The idea for Blk Girls Green House was born out of Gebreyohannes and Thomas’ shared love for interior design and plants. This passion, combined with a desire to create a space that offered joy, tranquility, and peace, especially during the tumultuous period marked by the pandemic and heightened awareness of racial injustices, led to the inception of their business. They envisioned a place where people could feel seen, respected, and safe. "We originally opened BGGH to cultivate a space that held room for joy, for celebration, for tranquility, for peace, in particular for our community," explains Gebreyohannes. The murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery, among others, intensified their need to create a refuge. Blk Girls Green House was conceived as a radical activism to provide a change in economic power. RE-IMAGINING RETAIL WITH PURPOSE Gebreyohannes and Thomas took a stance in the retail industry by prioritizing the representation of Black makers, artists, and creatives. In an industry where Black voices are often marginalized, Blk Girls Green House stands out by immersing visitors in Black culture. From the artwork on the walls to the music playing in the background, the space is a celebration of Black excellence and creativity.
This commitment is reflected in their business model, which ensures that Black artists and makers are prominently featured and fairly compensated. The shop carries emerging brands and unique products and BGGH’s founders not only support local talent but also introduces visitors to a rich tapestry of Black culture. CREATING A THIRD SPACE IN WEST OAKLAND West Oakland, known for being an industrial area, might seem an unlikely location for a vibrant plant shop. However, this contrast is exactly what makes Blk Girls Green House so special. The founders saw an opportunity to bring life and beauty to a place dominated by concrete and industrial buildings. BGGH is not just a beautiful safe space for the community but there is a shop, they hold events and with Gebreyjohannes’ interior design degree she prides herself along with Thomas on the stunning decor. "We really just kind of took that as an opportunity to one, bring that to a place that it may not have been traditionally thought of being housed, and then also using that as sort of a catalyst to connect with the community and with the people that live there," Thomas explains. By transforming an industrial area into a green oasis, they provide a much-needed escape and source of inspiration for the local community.
"We're taking a radical stance in retail, where we were very clear about wanting to house Black makers and artists and creatives in our space and be able
to compensate these makers," SAYS THOMAS.
252
253
Powered by FlippingBook