Picture the scene: an impeccably curated open space dotted with luxuriant greenery in ornamented pots. Specialty home goods are sprinkled between symmetrical architecture. Beautiful Black bodies are convening, shopping and taking in the atmosphere; at home and at peace. It may sound like a dream. It once was. That is until veteran entrepreneurs J’Maica Roxanne Thomas and Kalkidan (Kalu) Gebreyohannes brought it to fruition—2020 pandemic and racial injustice nightmare be damned.
The setting of J’Maica and Kalu’s first in-person meeting proved to be the perfect foreshadowing for their budding partnership: an Oakland parade dedicated to cultivating Black joy, creativity and economic empowerment. Five months and countless conversations about plants and design later, the pair conceptualized Blk Girls Green House, an endeavor that would accomplish those very same things.
The stars continued to align for the duo when the adjoining lot of a fitness community space to which Kalu already belonged became available. Just one month after conception, the BGGH site and shop were in full bloom. Affirmed by J’Maica and Kalu as the holistic Black space their West Oakland community was missing, Blk Girls Green House is equal parts nursery, respite for the weary and showcase for Black artists and makers.
The BGGH founders’ shared passion for plants and community is clear. Below, they allow HANNAH to unearth a bit more—like their go-to affirmations, their biggest challenges during the Bay area fires and the song that gives them both hope for the future.
SOUND//MIND ~ J’Maica Roxanne Thomas
Her Sound.
A Song… In heavy rotation: Anita Baker is ALWAYS playing in the background, but currently “Cousin Faith/The Seed” by Grand Nationxl is in heavy rotation.
… That always makes me smile: “Happy Feelings” by Frankie Beverly and Maze
… That reminds me of my childhood: “Waterfalls” by TLC (it was our cookout performance song!)
… That gives me hope for the future: “Shine” by Tobe Nwigwe
… I wish I wrote myself: “As” by Stevie Wonder
Her Mind.
At the moment… I’m grateful
In an hour… I’ll be thinking about what needs to be done for the next day!
Next week… I’ll be starting another new project: redecorating my space this time.
Go-to affirmation for… Success: Measure twice, cut once.
… Self love: Comparison is the thief of joy.
… Stress management: Feel it all the way through.
Favorite healing property of plants: Growth after cutting dead weight (leaves)
If I had to create a PSA right now, it would be about: No longer subscribing to the belief that we need to be acknowledged or accepted by white America to walk in our greatness and thrive.
The last meme I sent to someone: Was definitely something shady!
Biggest interior/exterior design influences: Neffi Walker, Blake Gifford, Shavonda Gardner & Chanae Richards
One holistic Black space that is missing in your community: It’s here now! Blk Girls Green House!
A biography I’d love to write: Eartha Kitt or Maya Angelou
Dream BGGH pop up: National Museum of African American History & Culture
Biggest challenge during the current Bay Area fires: Caring for ourselves and our space simultaneously.
One wish for Black-owned businesses in Oakland: That they’re given equal and ample opportunities for funding & support, especially during these times.
SOUND//MIND ~ Kalkidan “Kalu” Gebreyohannes
Her Sound.
A Song… In heavy rotation: Giveon’s “The Beach” but really his whole album
… That always makes me smile: “Master Blaster” by Stevie Wonder
… That reminds me of my childhood: “All At Once” by Whitney Houston
… That gives me hope for the future: “Shine” by Tobe Nwigwe
… I wish I wrote myself: Lucky Daye’s entire Painted album
Her Mind.
At the moment… I’m dreaming of a vacation in Africa.
In an hour… I will head to my second business of the day.
Next week… I’ll be back to homeschooling my three kids.
Go-to affirmation for… Success: It takes courage & consistency, two things you can absolutely do!
… Self love: You’re everything you believe you are! So believe amazing things! Nothing else.
… Stress management: You can’t pray and worry at the same time.
Favorite healing property of plants: Purifying our air!
If I had to create a PSA right now, it would be about: Black Maternal Health
The last meme I sent to someone: “I know it was months ago but i still don’t like how you all acted over toilet paper.”
Biggest interior/exterior design influences: AFRICA & all things Black Culture balanced with plants
One holistic Black space that is missing in your community: Oakland is pretty dope in this area and what was missing J’Maica and I built.
A biography I’d love to write: James Baldwin or Whitney Houston
Dream BGGH pop up: Essence Festival
Biggest challenge during the current Bay Area fires: Air quality and keeping our space and plants ash free.
One wish for Black-owned businesses in Oakland: That we continue to serve our communities and push through these times.
All photos by Samantha Tyler