In many travels and experiences of forced displacement I’ve learned that it helps me to have objects and rituals that can make anywhere feel like home. Even when I am living out of a backpack, I save space for these things:
a quilted altar cloth ( the first full quilt that I ever completed)
the complete works of Zora Neale Hurston ( a hardbound linen backed volume gifted to me in my freshman year of college by my poppy. The first book of hers that I ever read.)
a southern magnolia seedpod ( theses trees hold all the magic and memories of my youth)
my travel alarm clock ( allows me and my phone to sleep in separate rooms)
an @efuasbaby rose scented candle 12 oz
I bought my first Efua’s Baby candle in 2015 because I wanted to support my friend Nandi in her new business. Nandi, Nandi’s kids and I all trained capoeira together for years. I was excited for her and wanted to see her thrive. I chose the rose scented candle because I love rose scented or flavored anything. I knew that I would like it but YALL. yall. I didn’t know that this candle would become an essential everyday item.
Six years later this candle, this scent, is what home smells like to me. Wherever I am in the world you will find this candle on my altar and at the edge of my bath. The smell of it will greet you the moment that you step into my space. I buy these candles by the dozen. I never want to run out of them. I always want to have extras on hand so that I can gift them to loved ones. Or add them to care packages. I collect the glass jars and give them back for refills when I am ready to reup.
I’m inviting you to support my joy by buying me a rose scented Efua’s Baby candle or rose scented Efua’s Baby body butter. Click the link in the Efua’s Baby bio to buy. Put for Omolara in the note and Nandi will make sure that it gets sent to the right address.
*For my birthday this year I’m asking you to celebrate with me by supporting my joy, my work and my communities. Each day I’ll be sharing one simple thing that you can do to support me in each of these areas. Visit my blog at the link in my bio to read past posts.