Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Barnafo

Emma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Hello, I’m Emma Barnafo, and my journey has been anything but conventional. Born in Ghana, my family moved to the UK when I was just two years old, where I spent my early years. However, returning to Ghana as a teenager came with challenges – feeling like an outsider because of my accent and difficulty understanding the local dialects. While this phase of my life was difficult, it shaped my understanding of belonging and self-acceptance.

Eventually, I moved to the US for university, where I found a community that appreciated diversity, and it was a transformative experience. For the first time, I could truly embrace who I was without the pressure of fitting in. This pivotal moment in my life gave rise to the core philosophy that guides me today: living authentically is the simplest and most rewarding way to be happy.

Professionally, I’m a Biologist, but my passion extends into crochet, tea, and self-love advocacy. Innate Expressions® was born out of my desire to blend creativity and purpose. What started as a birthday promise to myself in 2012 has evolved into a platform where I express my values – grateful living, mindful living, self-care, and thoughtful giving. I’ve found that balance is key, and through my handmade creations, including crocheted blankets, herbal teas, and soy candles, I aim to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and practice self-love.

Life has taught me the importance of finding joy in the little things and appreciating what makes us different. Through Innate Expressions®, I hope to share that message with the world and encourage others to live their best lives.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe that challenges shape us into who we are meant to be. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. One of the biggest struggles was finding my voice and confidence. Growing up, I often felt out of place – whether it was navigating a new culture or feeling like I didn’t fit in with those around me. This made me doubt my abilities, and for a long time, I didn’t think I had anything unique to offer.

When I first started Innate Expressions®, it was more of a personal journey than a business. I registered the brand as a gift to myself, but I didn’t have a clear plan. Balancing my professional life as a biologist with my creative passions was another hurdle. I often felt overwhelmed trying to manage both, and there were moments when I questioned if I could keep it all going. Learning to balance my roles has been a continuous lesson in self-care and prioritizing my well-being.

Another challenge was getting others to understand the value of handmade products. In a fast-paced, mass-produced world, it can be difficult to convey the love and care that goes into creating something from scratch. But I stayed committed to my values – embracing uniqueness, fostering self-love, and encouraging gratitude through my brand. These struggles ultimately helped me shape Innate Expressions® into what it is today – a reflection of my journey and values.

Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance, authenticity, and staying true to who you are.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

At Innate Expressions®, I create more than just products – I craft experiences that promote self-love, gratitude, and mindfulness. I specialize in handmade crochet blankets, organic herbal teas, and 100% soy candles. Each item is a reflection of my belief that beauty and authenticity come from within, and everything I make is designed to inspire a sense of comfort, self-care, and joy in the little things.

What sets me apart is the personal touch that goes into every creation. I don’t mass-produce anything. Each blanket, tea blend, or candle is carefully crafted with intention and love. I aim to create timeless, functional pieces that resonate with my customers on a deeper level. Through Innate Expressions®, I want to encourage others to embrace their unique qualities and practice self-care as an essential part of their lives.

I’m especially proud of how my brand has evolved to align with my personal values. Innate Expressions® is built on the pillars of grateful living, mindful living, self-care, and thoughtful giving. My journey through different cultures and life experiences has taught me the importance of these values, and I incorporate them into everything I do. It’s not just about selling products – it’s about creating a space where people can feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to live their best lives.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my commitment to fostering a culture of self-love and kindness. My work isn’t just about the physical items I create; it’s about the message behind them. Through my handmade pieces, I hope to remind people that they are deserving of love and care and to inspire them to spread that love to others.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

One of my favorite childhood memories is traveling with my family. We’ve always been close-knit and very open-minded, so exploring new places and embracing different cultures was something that shaped who I am today. I loved the way we immersed ourselves in new experiences and learned to appreciate the diversity the world has to offer.

While I don’t travel as much now, that sense of curiosity and openness hasn’t faded. My family and I still explore new things together, and we continue to value the importance of staying open-minded and appreciating different perspectives. I’m especially grateful that I can pass this mindset down to my son, fostering in him the same appreciation for learning and embracing the beauty of other cultures.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://innate-expressions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innateexpressions2013/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innateexpressionsllc/
• Twitter: https://x.com/InnateExpressio
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/emmabarnafo/