Emani Outterbridge set up her bright pink yarn vending machine at the Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia, writes Elizabeth Estrada for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

 It was her mentor, Charisse McGill of Aldan, owner of the French Bites Café, who convinced her to do it.

“Being here is something,” said Outterbridge. “She was telling me the entire time to come down here. ‘It’s real artsy,’ she would say,” recalled Outterbridge.

So Emani Outterbridge opened Emani Milan July 18 at the Pier, a one-stop online shop for all things crochet.

It features everything from courses and patterns to supplies to handmade items and outfits.

Her vending machine sold over 100 skeins of yarn, while Outterbridge taught dozens how to get started.

“It was really awesome. I  seen so many people crocheting [that day]: kids, big kids, adults, men, little boys. It was crazy,” she recounted.

The vending machine is a draw, as it plays music to a stream of photos. Lately, it’s been playing her interview with Drew Barrymore, while she crocheted Barrymore a bikini.  

Her custom, trendy  crochet has gotten the attention of celebrities, and are now worn by Cardi B. and Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Baby.

Read more at whyy.org about this crocheting entrepreneur.

Find out more about Emani Outterbridge in this NBC 10 report.

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