Afri-love

African inspiration on Pinterest

Not to bore you by stating it again but, I absolutely love visual bookmarking platform, Pinterest (and I swear they're not paying me to say so!). I love being able to easily organise all the beautiful visual inspiration I come across when surfing the net and doing research for projects. It's fantastic to come across a fellow user whose taste resonates with yours – you get to discover so much more creative fodder.

If you enjoy Afri-love, you may enjoy the Africa-themed/inspired boards I've created (you can browse without an account):

• African design
• African art
• African fashion
• Beautiful people
• Hair au naturel

I have several other boards that you might also enjoy, to do with design, illustration, typography, furniture, places and spaces, patterns, colours etc.

Are you on Pinterest? Drop a link to your page in the comments.

(Images above found on Pinterest. Left pinned by Sylia Awino, right via Brainpickings)

Flowers From Fatima: an interview with designer Fatima Spencer

Meet designer Fatima Spencer. The dedicated 22 year-old makes handmade floral hair accessories and has built a business around her passion for hair and fashion – Flowers From Fatima. She wanted to share her inspiration with thousands of other women of colour and it's perfectly in line with this week's emerging theme – embracing your true self and setting your creative expression free!

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What inspired you to start making the flowers?
I was inspired to design flowers through my family's community action program, in which I helped to plant flowers throughout my neighborhood. I became so enamored by flowers that I used to pluck the flowers from the garden often and wear them in my hair. However, I soon realized that the delicate beauties could no longer be admired in their natural state. Too quickly they wilted. Shortly after, I began to replicate the beauty of Mother Nature by designing silk floral accessories that were more suitable for fashionable wear and equally as beautiful, in meaning as well as appearance. 

What prompted you to turn the idea into a business?
Beautiful prompt – my older brother actually encouraged me to start a business! He's always been a business-savvy individual and he had so much confidence in both me and my work. I am grateful to have such a wonderful family! 

What challenges you've faced?
Right now, my greatest challenge is making the most of what I have. I started this business with little money, a dream, and a lot of hope. Until I get where I desire to be, I have to improvise and give Flowers From Fatima all that I have, mostly spiritually, to help it flourish. It seems to be growing! I am eternally thankful for my dedicated customers and friends who find joy in all that I do and acknowledge my hard work. 

What opportunities you've taken advantage of?
As long as the people that I collaborate with are positive individuals, I always seize the opportunity to share Flowers From Fatima with others, whether it be through showcasing my product at local events or sharing a few words in magazine features. 

What next for Flowers From Fatima?
Only UP from here!  

Check out more of Fatima's designs on the Flowers From Fatima website. First time customers get 10% off. You can also follow Fatima on Twitter.

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Images courtesy of Fatima Spencer

A test of strength & patience: the cycles of managing natural Afro hair

In wearing your hair natural, you will experience cycles of manageable & why-am-I-putting-myself-through-this! That's my story at least. It's been just over 14 months since my last big chop and there have been several moments already where I've either mourned my locks or been tempted to chop my baby 'fro off, all over again. But now, I'm glimpsing some light at the end of the tunnel and patting myself on the back for my resolve.

The big chop – a true taste of freedom
You can actually try this thing they call everyday washing without having to devote an extra half hour to shower time. You can literally wash 'n go (as opposed to wash, detangle, deep condition, load up with product, style and then go).

Having your hair so short brings another flavour of liberation: it forces you to be as you are. There is less for you to hide behind – hair can be an amazing crutch. This was one of the reasons behind my last big chop and cutting my locks did actually have the results I desired. I look at pictures of myself 14 months ago and grimace at how big I'd become under that heavy mop of hair. Don't get me wrong – I loved my locks but, they were giving me an excuse not to take better care of my body.

TGIF! with Goapele: milk, honey & natural hair

Goapele* Mohlabane, born to activist parents (her South African father campaigned against apartheid), often addresses political and socio-economic change in her music. But today, something lighter from the artist (it is Friday after all). Here's the beautiful video for "Milk and Honey".

Goapele: Milk & Honey from goapele on Vimeo.

PS If you ever need natural hair inspiration – Goapele is your girl!

*Her name means "move forward" in Setswana. Similar to the Swahili word "mbele" which means "forward" or "ahead".

Images via Creative Loafing Atlanta (check out their interview with the lady herself) and Best in New Music 

Afri-love on Etsy – natural hair edition

 

London naturalistas, don't forget that the natural hair social I mentioned earlier this week, takes place tomorrow night. Inspired by the funky prints used on the event's flyer, created by Tabitha Bianca Brown, and following previous Etsy posts ("Seeing Red", "Wax Print", "Potraits"), this one is dedicated to Etsy goods celebrating natural hair.

Images from top: Card by Yvonne4Eyes (left) and print by thepairabirds (right); Toddler wear by Kyle & Kale; Tote bags by Quelly Rue Designs; Pouch by Bottle of Clouds; Earrings by Bella Earth Naturals

Natural hair social this weekend & Inspired by Tabitha Bianca Brown

 

Amina and Belle, two fab natural-hair-wearing ladies, are hosting a meet-up for like-loc'ed peeps in London, UK, this Friday, 26th August. Find out more details here and register your interest via @naturalbelle or @sheroxlox on Twitter, or email naturalbelle1983[AT]gmail[DOT]com

The images above (and on the event's flyer) are by designer, illustrator and Etsy seller Tabitha Bianca Brown. View her entire (beautiful) collection here.

Inspired by Chris Ofili's Afro-Muses

Along with his use of texture and colour, I really enjoy Chris Ofili's referencing of black (pop) culture. His Afro-Muses series especially speaks to me given my slight obsession with all things natural hair!

