Celebrating: Ti-a Woven Goods + Jo’s Body Shop
In honor of Black History Month, we lift up two black woman-owned businesses and artisan partners:
Ti-a Woven Goods and Jo’s Body Shop.
[a note on the history]: Black history month was officially" designated in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford as a way to encourage people to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. This designation, however, came fifty years after the first organized celebration of black history in February of 1926, which was coordinated by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the study of Negro Life and History.
With an eye towards honoring black history always, this month in particular invites each of us to dig deeper into this history, to understand the lived experiences and systemic systems of oppression, as it informs our collective past, presence, and path toward a more just and equitable future.
Ti-a Woven Goods
Ti-a Woven Goods, founded by local Coloradoan, Simbala Drammeh, was established after years of Simbala’s service in the Peace Corps. Stationed in Ghana, she recognized the opportunity to help support these women long-term by helping them establish a self-determined lifestyle through their artisanry. Partnering with weavers in ten villages near the area of Bolgatanga, Ghana, each basket is handwoven from local Kinkanhe grass and makes a lasting, beautiful addition to any home. Ti-a Woven’s mission is to empower women through weaving, thus creating environmentally friendly products and keeping traditional skills alive.
[image source: Ti-a Woven Goods.]
The women of Bolgatanga, Ghana, face lower literacy rates, low income, and limited access to roads and electricity. Even in the face of this adversity, according to Simbala, the women of Bolga are “extraordinary, talented, resilient, vibrant, and full of joy.” Paid above typical fair trade wages, these women are given autonomy and a voice at home, where men have historically held control.
Your support and purchase of a Ti-a Woven basket directly supports these women and their movement towards autonomy.
[image source: Ti-a Woven Goods.]
Jo’s Body Shop, founded by Georgia “Jo” Heslop, is a Colorado-based skin and body care company that offers a range of beautiful and intentional products.
“The shop was born out of a desire for equally effective and trustworthy natural products that can be used safely every day. Our products are non-toxic and made without harsh chemicals so that you can have peace of mind when you shop here" - Jo, Founder.
With all-natural ingredients and a focus on recyclable and reusable packing, it's hard not to fall in love with Jo’s products. At the Modern Folklore shop, we currently stock Jo’s Everything Balm, Jo’s Yoga Mat Spray, Jo’s Foot Soak, Dead Sea Detox Face Mask, and Jo’s “Down There” Hair Serum (crafted to tackle any coarse body hair). One of our favorite products is the Dead Sea Detox face mask. This mask has no additional ingredients or preservatives, delivering hydration and nourishment that is refreshing and detoxifying.
[image source: modern folklore]
Both of these companies support and empower black women and marginalized communities. They also create beautiful products made with love and intention. This month and every month, it is essential to uplift and support small businesses like these, especially those that are black women-owned. According to the non-profit Buy From A Black Woman, black women are starting more businesses than any other demographic. Between 2014 and 2019, black women started 42% of net new women-owned businesses.
However, the sales for black women-owned businesses are “five times smaller than all women-owned businesses due to a lack of support and awareness.” Additionally, black women founders make just $24,000 on average compared to $143,900 made by other women founders. We invite each of you to seek out and support black women-owned businesses where you live and uplift this community of inspirational black women.
We invite you to join us in building more knowledge and appreciation for black history and culture both now and well into the future. Below is a list of creators, thinkers, and thought leaders whom we follow and (un)learn from on a daily basis. You’re invited to do the same.
What black-authored books have you read and what thought leaders do you follow? Please share other black woman-owned businesses or artisans with whom we should follow or connect.
Additional Blog Image Sources.
written + compiled by: ava lypps, modern folklore shop guide
edited by: corrie williams, modern folklore founder + owner
