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
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 #1: Lincoln Alexander was a Canadian lawyer who became the first Black Canadian Member of Parliament in the House of Commons
Eat & Drink Your Heart Out
Plantain, roti, oxtail, curry, fufu...the cuisines of the diaspora are as diverse as they are delicious! Foods and beverages across the diaspora are interconnected, as enslaved Africans were transported to countries far and wide across the globe. Read more...
What Are You Shopping For?
What Are You Shopping For?
black history fact #2: Viola Desmond, whose face appears on our $10 dollar bill, was a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial segregation at a film theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1946.
Relax & Restore
One of the most popular ingredients used by artisans in our bath and body collection is shea butter. Ghana is the world's largest exporter of shea butter, sending nearly 28M tonnes of unrefined shea butter to countries far away such as China, Germany and France. It's just one of the ingredients that our artisans use in their soaps, lotions, body butters and other skincare products.
Spotlight:
African 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.
Read more...
Read more...
Just Do It! Low-maintenance fun for a day at home.
Representation Matters:
African Princess Power
Sew, sew good!
Let your inner fashion designer out with our no-sew doll demo! Make a dress in just a few minutes without a needle and thread in sight! With just a few pieces of fabric, your dolls can have a whole new wardrobe!
Friends of the Earth
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can breathe life and colour into your home with these healthy, pet-friendly, low maintenance, one of a kind plant terrariums. Good for you and for the earth!
Read All About It
Our name can be an invitation to learn more about our origins and our family history! This heartwarming story follows young Theodore as he tells us why he thinks everybody's name is special. Perfect bedtime read!
Find it here
Find it here
black history fact #3: Canadians of Caribbean origin belong to one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in Canada. By 1973, they accounted for almost 13 per cent of all immigration to Canada.
Meet the Founders: Sisters, Partners & Entrepreneurs
Summa Summarum:
Sisters & Partners
Resa Solomon-St. Lewis earned her BASc. in Chemical Engineering at U of Ottawa and headed to the Federal government for a long career, progressing to Executive roles. She left the public service for Chef School, launching a new career. Today, Resa is an award-winning Chef, Food Artisan and Entrepreneur. She is the the Owner of Baccanalle Caribbean Lifestyle Foods, and a proud Wife and Mom in Ottawa.
Tracey Solomon studied at McGill University and after several years as a management consultant, moved to New York where she set her sights on the healthcare industry. Today, Tracey runs her own consulting practice and feeds her creative side with Flatbush Granola, her artisanal granola venture based in Brooklyn.
Tracey Solomon studied at McGill University and after several years as a management consultant, moved to New York where she set her sights on the healthcare industry. Today, Tracey runs her own consulting practice and feeds her creative side with Flatbush Granola, her artisanal granola venture based in Brooklyn.
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.
