Do you ever feel naked without your earrings? I know I do. There is nothing like a sweet pair that can make a statement. It seems to be that one accessory that we put on first after we get dressed. Am I right?
We recently had the pleasure to meet Dominique and La’Tanya Alexander from Akron, OH. The mother/daughter team behind Sankofa Soul. A spirited handmade and custom jewelry line that celebrates iconic images in pop culture and history.
Dominique was able to take the time out to tell us about their business, the name and new projects on the rise.
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1. How did you start making earrings
and accessories? and how long have
you been doing it?
Sankofa Soul is a mother/daughter duo. My mother and I started making prototypes in the summer of 2010 and we opened the Etsy shop in November of 2010. I’m a lover of all things funky…lol. I love art and I love accessories, I thought it be great to combine the two and have people wear little mini “paintings” on their ears as well as to be able to express my love of world cultures. We also wanted to show that you can buy one of kind earrings and not break the bank while doing so.
2. What does Sankofa mean? and what made you decide on the name to
represent your creations?
Sankofa can mean either the word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to “go back and take” (Sanko- go back, fa- take) or the Asante Adinkra symbol. It is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” which translates “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.
It represents one taking from the past what is excellent and bringing it into the present in order to make positive advancement through the compassionate use of knowledge. Adinkra symbols are used by the Akan people to express proverbs and other philosophical ideas.
We strive to “go back” to the days of excellent one on one personal customer communication and appreciation. Also we think that it’s always a good practice to remember where you have come from.
3.. You make earrings from an array of different and some icon figures.
How do you decide on what images to make your creations?
The choosing of figures is pretty random most times. They are a mixture of our favorite notable singers and actors. Often customers will email us about making earrings with their favorite icons. I’ve had customer’s request people from Beyonce to Bob Dylan. We pick pictures that will make people look twice and that you won’t see every day. When I chose a picture for an earring, I always ask myself, “have I seen this before” “ is there a WOW factor” and “am I the only person who will wear this…lol”
4. Do you have any new projects coming up with Sankofa? If so tell us
about them?
We’ve been getting a lot of requests to come up for something for men, so we are working on that. As well as more rings.
5. We must ask you about your lovely locs:) How long have you been
growing them? and what does being natural mean to you?
Thank you! I’m a newbie when it comes to rocking locs, but I’ve been natural on and off since the 5th grade. March 23, 2012 marked one year with loc’d hair. Natural to me, mean’s embracing the hair texture that is growing from your head, whether it’s silky and wavy or tightly coiled. Natural is knowing that no matter what society thinks, that your hair in its “raw” state is beautifully divine. Sometimes getting to that point is immediate; sometimes it takes months or YEARS. They key is that you get there. I think every woman should experience being natural at least once in their life, even if they go back to relaxer. It’s a certain freedom in being natural.
Dominique on Sankofas Success. . . . . . . . .
“The support we have gotten since opening the shop has been amazing.
Sometimes it brings me to tears to think that I have people all of the world wearing something I made. Our goal is to make people happy and keep people looking good, because when you look good you feel good.”
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Be sure to check out the rest of Sankofa’s Collection. Custom designs can also be requested.
Sankofa Soul made Natural HIGH some custom earrings
**All photos were provided by Jamar Caldwell and Dominique of Sankofa Soul unless noted otherwise