It would be a long novel to share my backstory and so I will keep it short. I am Achieng Odhiambo the owner and knitter behind Rehoboth Kids Collections where I create personalized hand-knitted baby blankets.
Kemodo, a small town Busia County, Kenya is where I call home. Much like most crafters, I am overly introverted. I have a huge love for all things arts and crafts, colour, food and desserts. One of my absolute favourites is spicy food, the spicier the better! I hate spiders, cockroaches, lizards and rats. I don’t care about being brave in front of the kids; I just don’t like them, lol.
Rehoboth Kids Collections
Isaac’s story in Genesis 26:22 inspired my business name. He faced many obstacles but kept moving on the path of blessings. In particular was the issue on wells. Every time his servants dug a well, a dispute arose with other people over it. Isaac did not give up. He did not stop moving forward. He put his trust in God, remained obedient and kept the faith and eventually, God made a Rehoboth for Isaac.
Unlike the previous wells, there was no dispute over the fourth one dug by Isaac’s servants. He named the place Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”
In the same way God made a Rehoboth for Isaac, he has made a Rehoboth for me too. At last the Lord has given me room to flourish.
I have been knitting professionally for four months now and you can say that knitting found me. It’s not something I intentionally or consciously chose to do. And here I am, completely in love.
This transition was necessary following the loss of my previous business after the 2020 pandemic.
It hasn’t been an easy road to get to this point, but my mental health is better and I have never been happier. This is something that I can call home – MY PEACE. When I pick up a project and start to create, it really calms my soul and mind.
Favourite Things
My favourite crafting memory would be when I knit a sweater in 2011. Back then I didn’t know anything about needle size, yarn type or gauge. I saw a pattern that I liked online, bought knitting needles and yarn. Unfortunately it ended up being so tiny to fit a newborn as the materials were not those recommended. But, I have never forgotten how excited I was knitting the sweater and the sleepless nights trying to finish it.
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The beauty of it all.
A lot of things inspire me. Firstly, just going out and exploring and learning new things, knowing that there’s no limit to who I can become. Secondly is knowing that I am my own hero in my story. However many struggles and challenges I have been through that would have completely broken me or taken me out, I still came out of it stronger, positive, wanting to share and wanting to inspire.
Thirdly, it is the knowing that I am walking my own purpose and no longer trying to fit into the different boxes others wants to put me in. Moreover, I have the opportunity to repeatedly correct my “failures”. And last but not least, I am inspired by God’s promises over my life. No word from Him is in vain and will ALWAYS accomplish what He set it to do.
All of these inspire me to keep going, keep creating, keep growing and keep being a better version of me.
What next for Rehoboth Kids Collections?
I have a few dedicated goals but one in particular is to extend my product range as there are lots of new ideas always popping into my head. It’s now just a matter of making them a reality soon. Overall, I will continue to modify and adjust as needed.
Secondly, I will continue to push myself to be better everyday, make a difference and to live a life that I love that brings peace to my soul.
Influence of culture.
Since I moved back to the village, the culture here has had a positive impact in my life. Here I have learnt that purpose or success is not tied to what they acquire. Not the titles, money, cars; this is a concept that will have you chasing the impossible. The indigenous culture here has taught me that I am alive just as nature is alive. That I don’t need to acquire inorder to have value. Instead of doing, I can just be. My creativity is celebrated. I am part of a community that is supportive, and I have the time and space to truly rest and HEAL.
In a busy world that rushes here and there, I am choosing to be different and slow down and live life to my fullest. This lifestyle fits my personality better. My soul is home.
As for me…
I had prepared myself for the grit and grind and fueled by my drive, I know that there will be other challenges along the way but these hurdles will only serve to enrich my skills. Presently there’s nothing hindering me from going after what I desire.
A word to my fellow crafters.
First off, give yourself grace to fall. Learn the lessons from the fall and dust yourself and begin to rise. Secondly, you can find abundance and joy in rest, community and service.
Success is no accident but the sum total of learning, perseverance, hard work, prayer and loving what you do. In short, you will reap what you sow.
Shop Rehoboth Kids Collection
I love working with moms to create a special unique personalized blankets for their little sunshine. A special piece that becomes part of their family’s heirlooms – made for a generation not just a season.
It’s much more than a source of income; it’s an outlet to preserve the skilled craftmanship of Africa. When you shop Rehoboth Kids Collections, you are guaranteed an authentic African item.
See more of Achieng’s work on Instagram @rehobothkidscollections or on her website
Disclaimer: All photos provided for the purposes of graphics & illustrations for this article, are from Achieng Odhiambo of Rehoboth Kids Collections
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