I have a deep passion for sustainability and adding pieces to my jewelry collection. I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Bandele Muse, a sustainable and Black-owned jewelry brand. Bandele Muse beautifully incorporates elements of Afro-futurism into its designs, resulting in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. As I navigate my spiritual and awareness journey, nurturing my intuition and submitting myself to divine guidance is an integral part of my daily life. When I selected pieces to wear from Bandele Muse, I approached it with the same intention.
Each piece I chose became an extension of my personal journey, allowing me to express my individuality and connection to the Universe. I chose the “Good Advice” earrings and the “Courage and Balance” bracelet.
Good Advice Earrings From Bandele Muse
The “Good Advice” earrings must’ve been a popular choice because they are now sold out! However, you can be notified of their restock by signing up for their newsletter. With any new pair of earrings that I buy, I’m always a bit skeptical since my ears are extremely sensitive. I wore these earrings all day in the Texas heat and humidity and to my surprise, my ears did not become irritated nor did they turn red. In fact, I received numerous compliments throughout the day on how lovely the earrings looked.
I like everything that I do and wear to have deep meaning and significance in my life. The “Good Advice” earrings are a reflection of that. They are a pair of medium-sized earrings crafted with a blend of gold and brass. These earrings draw inspiration from the vibrant African print, specifically influenced by the renowned Vlisco pattern called “conseille” or “advice” from Ivory Coast. Meticulously handcrafted, the “Good Advice” earrings embody the essence of wisdom and prosperity symbolized by gold, while the brass elements represent beauty and positivity. Adorning myself with literal “works-of-art” as earrings not only exudes elegance but also serves as a source of internal guidance and inspiration.
Courage & Balance- Tiger’s Eye Bracelet From Bandele Muse
One of the cornerstones of my spiritual and awareness journey is the practice of self-reflection and attending to my own needs first. Understanding which chakras are out of alignment and require extra care is an essential aspect of my journey. Among the main 7 chakras, my Root Chakra consistently draws my attention. The Root Chakra, positioned at the base of the spine, serves as the foundation of our energy centers. It governs our fundamental life needs and becomes a focal point whenever grounding, encouragement, and a sense of support are necessary.
Tiger’s Eye, a stone closely associated with this chakra, has become dear to my spiritual endeavors. It came as no surprise that I felt an instant connection towards Bandele Muse’s “Courage & Balance” bracelet, which is made of Tiger’s Eye stones. The bracelet serves as a tangible reminder of the qualities I seek to cultivate within myself, reinforcing my connection to courage and balance along my journey.
Learn More About The Sustainable Jewelry Brand, Bandele Muse
The Creation of Bandele Muse
The owner of Bandele Muse, Dagny Zenovia, drew inspiration from an Afro-futuristic vision. Life was peaceful but the cultural and historical heritage of their ancestors on Earth had been lost and distorted. To counteract the loss of historical heritage, they imagined a way to travel back in time to warn previous generations of the long-lasting impacts of their actions.
The name “Bandele” was chosen as a tribute to the owner’s fashionable grandmother, who made significant contributions to women’s rights and home economics in Liberia. The name also translates to “follow me home” in Yoruba, which reflects the owner’s quest for identity and belonging as a first-generation American of African heritage. Balancing multiple worlds led her to embrace Afro-futurism, a space where she felt a sense of belonging. The brand serves as a safe space to nurture a sense of home and identity, paying homage to the past while healing the present.
Sustainability Practices of Bandele Muse
A simplistic approach was emphasized when incorporating sustainability into the design and production processes of Bandele Muse by focusing on tangible actions and initiatives. The jewelry collection is crafted by local artisans in Ghana, utilizing locally sourced materials that assist in stimulating the economy. The packaging is intentionally designed to be reusable, serving as a convenient pouch for your accessories and jewelry. Bandele Muse prioritizes timeless and durable designs to ensure longevity. In order to minimize waste, products are made in small batches and produced upon order. Sustainability is seen as a way of life, extending beyond mere actions and permeating the brand’s education, entertainment, and lifestyle aspects. By embracing sustainability as a holistic approach to living, Bandele Muse strives to make a meaningful impact within the jewelry industry.
Design Inspiration of Bandele Muse
Influenced by Afro-futurism, Dagny explained that the design aesthetics and concepts of the jewelry collection incorporate engravings inspired by African fabric prints, each carrying specific intentions and meanings. The Good Advice earrings draw inspiration from an original Vlisco pattern called “conseille” or “advice” from Ivory Coast. The Sun Vibraneeum bracelet, with its vibrant color combination, evokesa comparison to Marvel’s Vibranium, symbolizing indigenous magical power. By intertwining African folklore with Afro-futuristic elements, the Bandele Muse creates a harmonious fusion that reflects the brand’s distinctive style and concepts.
The Importance of Sustainability, Craftsmanship, and an Afro-Futuristic Vision
The owner of Bandele Muse Initially planned to launch a clothing collection but the challenges of producing designs in Ghana led to a shift in focus towards home decor and jewelry. Dagny recognized the value of the handcraftsmanship of local artisans, acknowledging their immense talent and rich history. By working and collaborating directly with the Ghanaian artisans for Bandele Muse’s jewelry collection, the vision of minimizing waste, making a positive community impact, and prioritizing intentional production was fully embodied. This journey evokes the essence of Bradele Muse’s commitment to sustainability, cultural appreciation, and empowering local artisans.
Stay Connected with Bandele Muse
As you explore the world of Bandele Muse, you embark on an inner-galactic journey of life and style, guiding you back home to your true essence. Beyond the intricately designed jewelry pieces showcased on the website, in their journal section, you’ll discover a wealth of tips and inspiring stories. To stay connected with the Afrofuturistic magic that Bandele Muse produces and to be notified of the restock of the Good Advice earrings, be sure to join the newsletter!
