KwanzaaMe, founded and owned by Lawrielle West, supports people to celebrate the Black community and culture throughout the year with their products and programming. Their mission is to collaborate with organizations, businesses, schools, and corporations to foster community building through conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
KwanzaaMe promotes and celebrates various Black cultural holidays, including Kwanzaa, Black History Month, and Juneteenth. Their initiatives foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride, particularly among African Americans, while also striving to include other individuals from diverse backgrounds.
With over a decade of experience, Lawrielle infuses her love for woodworking into her brand, including her flagship product, the Kwanzaa Kinara. Handcrafted by Lawrielle herself, the Kinara is a testament to her dedication and skill. Furthermore, Lawrielle’s background in community organizing has nurtured her commitment to promote the values of family, community, and shared principles, which are the very foundation upon which her brand is built.
Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration that empowers individuals to honor their community and culture by observing the seven principles that embody the core values of this unique holiday. These principles include unity, cooperative economics, faith, purpose, creativity, collective work, and responsibility. Lawrielle is dedicated to the idea that these principles should extend past the seven days of Kwanzaa.
I am passionate about enabling people to embrace Kwanzaa 365 days a year. We must understand how to sustain the seven principles beyond the holiday season. How are we supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses? How are we collaborating with others to create a more cohesive community? How are we utilizing our unique skills and talents to contribute to the collective growth of our society? By answering these questions, we can truly embody the spirit of Kwanzaa and positively impact our communities year-round.
KwanzaaMe is committed to celebrating Black cultural heritage by educating communities about the significance of Kwanzaa and other cultural celebrations. Their diverse programs and workshops, such as “How to Celebrate Black History Month Every Day” and “Uplifting Black History Month on Social Media,” provide practical ways to honor Black history in everyday life, workspaces, and digital platforms. Additionally, KwanzaaMe offers personalized consultations for curating Kwanzaa celebrations and planning African marketplaces for events.
Partnering with various sectors, including educational institutions, non-profits, and grassroots organizations, KwanzaaMe actively works to integrate Kwanzaa into workplace cultures and promote cultural diversity and inclusivity. These efforts are designed to benefit people of all cultural backgrounds, underscoring KwanzaaMe’s inclusive approach.
Lawrielle’s journey as an entrepreneur has presented its challenges. Yet, clarity emerged after she enrolled in her first entrepreneurship class with ProsperUs Detroit. Lawrielle initially started KwanzaaMe with just an idea, buying assets, and creating prototypes. She soon recognized the importance of a well-structured business plan for securing funding and credibility. The class provided her with the necessary framework to evolve as an entrepreneur.
Lawrielle aims for KwanzaaMe to be recognized as the leading supplier of Black cultural products, creating spaces where Black individuals can proudly embrace their culture and values. She believes in the importance of being modern and engaging while uplifting the Black community. Her vision extends to integrating KwanzaaMe into school curriculums, facilitating summer academies and career incubators, and supporting initiatives related to arts, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about KwanzaaMe and stay up-to-date with them, follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
