Jewelry and fashion are integral part of human culture and since the dawn of time, has been one of the many ways people express their identity. From stunning non-pierce nose rings to funky tie-bleach t-shirts, Black Butterfly strives to provide ways for people to express their truest spirit.
But the path to present day was not an easy one. Black Butterfly started back in 2015 as Afrika Designs.
I’ve always been an entrepreneur. By 14 years old, I was used to starting and maintaining small businesses; in fact, I started out by reselling my gently used books. But after a traumatic relocation to Jamaica in 2011 and my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, I felt pretty lost. When she went up to Canada for testing, my mom took a few beading classes and brought home lots of beads for me. This kept me busy for a while and soon, I started making jewelry as gifts. From there the transition to business was easy. Fast-forward to 2021, Afrika Designs hosted our first waistbead workshop in July.
A lot happened in my life within the next year. A bad break up threw me off my game and made me question who I was; my worth. I was struggling and losing my sense of self. But I wasn’t able to admit it to myself until the summer of 2022. It was at this point I realized I needed a change to start on the path of healing.
Butterflies have always fascinated me; they represent the soul and the transformation of the spirit. Though they seem delicate, they endure so much and still maintain their grace. Black Butterfly reminds us that although we may make mistakes in our lives or stray from our path, we can still find our way if we listen to our spirits.
Black Butterfly is a reminder to me to stay true to my spirit.