MISSION & STORY
Learn about the mission of JAHA COLLECTIVE and how it came to be...
- collage made in collaboration with Artist Kiyomi Quinn Taylor
OUR MISSION
The mission of JAHA COLLECTIVE is to offer a unique collection of stationery, homeware, clothing, and accessories that encourages liberation through creativity. Adorned with Jaha's original artwork, these pieces strive to fuel the visions of young Black, Brown, queer, and Indigenous creatives by blending art and culture into purposeful everyday crafts. Join us in building an equitable, joyful community through imaginative choices and artistic risks.
WHAT GREW INTO A MISSION STARTED AS A DREAM...
When I made my first pattern, it was a love letter to my past self. Growing up, I knew that music and art were my paths, but the journey took hard work. There have been seasons of doubt and deep isolation, especially navigating the world as a Black woman musician.
Throughout my musical and creative career, I have often been the only one in the room who looks like me. Building confidence in such an environment can be challenging. One night, I dreamed I was back in my freshman-year music class. I knew I wanted to create something for that young girl when I woke up. Journals and notebooks have been essential for expressing my ideas, so I set out to create a blank space that would make little me feel brave. Going through this process once, I knew it was a practice I’d want to expand and repeat.
… and the mission to make bold tools for creativity was born.
JAHA COLLECTIVE is more than a brand; it’s my vision of unraveling. My past had many mental health struggles and moments of feeling lost in my art. This new process of design reignited my curiosity and playfulness. I now see these collections as my opportunity to rest, experiment, find pleasure in a different perspective, and center my desires. As my mission evolved, so did my creative confidence. Each product became a new way to stretch my discovery — a journey of reinvention and expression. Love and care touch every piece. I intentionally design these high-quality gems for my community of dreamers who seek to tell their own stories.
GROWTH IN ALL DIRECTIONS...
Those around me constantly inspire me. My loved ones' originality knows no bounds, and I’m grateful for their encouragement to push past my fears and try something new. Since the designs are the heart of the shop, notebooks turned into leather goods, which expanded into a world of shapes and swirls.
From journals to intricate leather creations, the patterns bring new colors to life and encourage the joy of being free.
FUTURE VISION - A SPARK FOR TOMORROW...
Looking ahead, I know the future is bright. I envision these instruments of self-expression empowering my community to make their next masterpiece. Even during challenging moments, we aim to let our wonder roam and make a habit of living artfully. There is an infinite flow of good ideas and no limit to our imaginations. Something from this shop will remind you of your power and ability to create the beautiful life you want...
