Akilah Afrika | Black Butterfly
| blackbutterfly.ja@gmail.com |
| What’s the name of your business, nonprofit or project? |
| Black Butterfly |
| What city and country is your business, nonprofit or project located in? |
| Kingston, Jamaica |
| Links to Your Social Media Pages (if applicable) |
| https://www.instagram.com/blackbutterflyja?igsh=MTNsNmUxeWx4djN4aA== |
| Describe your business, nonprofit or project, and the products and/or services you offer? |
| Black Butterfly offers a unique collection of jewelry and textiles that celebrate eco-conscious craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The jewelry line primarily features copper pieces, with options for custom orders in bronze and silver. Staying true to our commitment to sustainability, we use only natural materials like glass, ceramic, and stone beads and creatively repurpose existing pieces. For textiles, Black Butterfly uses high-quality cotton blends, often employing tie-bleach techniques to create stunning reverse-dye designs. Each piece is a wearable work of art, incorporating Afro-Indigenous symbology that adds a meaningful touch. In addition to crafting new items, we offer repair services, ensuring the longevity and continued beauty of our creations. |
| Are you Caribbean or African, or of Caribbean or African descent? If you are, please tell us details. |
| Born in Canada to a Jamaican father and a Grenadian mother, my cultural roots were rich and diverse from the start. At the age of 12, we made a life-changing move to Jamaica, diving headfirst into a vibrant new world that blended my heritage with fresh experiences. |
| Do you think your Caribbean or African upbringing/heritage has impacted your work? If so, please explain how. |
| Growing up in Canada, I was immersed in the rich tapestry of the Caribbean community, with aunties and uncles from Jamaica and other islands bringing their vibrant cultures into my life. This multicultural feast was only part of the story. It was my upbringing as a Pan-African that truly shaped my artistic journey. My work draws inspiration from the diverse traditions of African, Indian, and Indigenous art, celebrating their beauty and practical craftsmanship. |
| How does your work positively impact culture + community? |
| At Black Butterfly, our work aims to inspire Afro-Indigenous people to reconnect with their ancestral knowledge and cultural heritage. We want to make these traditions cool and relevant again, serving as a reminder of our roots and where our stories began. Our tagline, “True to Spirit,” reflects our commitment to being guided by the spirit and essence of our heritage, encouraging a deeper connection with our origins and community. |
| How should potential customers and persons interested in networking & partnerships contact you? |
| Whatsapp: 876-427-6621. IG: @blackbutterflyja. Email: blackbutterfly.ja@gmail.com |
| What message of hope or inspiration would you like to share with other women in our community who are also pursuing their dreams? |
| You are never too old nor too young to start a business. Dreams must be captured in a plan and plans must be executed. Have fun along the way. Network and make friends. Enjoy the journey. And never let go of the dream. |
