Minding My Black Business: Part Deux

As we celebrate Black Business Month, I’ve been reflecting deeply on how this journey of entrepreneurship is shaping me—how it’s forcing me to believe in myself in a new way, and how it’s become one of the most creative acts I might have ever undertaken.

Starting Baby Yams was always about more than just making beautiful blankets. It's healing for me and an act of resistance for every story that's been shared with me over these past 6 years of Black Maternal Health Advocacy. I deeply needed to create a space that celebrated the beauty that was so egregiously ignored in my hospital birthing room 8 years ago—a safe expressive space, rooted in love and culture, and full of intention. I needed to pour out my desire into something I could touch and build.

And let me tell you, every interaction at our pop-ups; each email I receive—whether to someone new or a familiar voice; every card I send, every fabric I choose, each blanket I design, every obstacle I have to move out of the way... is a blessing and confirmation. We’re building something together, a space where conversations happen, information is shared, where our stories are honored, and our families are held.

This work is rooted in my desire to bring about cultural change—not through consumption, but through intentionality. So, when I think about how I navigate the world of advertising for Baby Yams, I am constantly conscious of the message we’re sending out into the world. I want those messages to reflect the cultural safety I’ve cultivated in my home—a space where our past, present, and future blend into something beautiful and powerful.

To date, we’ve really only advertised here through email and my personal social channels. But in the coming months, I’m excited to share that you’ll start to see a concerted effort to reach a wider audience. I ask that you share it when you see it. My hope is that Baby Yams becomes the go-to gift for anyone who wants to show love and support for the birthing person in their life. I want our products to become synonymous with care—care for mama, daddy, baby, and our communities.

You're making a statement when you give a Baby Yams blanket as a gift, or use it as a stroller cover, a swaddle, or even a nursing cover—as I did with my own. You’re declaring a deep understanding of what it takes to design a life that nourishes and protects us. You’re honoring that sacred act of care that begins within our homes and extends out into the world.

On a super real personal note, I also recently realized I needed a dedicated space—a real office in my house—to do this work. Nothing big or fancy, just a room where I could house our truly stunning new inventory, along with my kids’ artwork and all the other pieces that bring this dream to life. And I’ve got to tell you, being in there surrounded by our beautiful new designs is something special.

On the road this past year, I got some great intel from our customers on color trends for our upcoming releases—think brilliant oranges and yellows, peaches and lavender, cobalt blues, and even playful plaids. Hues that celebrate the diaspora! And the Ankara and Batik fabrics? From swallows to florals, tribal motifs to whimsical patterns—oh, I just know you’re going to fall in love with everything! I can’t wait for you to see it all.

No big delivery systems yet—just me, my computer, and this dedicated space to focus. Sometimes I get so caught up in it that my husband will bring me a snack when I forget to eat. 😂

I started this business to challenge the marketplace and to infuse it with new energy and intention. When I encounter gaps in my knowledge, I put on my detective hat, seek out resources, and invest in myself, my team and this gift of a dream. Every step—big or small—is a part of building something lasting and powerful.

Your support fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait for you to experience all the beautiful things coming this fall. With each purchase, you’re not just adding a gorgeous blanket to your collection—you’re investing in Black maternal health, in community, and in a future where we all thrive—blanket by blanket, brick by brick.

This isn’t just a business to me; it’s a movement. And I am so grateful to be walking this path with each of you.