I am so excited to come see you all on this beautiful Sunday to grace yet another beautiful Black queen’s brand. This entry is so fitting because typically we reserve Sunday for self-care and this queen has some unique products I’m eager to share. “Damn Sis, so who is she?!”
I met the Black charmer, Lilo Allen, owner of Papyrus and Charms, during my first year of the Dream Big Midwest Curvy Conference. Born of African American and Jamaican descent, Lilo’s craftiness is one she inherited from her father, who is a jewelry-maker in St. Catherine’s Jamaica. She describes her artwork as culturally-conscious handmade goods. She blessed us with her presence all the way from Milwaukee, WI. It’s really only an hour and as half drive, but I was grateful she made the trip. When she set up, I was immediately drawn to her table. I have a deep love and appreciation for handmade trinkets and she sold everything that I wanted especially those damn bath bombs. Chile!
Lilo’s table was so bright and colorful like that of her spirit. I was drawn to her energy. It’s ironic because Papyrus & Charms was one of my favorite vendors but while I was running around with not much time to get deep with this Queen, all of my closest friends had already beat me to her! Clearly, my tribe reflects me. As I was conducting my check-ins on the second floor, which held all the vendors, I saw them all gathered around her table laughing and enjoying themselves— without me. I’m hating just a little bit.
Listen y’all, the love ran so deep that they created a whole Instagram chat group with Miss Lilo, baybè (my spelling of “baby” pronounced like the back-in-the-day grandmothers). This woman was magical and very welcoming as I recall. We aren’t very active in the group now because life happens but I keep track with her online site and proud to see it is still thriving with items I should have been purchased because they’re sold out, now! Hence, this BLM pin. I hope she brings it back. I need that like 400+ years ago. Oop!
Back to the bath bombs! I heard they smelled soooo good. So, I didn’t have the chance to purchase the them because I was so busy running around. To be honest, I must have missed them at her table as I don’t recall seeing them. But to my defense of not lying, the reviews I received and the way people stalked me wondering if she was coming back was overwhelming to say the least. I know those bath bombs had to be the “it” item. Between the smell, the price, and how soft I heard they make your body feel, Chiiiiile, I will wait as long as as Black people have waited for reparations to purchase these damn things!
Well, okay! Wasn’t expecting that, were you? Neither did I when I visited the website but it definitely got my attention, too. Now, here’s an interesting piece. *chuckles* Let’s all remember interesting can have various meanings in the Black community. Come get this quick lesson but feel free to skip ahead after the 3rd gray box if you already know. You have:
- Interesting that means you’re crazy usually followed by an extended “okaaaaaaay”:
That person: I’m starting a business selling doggy waist beads. The Judger: Intereeeeestiiing... okaaaaaay!
- Interesting that implies you’re lying:
Him: I was out with my guy, Shawn. Her: Oh that’s interesting because I’ve never met or heard about any Shawn’s until now.
- Interesting that expresses disapproval of an outfit typically from a 1980s and earlier Black mother’s perspective:
*Walks outside half-naked* Black mother: Oh that’s interesting, where you going?
For the sake of the HOE pin that’s actually named the “empowered pin,” we’re going to say that my definition of interesting means that my thoughts are in an entanglement. Thanks Jada! It’s a controversial bold piece that makes me feel indifferent.
Random fact: I’m a Sagittarius cusp meaning I have Capricorn traits, too. My two signs are opposing and sometimes they could leave me conflicted with a full understanding of both side of views.
This piece did that to me.
While I love the bold statement of “DO YOU, BOO,” my conflicting opinion says be careful how you label yourself because words have power. My fun Sag side says, “Do it for fun, Sis! Who cares?!” And my reserved Cap side is looking at me like, “Go ahead… do it and see what happens.” That’s the Black mama fear they instill in us when we know we’re doing something too risky that will more than likely end in bad results. My Cap side may win this battle because I know if someone referred to me as a HOE while wearing it down the street, we might have to throw these Holy hands. But I’m not judging those who would because I want to, too! Tell me your opinion on Instagram, but don’t forget to tell me your sign with it!
I’d love to get Miss Lilo’s thoughts on making and selling this charm, especially since it sold out. I look forward to discussing this piece and what motivated Lilo’s bold personality, so I’m going to keep working on getting in touch with her. I love Sis’s creative mind and I need to get in her thoughts! If you find her, tell her to link up with me. The Black response to this would be: “Aight, I got you!” In the meantime, here are a few other charms that caught my eye. Go shopping! ‘Til next time…
Signed in Black,
Papyrus & Charms
The Bronzeville Collective MKE
339 W North Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53212
