Check Out Lawrielle West’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrielle West.

Hi Lawrielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
KwanzaaMe is a lifestyle brand that empowers communities to celebrate Black culture, heritage, and tradition year-round! Through our hand-crafted products and programming, we make knowledge, community values, and relationship-building accessible to all. Our programming serves as an inclusive and impactful experience with engaging content. 

Juneteenth (June 19th) 2020 was the first time many people on an individual, community, and corporate level recognized and celebrated Black ancestors who got their freedom, and we wanna keep that same energy with Kwanzaa— a time when we can plan our own freedom. 

My first Kwanzaa setup, I had a Kinara, bowl for libations, and a picture of a beloved ancestor, Fannie Lou Hamer. I had a Black candle in the house, and a close friend of mine provided the rest. With humble beginnings, I tapped into Kwanzaa. I led an online Kwanzaa 101 session with loved ones and kickstarted my Kwanzaa celebration. I didn’t celebrate Kwanzaa in a formal way–I didn’t even celebrate every day or light all the candles, but I did lean into a new tradition and celebration with my family and loved ones. We made commitments in how we would show up in the next year, embodying a Kwanzaa everyday lifestyle. 

That’s how KwanzaaMe was born. We wanted tone a one-stop shop for modern and unique Black cultural lifestyle products for Kwanzaa and beyond. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a creative entrepreneur that love uplifting arts, culture, and community. As a multi-faceted creative, I love the work that I do because it allows me to embrace my Kuumba (Kwanzaa principle meaning Creativity) while also inspiring others, uplifting my community, and creating pathways for families to celebrate heritage, history, and new traditions. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Me and my business definitely wouldn’t be as far as we are without community and support! I’m so grateful for my loved ones and KwanzaaMe Kin across the world that continue to show love and support and give business to KwanzaaMe. Being amplified in rooms, I’m not even in means the world to my brand and the reach of our impact. 

I’m grateful to my mom because even though I explicitly remember not wanting to be an entrepreneur growing up, she was always growing and sharpening an ambitious entrepreneurial mindset in me, empowering me to think for myself, dream big, and go after my wildest visions. 

Pricing:

• 100 (Kwanzaa Starter Kit)
• 20 (Tis the Season Mug)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kwanzaame.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/kwanzaame
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kwanzaame/
• Twitter: twitter.com/kwanzaame
• Youtube: YouTube.com/kwanzaame