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Celebrate Black History Month with Afrotechture!

The Afrotechture Story

We believe that Canada's Black Artisans are an important part of Canada's artistic community, and that our unique experiences from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora are integral to Canada's multi-cultural story.  However, with limited access to established networks, capital and infrastructure, Black Artisans are challenged in bringing their talents to market and not realizing their potential as part of the thriving Maker movement.

As makers ourselves, we saw an opportunity to create a platform that would showcase the works of Black Artisans and open them up to new customers and markets. And so Afrotechture was born: a multi-dimensional platform that showcases Afro-Canadian craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and innovation through an in-store experience located in the historic Byward Market (55 Byward Market Square), and in our virtual marketplace at Afrotechture.com

black history fact: Michaëlle Jean was the first black person to hold the office of Governor General of Canada. She served from 2005-2010

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store (and online)!

Afri

Representation Matters:
African Princess Power

Skin, Body & Beyond

Get in on the Diaspora skin secret: Shea Butter! Our authentic, moisturizing Shea Butter butters, soaps and creams are a must-have for winter! Complete your home spa with   shower steamers and bath bombs and get ready to relax and restore. 

Shop Skin, Body & Beyond

House Beautiful

As seen in Porter Airlines Magazine, check out our collection of decorative home accessories. Liven up any living space with our African  print cushions and throw blankets. Set the mood with our scented candles and more! Accent your space - indoors and out!

Shop Home Accents

Dress Code

Style check! Make a bold statement with our Ankara fabric robes, or brighten up your current closet By adding an Afro-Caribbean accent! Our accessory collection has a wide variety of tote bags, earrings, bags and more for you to choose from!

Shop Accessories
Afri

Representation Matters:
African Princess Power

Foodie Faves

Authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee? Artisan Coffee from the African Diaspora? We've got all that and more. Stop by if you're looking for Caribbean Foodie gift sets, prepared meals or take-home foods - all courtesy of our award-winning Chef  and owner, Resa Solomon-St. Lewis.

Shop Foodie Faves

Kid's Corner

We couldn't leave out the little ones! Inspiration from the diaspora is front and center in our baby clothing and accessories. Take in our African Princess Dolls, each with her own stories and outfits that shares her family history.  Or change up storytime with one of our books. Fun for all!

Shop Kid's Corner

Shop the Elmwood Collection

We've pulled together a selection of some of our most popular items into one collection to make it easy for you to shop the Elmwood sale!

Add any of these items to your cart and enjoy 15% when you use your code at checkout. Happy shopping!

Shop the Elmwood Collection

Spotlight: African Princess Dolls

Princess Power

The African Princess Collection was created to uplift young black children of African descent by providing them with dolls in their own image. Each princess has a unique story that tells of her connection to the diaspora.

Meet the Founders: Sisters, Partners & Old Girls

Summa Summarum:
Sisters & Partners

Resa Solomon-St. Lewis ('87, Head of Fry) attended the University of Ottawa where she obtained her BASc. in Chemical Engineering. She worked for many years in the Federal government, in the field of environmental engineering, policy, management and reporting, progressing to Executive roles. Several years ago, she completed Chef School and launched new career. Resa is an award-winning Chef, a Food Artisan and Entrepreneur. She is the the Owner of Baccanalle Caribbean Lifestyle Foods, and a proud wife and Mom in Ottawa.

Tracey Solomon ('90, Head Girl) studied at McGill University where she earned her BSc. in Psychology. She joined the world of management consulting and after five years at Accenture, she moved to New York where she set her sights on the healthcare industry. Today, Tracey provides market research and branding strategies to companies big and small. She keeps her creative juices flowing with Flatbush Granola, her artisanal granola business based in Brooklyn.

After years of passionnate dinnertime conversations, the two Sisters embarked on a new adventure together in December 2020, launching Afrotechture, a long shared dream.
TALENT ALL AROUND US

Meet Our Makers

We are proud to showcase Black Canadian Artisans with roots in the African and Caribbean diasporas. Our artisans talents cover a fantastic range - from food and beverage, to home decor, bath and beauty and more. Visit our Meet the Makers section to read up on all of our artisans.

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