Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Bledsoe-Douglas.
Hi Raven, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
AfroN8v Boutique (Afro Native) started from the desire of my mother to share our Native American art and culture with others. She always wanted to start a business to do just that. I had a vision of not only sharing that our Native culture is alive and well but also reconnecting those decedents disconnected from our African homelands & culture.
AfroN8v Boutique is the mixing of both sides of me. I have always walked strongly in my culture as a Black & Native woman, not one or the other.
I always loved wearing traditional hair ties, beaded jewelry, and having art presents. Having my mother & aunts to teach me about our traditions, family, and tribes. I didn’t connect to African culture until a friend introduced me to traditional Waistbeads while on a weight loss journey. This is where AfroN8v Boutique began to connect the two together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a fairly smooth road. Only because of researching and developing a working business model. The biggest challenge has been educating people on the purpose of our pieces.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AfroN8v Boutique’s pieces are genuinely and sustainably handmade by local artisans in Ghana, Kenya, and Native America. Every piece is handmade with quality attention to style as well as comfort. The manufacturing process is a family affair, taking place at the leisure of our artisans and in the comfort of their own homes. There is not a single factory or assembly line anywhere in our chain of production and it shows in the quality and durability of our pieces.
Due to the unique character of our products, we order our merchandise in small, manageable shipments, and the artisans are compensated for the full retail value of their work. So, when you make even a small order from AfroN8v Boutique, you’re not only elevating your style but making a meaningful contribution to their local communities.
That’s because we know that feeling good is just as important as looking good!
We have Traditional African Waistbeads, beaded earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and dreamcatchers. And we offer waist bead installs free of charge for Memphis locals.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe in taking calculated risks. Research, set goals, and anticipate mistakes. Weigh the options and run with what will benefit you most.
Contact Info:
- Website: AfroN8vBoutique.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/AfroN8vBoutique
- Facebook: Facebook.com/AfroN8vBoutique
