian flair to Barbados! Most importantly, I’m taking it day by day and just trusting in life’s plan for me.

What advice do you have for aspiring Caribbean creatives / entrepreneurs?

Living in the Caribbean, you may not feel as though there’s a market for what you are offering but believe in yourself and in your passion.

There is a place and space for everyone, and what you are offering is unique! Know your worth. Do not undercut yourself to please anyone.

Lastly, use social media to your advantage!

What do you love about Barbados? 

When my husband and I were deciding whether to live in Barbados, safety was a main factor. I love that I can go out on my own, or take my girls for an afternoon dip, while he’s still at work.

We literally love every corner of this island and spend many weekends exploring the north, south, east and west!

Where do you go to relax on a day off?

I feel the happiest by the ocean. I recently started surfing, something I have wanted to do since I was a child. Although I wouldn’t consider it relaxing, it is exhilarating, challenging and provides much needed alone time to reset and reconnect with myself.

What’s your philosophy/motto in life?

“Live the life you love. Love the life you live.”

Please tell us something, only a few people know about you.

I love to sing. I have wanted to do vocal lessons for a few years, but for now, my husband and daughters are subjected to all the at-home karaoke sessions.

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You can see Bianca’s amazing macramé creations on Instagram and Facebook.

You can also shop select Mayfield Macramé pieces at Fall In Love With Barbados in Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, St James.