The Veterans Growing America Podcast
Welcome to "The Veterans Growing America Podcast," hosted by the insightful duo, Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons. This engaging podcast is dedicated to showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans, active service members, and their dependents who have bravely ventured into the world of business.
In collaboration with Veterans Growing America (VGA), an organization committed to fostering the growth of veteran-owned businesses, our hosts bring to life the stories of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through entrepreneurship. Each episode invites a new guest to share not only the unique proposition of their business but also their personal narrative as a veteran or a family member of a veteran.
The Veterans Growing America Podcast
Episode 36 - QTEE Crochet ft. Tanisha Nicholson | Veterans Growing America
Veterans Growing America Podcast ft. Tanisha Nicholson (QTEE Crochet)
In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Tanisha Nicholson, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, artisan, and the creative force behind QTEE Crochet.
Tanisha shares her journey from 22 years of military service to building a soulful brand rooted in craftsmanship, love, and community. With humility and humor, she reflects on her transition from service member to business owner—and how discovering Veterans Growing America became the spark that helped her finally believe in her creative calling.
From one-of-a-kind crochet pieces to custom resin art, Tanisha’s creations tell a story of purpose, resilience, and originality. In this episode, she opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the power of representation, and the beauty of creating with intention.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- QTEE Crochet was born from Tanisha’s lifelong love of creating and giving.
- Military life taught her discipline, leadership, and how to channel competitive drive into excellence.
- She never intended to sell her art—until VGA gave her permission to shine and the resources to grow.
- Tanisha doesn’t follow patterns—she lets spirit, color, and connection lead her designs.
- Her first crochet class helped a student go from beginner to selling their own work.
- Customer service, community, and confidence are cornerstones of her business advice.
- VGA provided the LLC help, business tools, mentorship, and emotional support—all for free.
- Her work was recently featured on The View—a testament to what happens when you “just do it.”
👑 “Don’t say you’re going to do it. Do it. You never know who you’ll meet at VGA.”
💫 Connect with Tanisha & QTEE Crochet:
🔗 Instagram & Facebook: @qtcrochet_2019
🌐 Website: www.veteransgrowingamerica.com → Search "QTEE Crochet" in the Members Directory
🧶 Custom commissions | Resin art | Crochet classes | Crochet with love.
🎯 Veterans Growing America – Where We Brag Different
Join the only community that helps veterans, military spouses, and dependents start and grow businesses through mentorship, events, exposure, and love.
👉 Shop, support, and join at www.veteransgrowingamerica.com
📍 Visit our stores in Stonebridge VA and Clarksburg, MD
📱 Follow: @VeteransGrowingAmerica
🐐 Need a money coach? Book with Coach RL at yourmoneygoat.com/bookings
🛒 #ShopVeteran | #VeteransGrowingAmerica | #QTEECrochet | #BlackWomenInBusiness | #MilitaryCreatives | #VeteranEntrepreneurs | #SupportSmallBusiness | #CrochetWithLove | #BlackVeteranOwned | #JustDoIt