MISSION & STORY
Learn about the mission of JAHA COLLECTIVE and how it came to be...
- collage made in collaboration with Artist Kiyomi Quinn Taylor
OUR MISSION
Fueling the visions of young black, brown, queer and indigenous creatives, the mission of JAHA COLLECTIVE is to offer an imaginative collection of stationery, homeware, and fine leather goods with artwork by Jaha. Blend art, culture, and justice into your world with our purpose-driven creations. Join us in building an equitable, healed community through artistic choices.
It started as a dream, then grew into a mission...
When I made my first pattern, it was a love letter to my past self. Growing up, I always knew music and art were my path, but that doesn’t mean the road has been easy… There have been seasons of doubt and deep isolation, especially moving through the world as a black woman musician.
Throughout my musical and creative career, there have been times when I have been the only one in the room who looks like me, and growing confidence in your art in that environment can be difficult...
One night, I dreamed I was back in my freshman-year music class. When I woke up, I knew I wanted to make something for her… journals and notebooks have been so vital for me to get my ideas out, so I set out to make a blank space that would make little me feel brave… going through the process once, I knew it was a practice I’d want to expand & do again and again…
… and the mission to make bold tools for creativity was born.
JAHA COLLECTIVE is more than a brand; it's a vision of liberation crafted into bold creative tools for black, brown, queer, and indigenous communities. In the evolution of this mission, every product is an intentional manifestation of reinvestment—a journey of rediscovery and expression. In my hands, I've carefully curated high-quality products during this relaunch, a symbolic moment of reinvention where love and intention touch every creation. From the inception of patterns sparked by a dream of empowerment to the evolution into a mission, these tools are designed to inspire a community seeking avenues to dream, create, and build a new society.
Born as a healing ritual for my past self, the first pattern was a testament to my struggles as a black woman in music and art. It became a mission to create empowering tools, especially in environments lacking representation.
Community Growth in all directions...
As my process grew, so did the support from my community. I’m constantly inspired by those around me. The creativity of my loved ones knows no bounds, and I’m grateful to have them encourage me to push past my fears and try something new. Since the designs are the heart of the shop, notebooks turned to leather, which turned into a world of shapes and swirls…
Like a flourishing garden, our community supports the mission. Inspired by the boundless creativity of loved ones, the designs evolved from journals to intricate leather creations—each product is a symbol of community in the process, growing in all directions.
Future Vision - a spark for tomorrow...
Looking ahead, I’d say the future is bright. I want these tools to be instruments of self-expression so my community feels empowered to make their next masterpiece, even during the challenging moments of creation… to let our wonder out and make a habit of living artfully.
There’s an infinite flow of good ideas to make and no limit to our imaginations… I hope something from this shop can remind us of our power and ability to create the beautiful life we want…
Discover Your Tools of Liberation...
