''Why do you dash?''
It's a question that many seasoned Dashers are asked, and their answers are always uniquely personal and inspiring. Sometimes, it's the flexibility of working on their own schedule. Other times, it's because their earnings let them focus on other passion projects and creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Danelle O. is a Dasher and single mom who has always prioritized both the need to provide for her family and the need to spend quality time with them. Residing in Brighton, Colorado and dashing in nearby Broomfield, she enjoys earning money on a flexible schedule while staying involved in her local community and church — all while building her homegrown crochet business.
Why crocheting holds a special place in my heart
Crocheting has always been more than just a hobby for me. My passion for it began when I was seven years old, and my mother first taught me how to wield a pair of crochet hooks to transform a ball of yarn into a work of art. All my life, this skill has been a constant comfort to me. When life has thrown challenges my way, crochet has always brought me a sense of peace and solace.
There have been a lot of challenges in my life. For one thing, I'm a single mother, which is a full-time job all on its own. And for years, my actual day job was working as a caretaker for disabled adults — and while it was incredibly fulfilling, it could also be exhausting. Between that and motherhood, there was never enough time to devote to honing my craft, even though I deeply felt that it was what I was meant to be doing.
My work seemed to engulf everything — I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who share that feeling — and eventually, I knew I had to make a change so that I could spend more time with my kids. I decided that if I had more flexibility with my earning situation, I would have more quality time with my family along with more free time to dedicate to my passion.
How dashing helps me provide for my family
Transforming my hobby into a full-time venture was a significant leap. And in order to provide financial security for myself and my family while I made this transition, I required a reliable stream of income that would let me set my own hours and decide what days I wanted to work.
I was introduced to DoorDash nearly three years ago by my son, who took up dashing to earn extra money after he finished high school. He's since moved on, whereas I realized it was exactly what I needed, and what began as a trial run quickly evolved into a steady commitment.
For me, dashing ticks all the boxes. I can work around my children's schedules so that when they're out, I'm out, and then we can all be home together at the same time. I'm also able to be productive during my downtime — I just keep my crochet materials in my car, and I can work on my creative projects when I have a break between dashes.
Make time for the things that matter most
There was a time when I thought there would never be enough hours in the day to pursue my creative projects, let alone become an entrepreneur. But thanks to the flexibility of dashing, I've been able to set aside the time to establish my own business where I sell completed pieces as well as the original patterns that I design myself. Based on my experience, here's what I'd tell anyone who's considering becoming a Dasher.
1. Take advantage of setting your own schedule
From the outset, I was pleasantly surprised by the flexibility of dashing. You'll quickly figure out the timing that works best for you, as well as your loved ones. It's great because when I'm home with my children, I can continue working on my crochet while we spend quality time together.
2. Connect with your community
Giving back to my community has always been one of my core convictions, and dashing grants me the opportunity to go out there and meet people. One time I was able to offer a community member a blanket I had crocheted — and I never would have met this person if I hadn't been out dashing. I love how this gig lets me be sociable and connected.
Following your passion won't steer you wrong
By dashing, I could leave my full-time job, build my crochet business, and expand my social media reach while still supporting my family. Today, I teach crochet both in-person and online, and participate in local craft shows and markets, perfectly aligning with my life's rhythm and passion. On YouTube, where I post educational videos, I have more than thirty-five thousand followers!
Now, I'm eagerly looking forward to a vacation in Florida to visit my eldest son — another perk that comes with having full control over when I work. And more than anything, I'm so gratified to be able to carry my mother's legacy forward; she taught me how to crochet when I was a young girl, and it has brought me such happiness. To pass this passion on to others feels like the greatest gift I could give.
My advice to Dashers
Embarking on a major lifestyle change can be daunting — but don't give up. If you're unhappy, you need to follow your passion, and create a new path. So work diligently, embrace the challenge, and understand that failures are opportunities to learn. Whatever you set your mind to is achievable, and pursuing your goals relentlessly, despite the uncertainties, ultimately leads to fulfillment.
You can find Danelle's designs at Dz Crochet Creations, subscribe to her channel on YouTube, or check out her crafts on TikTok, Instagram, and Etsy.
Ready to be your own boss? Sign up to be a Dasher today.
