November 25, 2020WTF is wellness

WTF is Wellness House of Aama

This week we talk with mother and daughter design duo, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka from House of Aama. House of Aama explores the folkways of the Black experience by designing timeless garments with nostalgic references informed by historical research, archival analysis, and storytelling. They aim to evoke dialogue, social commentary and conversations around heritage and remembrance, and to shed light on nuanced histories.

Established in 2015 House of Aama is poised to become the next “great expression” in fashion and design. Manufactured 100% in Los Angeles, California. House of Aama is not just another clothing business. House of Aama is the spiritual expression of mother and daughter Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka in material form.

We could not be more excited to talk with Akua Shabaka and feature House of Aama, especially as we run our limited edition gift with purchase of their Goddess Tan Tote.

So, tell us a little about you.

I creative director and co-founder of a boutique fashion brand, House of Aama. We are a mother daughter design duo that focuses on timeless garments with nostalgic references, informed by historical research and archival analysis.

What does wellness even begin to mean to you?

Wellness to me is the care of your spiritual, physical and mental health. Is there a routine you do? If so what? -- Or do you prefer to go with the flow? If so why? *I am still building a routine that I can commit to over an extended amount of time. However, I have been trying to incorporate a better sleep routine and healthy exercise in the morning to start my day.

What’s your relationship to CBD or cannabis? Do you think there’s any part of the latter that’s wellness?

I think for a while CBD and cannabis products were looked at as recreational and in the extreme taboo. I feel like in the past 5-8 years people are finally unpacking the medicinal uses of these and the benefit in the wellness community.

What are your thoughts on mental health and how that plays into wellness?

Since I believe that wellness encompasses mental health, I believe you can not focus on wellness without furthering positive mental health practices.

What does collective wellness mean to you?

Holding responsibility for yourself and the wellness of others around you.

What part do you play in the collective wellness?

I think right now I'm focused a lot on the self aspect. Making sure that I'm doing my part for my mental health and self care so that I am equipped to be there for other.