HOW TO PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS/ 5 Jamaican Businesses I can't wait to shop at

"Self-love can't exist without self-awareness"

The quote above highlights the importance of self-awareness, being aware of your likes and dislikes can help you decide on what to feed yourself more of. Most times what we think we like don't actually have any personal inclination. We might buy something or do an activity "just because.... " just because of societal influences. We have to shut that out and find out what truly floats our individual and unique boat.

When you are aware of your self you don't let any and anybody into your life, you don't consume unconsciously, you don't seek joy or love from outward sources. Self-awareness is the commitment to an ongoing reflection on your thoughts, feelings and experiences in order to build a better understanding of yourself. (Drew Dudley)

How do you start or improve your self-awareness?

Well, I do have a worksheet to help you out, but before that, I wanted to kind of show you how you could put self-awareness into practice and to also share with you my Jamaican -made product wishlist. I'll be sharing 5 items from Jamaican owned businesses that I would love to purchase from in the near future. I will be sharing with you my reasons, some of my reasons will reveal a bit of conscious self-awareness.

1. Half Moon clutch from HEAVY MANNAZ

The half-moon clutch has the exquisite HeavyMannaz canvas batik and a printed clutch. They are environmentally friendly as vegan leather is used for the rest of the body. It is versatile in that it can be worn as a bag, clutch or a fanny pack. The possibilities are endless!

Photo Credit: Heavy Mannaz

I have fallen in love with HeavyMannaz products for a few years now. to answer the question of what in me is drawn to their products requires a bit of self-awareness. The business was started by a dynamic young lady, Khristina Godfrey in the summer of 2016. I like the uniqueness of the bags, the eye enthralling graphics on the bags & purses and the sheer beauty. These items reflect a bit of my character- the bit that does not like to conform to the norm, full of intricacies and elegance nonetheless. When I purchase one or two of their products...(lol) just looking at it is sure to bring me joy and fortify my character. Recently I found out that the batik design on some of their recent collection (like the one above) is derived from Nigerian batik methods & sunscreen printing techniques. The process is called ADIRE it stems from Yoruba culture, African print materials are made by such methods also. If you know me I am big on my African culture, I love anything that reminds me of where I come from and so this detail adds to my love for this brand.

2. Motherland Backpack from QUAINT by GSC

Made with vegan leather & African print, the colour and design on the backpack is simply stunning and unique.

Photo credit: Quaint by GSC

Motherland refers to Africa. This is in tune with my being because I am very pro-African, I believe in not only identifying with my roots but to actively embrace and promote it. Because I am aware that I am able to detect a product that serves me, in another scenario, I would be able to make a life-changing decision that would serve me best. It helps that the bag pack is simply a sight for sore eyes. The brand Quaint is on a whole African-inspired and is powered by a strong, purpose-driven Empress, Gabrielle Sade Clarke. Who apart from being a business owner is a YouTuber and a pioneer for human wellness. Apart from backpacks, she makes handbags, fanny packs and purses.

3. Bombay Bags from KEHS KENITRA

Photo credit: Kehs Kenitra

This is the last bag I promise. The bags produced by this brand is simply breathtaking. I mean!!! they are gorgeous. The bag exudes a sort of elegance with its sleek look. I chose the Bombay bag in particular because it aligns with me in the sense of having.... the smooth leather finish aligns with the part of me that enjoys being elegant and radiating an undeniable light. The handle, bamboo looking aligns with me in that its different, nature inclined (i live nature) and strong. The bag is edgy and distorts regular expectations- yoh that's me. Anderson, when making her bags hopes that the pieces enhance a good feeling in the buyer. I can assure you that when I get this bag, all sorts of good feelings will be ignited. It is important to note that the bags are really good quality made of vegan & cowhide leather canvas, suede and metal finish and is yet very much affordable. You don't have to sacrifice quality for cost.

4. Pearl Wire crown from CHRISSY'S COILS

Photo credit: Chrissy's Coils

I often refer to myself as Gimbiya-Queen and whilst that is more about my actions & behaviour, I would like a tangible reminder of who I claim to be, hence why I would totally get this wired crown from Chrissy coils. Couple things to note though; the crown is made from wire (unexpected use of wire) this fact reminds me of my innovative attribute and as Teni Oluwo puts it - the want and search for something deeper. The pearls remind me of the beauty that can emerge from adversity. Pearls are formed when a parasite enters an oyster, the oyster protects itself by releasing fluid to coat the parasite forming nacre turns into the beautiful piece of pearl. Resilience is a part of me, the pearls on this crown will remind of that.

5. She is a garden girl dress from TCG

Photo Credit: TCG

Look at it. What more can I say? other than that I love nature and that I love bright colours they brighten my day. Wearing a piece like that will instantly brighten my mood and add extra sunshine to my day.

6. Wood photo board & Bamboo straw from BAMBUSA JAMAICA

Photo Credit: Bambusa Jamaica

If you didn't know before I am sure that you know by now that I love unique pieces that have some character and beauty (even if most don't see it). The wooden photo board is like nothing I have ever seen before! An individual's image is engraved on it and you can have your fave quote or Bible verse engraved also. If I have my picture engraved and use the Bible verse "For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" 1 Corinthians 6:20. I think the product is cool. The bamboo straws they produce look durable and cute (when have you described a straw as cute? but this one... sure is). It is a sustainable option and can be personalized. Check it out in the picture below of my beautiful friend: Lexi, a lifestyle blogger and a content creator.

7. Home Premium Pillow & Kingston Jamaica MAP poster by STUDIO 27

Photo credit: Studio27

I know myself and I know that I love interior design - in turn, home decor. More specifically I love decor pieces that have some form of significance other than 'they are cute'. These pieces would remind me of my second homeland and the many memories I have there. It would make any space I'm in heartwarming, especially the pillow, I mean it literally says 'Home' (smiles).

I am no Kingstonian ( i come from Clarendon) but anything that reminds me of where I come from and propels me to give back to that place is great in my books. Additionally, I love the feature of the map, I just like how it looks.

And with that, I end this blog. There is an added confidence that comes with self-discovery, with the help from my relationship with God and frequent inward reflection, trying new ventures, I have gotten to know myself. One of my favourite online personalities, Teni Oluwo has this to say about self-awareness: "It means a lot but most importantly, understanding the value that I carry. Knowing my worth and the power of my individuality." Knowing myself better makes me take to make them more lucrative decisions that will lead to curating my best life. The same happens to you.

Here is the worksheet to help you identify and cultivate self-awareness and there is a special message from the Quaint Bawse, the owner of Quaint in it so I do hope you check it out:

Thanks for stopping by.

Never stop Curating your best life.

-Y.E.N