Hey Queen… So one thing that we think it’s important to do is keep you in the loop, whether that be with blogs, tutorials, or just general chit chat! Today, we invite you to come behind the scenes as we pick the brain of the owner and founder of Afro Indie, Grace Jae. We’re going straight into the deep stuff today, so stick around to get all the exclusive tea. Grace lets us in on what inspired her to start the brand, the creative process behind all of the amazingly detailed Afro Indie statement pieces, and way more!

1. What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by culture and the essence of its richness. I'm also inspired by scenery, emotions, colors, patterns, shapes, and personal needs. I am a total creative visionary, so I see things in my head and work to manifest them in the physical. I am one of those [people] that does not like looks that are similar to what the masses are wearing, and so I love to create complimentary bold pieces that make a person's look to another level and make them feel like royalty. I was initially inspired to create based on a strong desire that I had wanting to incorporate my Nigerian culture into my everyday wardrobe without necessarily wearing the full traditional attires and as an accessory addict, I could not find the type of cultural pieces that I desired in the marketplace, so I set out to create them myself.

2. Do you create mood boards for your pieces?

Actually, no I don't! Ideas basically download into my spirit, and I write them down and try to draw them out and conjure up in my head all the items I will need to bring it to life. My desire is to start creating in collections soon, so mood boards I'm sure will be a tool I incorporate into my design process.

3. How do you stay inspired?

Keeping my "why" before me at all times. The ultimate longing desires I have that burn deep within me keep me inspired. Time and financial FREEDOM keeps me inspired. The continuous ideas that the Lord gives me keeps me inspired. My family keeps me inspired.

4. How often do you design?

I design frequently, but not all are executed immediately. Sometimes it's just finding the right time or season to release certain items, but my wheels are always turning with being innovative in design creation.

5. Who inspires your design?

Hands down the Holy Spirit. He drops these amazing ideas within me to create and deliver to the world. Also, the traditional attire of women in various ethnic cultures inspire my design.

As mentioned, it’s extremely important to us to continue to develop a beautiful bond with you, our #AfroIndieQueens. We hope that this window into the brain and soul of Grace Jae helps with this! And if you liked this, don’t you worry, there’s plenty more where that came from! Sharing what goes on behind the scenes is something we are striving to do more of so that you all can stay in the know. And whilst we love keeping you informed, we also want to hear from you, so much so, that we created a Facebook group exclusively for our Afro-Indie tribe! Join us on The Queendom for more Afro-Indie updates! Look forward to hearing from you all. Until next time…