"Making Shea Butter" is an collage that finds its inspiration in a video post shared by my former college classmate, Abena of Hanahana Beauty. Her thriving shea body butter business, based in Chicago but with deep ties to her ancestral home in Ghana, became the catalyst for this piece. The video showcased Abena's journey to a vibrant village where women artisans crafted shea butter by hand, intertwining creativity with camaraderie. Drawn to the social significance of this process, I sought to capture the essence of their collaborative spirit in my art.

"Making Shea Butter" celebrates the power of community as the women gather, engaging in lively conversations, laughter, and the shared endeavor of shea production. Through my artwork, I aim to amplify the transformative nature of their creative process, where not only is shea butter crafted, but connections are forged and stories are exchanged. This piece serves as a testament to Abena's commitment to supporting these remarkable women, as the proceeds from her business uplift their lives and honor their ancestral traditions.