Meet Zelda Pacheco | Crochet is MY Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zelda Pacheco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zelda, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I started crocheting when I turned 40 yrs old. I went through a horrible break up. My friend threw me a hook, and a ball of yarn. I went on Youtube, learned how to make a chain, and it was all down hill after that.
I realized crocheting was very therapeutic, and gave me such gratification when completing a project.
It’s also a lot cheaper than therapy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a retired Postal Worker. I delivered mail in the City of Los Angeles for almost 24 years.
I am a single mother of three grown kids. I have 7 grandchildren and the cutest little rescue terrier, that I call Chop. Chop is short for Chaparrito which means “little one”, in Spanish.
Before working for the Postal Service, I worked for 12 years at One Hour Photo Labs. I not only developed your pictures in 1 hour, I was also sent to take pictures of your newborn, holding a football, in a basket, or swaddled in a pillow.
I also took pictures of kids on a pony.
Every Tuesday night, and sometimes Friday night, I worked the door at a famous club in Hollywood, Ca.
On some weekends, I was your funny wedding photographer. I would stand in water or lay down on dirt, just to get that perfect shot.
It was hard raising 3 kids alone, and working so many odd jobs, but I did it. I loved being able to support my kids and take them on vacations.
Working so much finally took a toll on my body. I was in constant pain for weeks at a time. I went to the Dr and I was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Delivering mail and lifting packages, while having a flare up was the worst.
I would have to set goals for myself. For example, 1 more block and you can take a break in that building with a/c, or 30 more minutes, and you’ll be done, and you can rest at home.
It takes a LOT of mind control, let me tell you. So many times I would just start crying, but then I’d remember, I am not a quitter!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first place anybody ever wants to go, when arriving in Los Angeles is Hollywood. “Let’s go see the stars on the sidewalk”, is what I always hear.
So much to.do in Hollywood. Next up would be visiting Griffith Park, the views are spectacular.
Olvera Street would be on the list as well.
Some of my favorite places to eat is Fred’s 62 in Los Feliz. Best Sloppy Joe ever, there is also a vegan option, even more delicious if you ask me.
Pho Whittier is also a favorite place of mine. The broth is perfect comfort food. Broken rice plates and fried calamari are exceptional.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The support of all my friends that I have met through Youtube.
They are always so kind and helpful.
They keep my creative hands moving. Everyone has so many wonderful ideas, and we all get together, and see our ideas come to life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeeformationcreation?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zeldanrj3?si=2XA4vK-8-AhLMy93

Image Credits
Zelda Pacheco