One Year of Baby Yams, and a Season of Growth 🌱

As Lauryn Hill wrote, “After winter, must come spring.” Winter has its own kind of beauty, with its frosty allure and the quiet that blankets the earth. However, as the days grow longer and the sunshine becomes more generous, the vibrancy of spring takes center stage.

As I write this Sunday afternoon, the gentle warmth of the sun is breaking through the last remnants of winter’s chill. It’s finally spring, a season that offers renewal. The stark, bare branches that once stood in solemn silence during the cold months are now transforming right before my eyes. Every day reveals a little more life, as tiny green leaves unfurl and pale flowers begin to bloom, dotting the landscape with soft pastels.

Black Maternal Health Week & One Year of Baby Yams!

This month is particularly special to me because we are celebrating Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to April 17. Initiated by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, an organization I hold dear, Black Maternal Health Week is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the disparities facing Black mothers and birthing people, promoting the importance of maternal health equity, and advocating for necessary changes in policy and care practices. It’s a moment to uplift the voices of Black birthing people, reaffirm our rights, and ensure that every pregnancy and birthing experience is honored.

This Black Maternal Health Week also marks Baby Yam’s very first birthday. I can scarcely believe the outpouring of support we’ve received over this past year. Thank you for your emails, your stories, and for taking the time to explore the site. Launching a business at this moment was an interesting choice for me, considering the numerous economic indicators suggesting it might not be the best time.

Yet, I felt a deep, internal certainty that beauty and good news would be more necessary than ever. Just look at how the 98% (if you know, you know) rallied behind the idea of a soft life. Movements to maintain and restore community are growing stronger each day. The movement for care has always originated from the grassroots, evolving from the ground up. That’s why what happens at the highest levels of power holds little sway for me. As my grandmother used to say, “That don’t make me no never mind.” This work has never been about the powerful; it has always been about empowerment.

Luxury You Can Feel, Offers You’ll Love

Each Baby Yams blanket is thoughtfully handmade—meant to be cherished, gifted, and kept. We're always looking for ways to show appreciation for our growing community, and this month, we're excited to share a few extra-special savings to help you welcome more warmth into your home.

This month in Yam House Diaries, we also have some fabulous guest bloggers lined up with informative essays that I just know you will enjoy. Their insights and experiences will enrich you, inform you and fill you with expectancy!

Welcoming Spring's Embrace

As we welcome spring, here are five ways that I’m getting ready for the fresh, new feeling of the season:

1. Deep Clean Every Corner: Start with a thorough housecleaning. Dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces that may have collected grime over the winter months. A fresh environment brings a renewed spirit. When you look around and see your space clean and tidy. It will help you focus on what you’ve just been dreaming about getting started.
2. Clean Out the Cupboards: Now is the time to declutter your kitchen and pantry. Toss expired items and donate non-perishables that you no longer need. A tidy space fosters creativity and clarity. I did this just the other day! Trust me, it’s worth it. Just put on some Jill Scott, or what moves you, sing-a-long and roll those sleeves up. It feels amazing once you’re done!
3. Change Up Decor: Swap out heavy winter decor for lighter, spring-inspired pieces. Incorporate fresh flowers and vibrant colors to brighten your home. Even in college I’d bring in a fresh cut flower into my dorm room. It made me so happy. Such a beautiful, little thing can brighten your day and give you a sense of calm, even in the storm.
4. Revive Your Garden: Prepare your outdoor space, whether you have a backyard,
   balcony or patio. Clean up any debris, trim down plants, and plant something! Nurturing your garden can reflect the growth you wish to see in your life. This year I’ve planted tomatoes, peas, chard, celery, lettuce and I planted an onion that grew a sprig in my pantry. I got some new rich soil and made sure all of my watering was in place. There is something really satisfying about eating something that you grew yourself. Try lettuce! Plant some in a pot and watch it go crazy, instead of harvesting the whole thing all at once, clip the leaves you need for your meal. It will last all season if you have a couple of these pots going at the same time.
5. Set Intentions for the Year: Take a moment to reflect and set intentions for what you wish to manifest this year. Writing them down can help solidify your focus. Like Chaka Khan and Whitney said, “It’s ALL in you!”

As we watch the transformations unfold around us, let us embrace the promise of new
beginnings. May we find inspiration to grow, seek light in the darkness, and remember that each season holds significance. Let’s welcome spring with open hearts, ready to nurture the beauty in us.