Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Akrasi

Hi Joyce, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started akrasiboutique just before the pandemic and lockdown helped to cement its value to me.

Akrasi is a zero waste design boutique. I source distinctive and colourful textiles from offcuts, making most of our pieces one of a kind. My items are made using a combination of hand stitching, sewing machine and I’ve been influenced by the Japanese ‘kanzashi’ style to create the cloth flowers. Growing up, my mother was a dress maker producing bespoke traditional Ghanaian costumes for special occasions. I was always fascinated by the tools of the trade, the cutting board, beautiful wax print fabrics that dance with colour and the magical item that would one day be mine…. The Singer sewing machine. The traditional costumes of Ghana are not just beautiful. Ghana’s ancient heritage and culture influence the designs, fabrics, intricate patterns and have been used by Ghanaians for centuries as they carry the old knowledge and tradition.

I enjoy using the Singer machine not only because quality lasts, but also its historical significance. In the 30’s when Singer came out as the first professional sewing machine available to the masses, it encouraged independent machinists to experiment with designs and created a source of independence for women. Years later, my Singer sewing machine works to create unique contemporary accessories. After I’ve put my son to bed I work on a few items to relax. I love creating because it gives me space to express myself as an African diasporan. It gives me room to breathe and meditate.

My unique creations have opened up my world to other creatives through being a finalist at Wandsworth enterprise awards, various pop ups, online socials, delightful custom orders where I gettolearn the life stories of the person I am making the item for, as well as wholesale orders from museums and galleries like Arkansas museum of fine arts and Sprout Arts.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

There have been challenges along the way. Part of the reason I started is because I needed a space to be creative that accommodates raising my son who is needed a liver transplant as a baby and is on the spectrum.

He is a wonderful boy and I am proud to be raising him. Being a creative means being free to express my sense of African culture creatively as a diasporan. It has helped my son and I explore our cultural identity through adinkra symbols and its many facets.

Initially one of the obstacles was producing enough items to stock the site and for wholesale while making time for custom orders. But with pre planning and open communication the boutique is growing organically and I am starting to meet other creatives and organisations with similar mindsets that offer support and encouragement.

I started off on etsy which has changed its tone recently and not as actively supporting makers as it used to which can make sales a challenge if you are not a mass producer. Slow fashion takes time, there is a craft and skill to it. Fortunately I am starting to meet buyers around the globe, who appreciate and understand the difference between fashion and style so I am able to produce at my own pace.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Akrasi is a zero waste design boutique, sourcing distinctive and colourful textiles from deadstock and exclusive prints mixed with vintage finds, copper, brass, silver, bronze and glass to produce one of kind hair and clothing accessories.

All items are handmade in small batches using the highest quality wax prints to create unique and stylish adornments you won’t find anywhere else.

Growing up, my mother was a dress maker producing bespoke traditional Ghanaian costumes for special occasions.

Ghana’s ancient heritage and culture influence the designs, fabrics, intricate patterns and have been used by Ghanaians for centuries as they carry the old knowledge and tradition.

I enjoy using the Singer machine not only because quality lasts, but also its historical significance. In the 30’s when Singer came out as the first professional sewing machine available to the masses, it encouraged independent machinists to experiment with designs and created a source of independence for women. Years later, my Singer sewing machine works to create unique contemporary accessories. After I’ve put my son to bed I work on a few items to relax.

African wax prints are perfect for that because they also have a complicated history. As a child of the diaspora, I can relate to its more complicated set of origins. Yinka Shonibare, the well-known British-Nigerian artist (one of my favourites) whose work often features these prints, has explored their history. “The fabrics are not really authentically African the way people think,” Shonibare has said. “They prove to have a crossbred cultural background quite of their own.”

The prevailing origin story is that in the 19th century when the Dutch enlisted Africans by force or other nefarious means, to Indonesia, they picked up the technique and made it their own back home. The Dutch tried to industrialise for mass production but their wax always cracked, which limited it’s appeal in Europe. However, Africans saw the beauty of imperfections and voila!

Sewing provides choices (even if just about what to wear) rather than having to conform to others’ choices. What could be more feminist than choosing an activity that allows me to have control and power?

The way I design my items means nothing goes to waste. The pieces of fabric that remain from headwraps, headbands, pocket squares and hair ties are used to make flowers, earrings, cufflinks and pins. They are also incorporated into the packaging which looks really cute!

I have always had a creative aspect to myself, I find it nourishing and I’m fascinated with the relationship of art and identity. I was raised in custom clothes where I got to choose the colours and express myself through style. So from a young age I grew to appreciate difference as something to be celebrated!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

With something for every occasion akrasiboutique have got you covered. Sneaker head? funkify your laces with lacelocks featuring kente and dashiki, one too many bad hair days? Our wire twist hair ties will transform you from eek to chic in minutes! You got a dapper African man close to your heart? Our pocket square and cufflink sets will lift that suit with a dash of sci-funk.

Are you looking for African wax print accessories that are quality, handmade and one of a kind? Do you want to celebrate your African culture in the way that you dress? Akrasiboutique is here for you. Don’t waste your time scrolling for hours and getting distracted by all the noise. You’ve got a life to live and things to do ! Let akrasiboutique take away the stress of looking for the perfect present. We can even gift wrap with a hand written note, saying just what you want it to. Sign up to our mailing list and be the first in your group to discover the treasure trove that is akrasiboutique.

www.akrasiboutique.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akrasiboutique.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akrasiboutique/
• Facebook: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/joyceakrasi/

Image Credits
Joyce Akrasi