My culture inspires me. My history inspires me. Being black means we have a dark past and a disconnect from our ancestral roots. Growing up, I learned to be less of myself so that I may be more palatable to the majority. My style of hair, the way I talked, and the music I listened to were all things that I selected to opt-in or out of depending on the people I was around or the job I applied for.

Every day I am empowered to learn and teach my children about what came before slavery. The beauty in their black skin, the beauty in how they wear their hair, and their beauty in being the minority give in inspiration. I can study my history and feel flooded with mixed emotions but still find the beauty of design and tell my story.

I can feel the dance and curls in the squiggles. My designs have voice, color, joy, strength and beauty, all things that I see in my culture.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?