 

Top image via FlavorWire, bottom image via Art News

Natural hair journey: length check & my current regimen, 10 months after the big chop

It's been a while since I've shared a hair update. Time flies and I'm so happy at how healthy my hair is growing. My current regimen goes like this:

• Wash once a week:
  • Finger comb previous twist-outs and gently address any tangles
  • Pre-poo by putting coconut oil through my hair and massage my scalp
  • Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo (I currently use Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat shampoo)
  • Apply a rich conditioner through hair (I currently use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner) and very gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb
  • Cover with a shower cap and wrap with a towel. Leave on for 1 - 8 hours. Basically depends on what I'm doing at the time!
  • Rinse out with cold water
  • Apply leave in conditioner (I use Kim Love's recipe - find it in the intro box of her KimmayTube YouTube channel)
  • Apply a shea butter mix I created (with Jojoba oil and a few drops of essential oil to make it creamy
  • Two-strand twist away! (It takes me 2-3 hours)
• Daily spritz with a water and oil mix (about 1 tbsp of Jojoba oil and/or vegetable glycerin in an approximately 150ml spray bottle)

I usually wash and twist on a Sunday or Monday and then take the twists out on Friday or Saturday. The twist-out can last 2-4 days. All I do in the mornings is spritz my hair with the water and oil mix, to bring life back to the sleep-matted tresses. Water works magic! Learning that I don't have to avoid it is probably the best thing I've done for my hair.

One thing I'm not so happy about is how much work this all takes! I'm going to be honest here: I thought locs were a lot of work but, taking good care of my "loose" natural hair is so much more intensive. I don't say this to discourage anyone considering going natural though because, after all is said and done, it's absolutely worth it! Well, I think so at least.

Natural hair wearers out there – why is it worth it for you?

12 months, 12 posts you loved

I know I have a penchant for lists and if ever I needed an excuse to create one, surely today is the day. Tomorrow marks one year of Afri-love and as I reflect on all the people that I've come across and had the opportunity to meet (if even just virtually), I want to share with you the most popular posts. It so happens that indeed, most of them are interviews with some of these people. I am honoured to be a part of this army of creatives and change-makers and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with more of you.

12. Interview with Lesley of Ododo Originals
Lesley's inspiring story of how a crafty hobby turned into a full-time blossoming enterprise.

11. Interview with Erika of Mikuti

The lady behind the ethical fashion enterprise shares what inspired her to start a business in Tanzania.

 

10. Interview with artist, Chief Nyamweya
The first interview in the series! A great interviewee to kick-off the idea of sharing what drives talented Afri-loving people to do what they love. 

 

9. Interview with AfriPOP! editor and music marketeer, Phiona Okumu
This lady embodies Afri-love in every way shape and form. It was great to have her share that indomitable energy with us. Hope it rubs off!

 

8. Natural hair journey: 4 months on and getting my protective styling on
I've discovered so many blogs and vlogs out there dedicated to caring for natural Afro hair. However, not many from people with my super-kinky hair type. So, I decided to share my journey. I've "been natural" for 10 years now and before July last year, 5 of those years were spent in locs. Since my second big chop, I've been occasionally documenting the process and my learning along the way. Yes, 10 years and there's still so much to learn!

 

7. Interview with Ihsani Culture
My long term comrade in the pursuit of Afri-love, in her reincarnation as a fashion design director, shares her passion and her beautiful designs.

 

6. My natural hair journey, part 3
My third new beginning: wearing my hair loose and natural. Funny, "loose" is a very ironic term for these more-compact-than-steelwool curls!

 

5. Celebrating our crowning glory: Le Coil
Beautiful people, regal in their natural hair. Sharing the work of photographer Jamala Johns and her fabulous blog, Le Coil.

 

4. Interview with artist and photographer, Mutua Matheka
This man's lens is relentless! He captures Kenya in a way that it has never been captured before. Personalities, architecture, moods, energy. His portfolio is a must-peruse.

 

3. Five reasons why Ghana is the next African app powerhouse
The first guest post from the man behind Afriapps. This went up just last week and has been creating a buzz across the interweb. Look out for more insightful pieces from Andrew Mugoya, every month. 

 

2. Inspired by Dimitra Tzanos: for the love of Africa
A designer with a passion for all things Africa. She shared some of her colourful and exciting work with us. 

 

1. Interview with fashion stylist and blogger, Nancie Mwai
Fashion reigned supreme. The interview with Nancie Mwai was the most popular Afri-love post in the blog's inaugural year. Personally, there was something about this interview that truly reminded me of why I started the interview series in the first place. Hearing about somebody successfully doing something that, as a child growing up in Kenya, I didn't even knew somebody could professionally do – now that's inspiring.

I look forward to bringing you even more encouraging stories, makers, dream-chasers, action-takers and shakers. Shaking the continent and keeping it alive with the spirit that inspires the world!

 

All image details available in the respective posts

TGIF! Women's Week Special with Les Nubians: Visual & musical treats including a free download

Who better to bring us to the close of Women's Week than, sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart of Les Nubians. Beautiful, talented and proud to express their African origins in every way, here are a few goodies from the super-stylin' ladies …

Get your free download of "Liberté" from their new album, Nu Revolution, on their site here.

The videos below are visual treats and sure to add good vibes to your Friday evening. Enjoy and remember, celebrating sisterhood need not end today! :)

 

 

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Images from top: via Singersroom, via shortandsweetnyc.com, via kalamu.com, via St. Thomas Source. Bottom: 2 of their albums, Princesses Nubiennes (left) and One Step Forward (right)