Sankofic Gems is a local African fashion and accessories outlet. Our goal is to educate about Africa’s contribution, cultures, history, and significance while enhancing attire with high-quality, handmade, African products. In addition, we work to provide permanent employment for communities living in rural Nairobi, Kenya.
Since its beginning, women have been the face of the fashion and accessories industry and the producers and consumers of products. Yet despite this, the fashion industry has been and remains male-dominated. Sankofic Gems creates a special space for people of African ancestry to produce an income using their talents and build a lasting economic base and not have a seat at the table but to build our own.
In Africa
Khadija and Jackie, who created their companies as platforms to give others in their communities a way to earn an income. They’re artisans that make jewelry, skilled seamstresses, and leaders among women in their communities. They hire and train each of their workers personally, in addition to investing in the talents of each person working with them. Each purchase goes directly to support these people.
In America
Hello, my name is Mattye Crowley. I was born & raised in Denver, Colorado, & identify as African in America. I earned my B.A. in Africana Studies at Metro State University of Denver, CO. I am the mother of two sons, one of whom has a seizure condition that prevented me from working a traditional 9 to 5. I am the owner of Sankofic Journey, through which I create quality, fact-based, black history children’s books and corresponding curriculum; Sankofic Education through which I create programs such as The Inclusive Family Workshop Series which focuses on non-black adoptive parents of black children; & last-but not least- Sankofic Gems.
Our goal is to create flexjobs, jobs that are flexible. These are jobs designed for mothers or those with disabilities. I realized the need for this when my son began having seizures, and with every seizure came a job loss. That’s just unfair. So rather than get rid of my best workers due to reasons beyond their own control, I give them the space and time to take care of pressing issues without their job being in jeopardy.
As a beauty business specializing in African accessories, my goal is to enhance people natural beauty with our products. In addition to educating about the origins and cultural significance of our products. I believe beauty comes from confidence and love of yourself, and that comes from understanding your history and the power and wisdom of your ancestors. This is why it is so important to root our view of beauty in our understanding of our own past and in our ancestor’s ability to triumph over challenges.
A glimpse Into the life of some.....
