As some of you may have noticed, I was supposed to do a shop restock for Uno+Ichi at the start of June. I chose not to because I didnāt want to detract from the Black Lives Matter movement that is gaining attention like it never has before. Additionally, I was processing my grief, frustration, overwhelm and heartbreak. I felt a little unsure of my decision to delay the restock at a time when I was getting tagged in many Support Black Artists/Businesses posts. I was getting more attention and traffic but I had little for people to purchase online, even though my studio shelf was full of things. My mom told me it was okay, that I didnāt have to feel obligated to take advantage of the attention. Her words came as a relief to the capitalistic pressures inside me. Honestly though, it was an easy decision to make, at least on a somatic level, because I just didnāt FEEL like it. I didnāt feel like selling things while witnessing this kind of state sanctioned violence. I am NOT knocking anyone who continued to work or sell these past few weeksā not at all, I am just explaining where Iāve been, mentally. Iām grateful that I have the support network, savings, and other channels of income that allowed me to make this decision and not suffer financially. I could afford taking time off to grieve. What a concept. What a privilege. Iāve decided to now restock the shop, not because the movement has subsided or justice has been served (Breonna Taylorās killers have not been fired or arrested for their fatal negligence, fyi), not really even because I feel better, but simply because I too, need to make money and pay my bills. I hope that this restock promotion doesnāt distract or detract from the movement. I hope that these things Iāve created can instead be seen as offerings of joy for your home, to help sustain you, your family, or your friends. If you've studied Black musicians, artists, dancers, writers, photographers, filmmakers, and religious leaders, youāll know that joy has always sustained the movement. I hope these new items bring a smile, a laugh, and some joy to you, so we can continue together to build the world we wish to see. I will find my joy in making them. š¤ (at West Adams) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBle2yElqoW/?igshid=vlbw0h0y90yx
