Today, we’d like to introduce you to Emma Barnafo. Emma was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Cass Zoubek.
Emma, thank you so much for joining us today. We’d love for you to bring our readers up to speed – can you introduce yourself and share your story?
I’ve always felt like an outsider. Yes, I had friends, but I never truly felt like I belonged. I’ve always been socially awkward and rather uncomfortable in large groups. Smaller, close-knit circles have always felt safer to me.
I’m originally from Ghana, but my earliest memories are from my childhood in the UK. To the best of my recollection, those years were rather pleasant, or maybe I was just blissfully unaware as a child. When my family moved back to Ghana during my teenage years, it was a real eye-opener – I felt different. I spoke with a British accent when no one else did, and I was timid and socially awkward.
Despite my best efforts to fit in, I was often teased, both to my face and behind my back. It really hurt, especially because I couldn’t understand why the other kids were so mean. My teenage years were spent trying to find my place, and while I did make a few lasting friendships, popularity just wasn’t in the cards for me.
As a young adult, I moved to the US for university, and that was my sanctuary! The diverse student body, with people from all over the world, created an environment where everyone was curious about each other’s cultures. Finally, I felt like I belonged.
I no longer had to pretend or strive to fit in. By then, I was beyond tired of trying to be someone I wasn’t. I had finally realized that living authentically was far easier and much more fulfilling. It was during this time that I discovered true happiness, beauty, and uniqueness come from within, not from external validation or societal standards.
I believe we must learn to embrace and love ourselves just as we are, thereby teaching others how to treat us.
Please tell us more about your brand, Innate Expressions
At Innate Expressions®, I believe that true beauty comes from within and that every unique journey deserves to be celebrated. My mantra is “Be You. Do You.” because I honor individuality and encourage self-expression. I offer handcrafted lifestyle and wellness products that nurture a life filled with joy and wellness. My product range includes, but is not limited to, organic teas, handmade blankets, and unique baby gift sets. Each item is thoughtfully handcrafted to celebrate your unique journey and inner beauty. What sets me apart is my commitment to quality and the personal touch in every product I create. I take pride in my meticulous craftsmanship and the love that goes into each piece. Here at Innate Expressions®, I’m proud to help my customers find joy in the little things and celebrate their authentic selves.
So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Cass Zoubek and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Cass.
I met Cass via Instagram, and we quickly became good friends, largely because we share similar qualities and values.
Cass is an incredibly talented silversmith whose evolution in her craft has been a true pleasure to witness. Her hard work, unique creations, and willingness to embrace creative liberties have always impressed me.
When it came to designing my custom jewelry, she was outstanding in every aspect.
Despite typically working with statement pieces and stones, she patiently collaborated with me to create a silver cuff bracelet with a delicate leaf motif that was light and perfect for everyday wear. She also crafted a matching leafy ring, which complemented the bracelet beautifully.
The design process was seamless, with Cass maintaining excellent communication and offering exceptional customer service throughout. She was attentive to my preferences and went above and beyond to ensure that the final pieces were exactly what I had envisioned.
The end result exceeded my expectations – I wear my bracelet and ring set almost every day! And yes, I receive compliments on them frequently.
Cass’s craftsmanship truly shines through, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how everything turned out.
Website: https://innate-expressions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innateexpressions2013/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innateexpressionsllc/
