Article: The Importance of Representation in Home Decor and Art: Honouring the Women Artisans behind September Collective this International Women's Day.
The Importance of Representation in Home Decor and Art: Honouring the Women Artisans behind September Collective this International Women's Day.
Written by Courtney Roberts & Leslie Rivers
Every March, the world comes together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women during Women’s History Month, with March 8th shining as International Women’s Day. At September Collective, this celebration isn’t just a moment—it’s woven into our daily mission. We proudly showcase the artistry of Africa and the African Diaspora, ensuring these artisans have a place, a home. Behind every piece we offer are talented, hard working artisans, many of whom are women, who play a critical role at every step of the process and whose creativity and craftsmanship shape each design from inspiration to production.
By embracing these artistic perspectives, we have created space for everyone.
The Spirit of Craftsmanship at September Collective
Empowerment is woven into every piece we select. By showcasing the artistry and heritage of Africa and the African diaspora, we uplift skilled women artisans, preserve cultural traditions, and inspire individuals to express their identity through their homes. Each piece tells a story of resilience, creativity, and legacy—empowering both the creators and those who welcome these works into their spaces.
September Collective is committed to sustainable and ethical craftsmanship. By partnering with skilled artisans across Africa and the Diaspora through purposeful sourcing, collaboration and purchasing their products, these women gain further opportunity to support themselves, their families and community, fostering a sustainable cycle of economic empowerment.
The Women Behind the Pieces
Meet the women artisans behind the beloved brands we carry at September Collective.
The Baba Tree Basket Weavers
Over 250 Gurunsi artisans - many of which are women - practice a time-honoured practice of heritage weavers technique using Elephant grass to create baskets designed through knowledge handed down from the elders in Bolgatanga, a remote town in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Each basket comes directly from the hands of the artisan weaver and each basket contains their unique signature. Outside of fair wages and commission when the basket is sold, Baba Tree provides comprehensive support for their weavers and their families, covering all medical expenses and fully funding the education of weavers' children.
Learn more about BabaTree and Shop the Collection
The Furniture Makers: Tekura Designs
Audrey Forson, a sustainable furniture designer, transforms wood into stunning furniture and decor pieces inspired by the rich culture and heritage of Africa. Under her leadership, Tekura, a longstanding family-run business, has expanded its focus to local and larger African markets, gaining international recognition. As Tekura paves the way for a future where craftsmanship and sustainability go hand in hand, it remains a symbol of the Forson family’s enduring legacy.
“My goal is to change the perception that Africa and things from Africa are of inferior quality.” - Audrey Forson
Learn more about Tekura and Shop the Collection
Visual Artists: Holly McWhorter and Rhen Ovations
Holly McWhorter is an artist, writer, and designer based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Brooklyn, New York. After many years of creating mostly photographic visual artwork, she began painting in the winter of 2020.
“I love the physical act of putting paint on a substrate, and my work explores the way the interaction of color and form can interact within a plane, or space, to evoke certain emotions—and perhaps even memories.” - Holly McWhorter
Learn more about Holly and Shop the Collection
Rhen.Ovations is a mother-daughter creative team bringing artistry and intention to every product and service they offer. Based in High Point, North Carolina, their business is built on a shared passion for storytelling through design, blending heritage, craftsmanship, and modern aesthetics into pieces that inspire.
“Our story began with a shared love for art and beauty, and the joy of creating something meaningful with our own hands.” - Rhen
Rhen.Ovations is a name that carries deep significance for us. It’s a combination of my mother’s name, Rhen, and the word “renovations,” symbolizing our mission to take an idea, an object, and transform it.
Learn more about Rhen and Shop the Collection
The Textile Maker: Lulasclan
My mother Anna Chepape and my Aunt Tshupi Letsie are the matriarchs of the Chepape Clan who have helped and contributed in the building and support of the brand at its early start-up phase. The self-taught seamstresses with a natural appetite for entrepreneurship, jumped on board when the idea of Lulasclan was born.
Their process involves sourcing quality based fabrics from local fabric suppliers and using digital printing technology that uses eco-solvent inks to transfer our designs.
“Creating this home, which I call Lulasclan, was about creating a safe space for self-expression, embracing the bold, celebrating my love and appreciation for Africa, a place I also call home." - Bonolo Chepape, Founder & Multi-disciplinary Creative
Learn more about Bonolo and Shop the Collection
The Impact of Women in the Artisan Industry
Despite the historical challenges and limited access to mainstream markets, women in Africa and the African diaspora have played a pivotal role in preserving and evolving artisan traditions, bridging ancestral craftsmanship with contemporary design. These artisans have carved out spaces where their work is celebrated, influencing global design trends and redefining perceptions of African-inspired luxury. Their creations not only honour heritage but also serve as a means of economic empowerment, sustaining communities and inspiring future generations. By uplifting and supporting women artisans in the diaspora, we acknowledge their invaluable contributions to culture, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of high-end decor.
Female entrepreneurs in Africa contributed approximately US$250 billion to US$300 billion to the continent's GDP in 2016, accounting for about 13% of the total GDP. Although this number declined during the pandemic, according to a more recent report from McKinsey Global Institute, continued support for female entrepreneurs could increase GDP to $316 billion by 2025. By carrying these women-backed brands, September Collective helps to amplify the voices and livelihoods of women in the craft and fine art industry. Our mission is to bring heritage inspired modern African home decor and art to Canada and the rest of the world. It is not just about the products but about driving social impact while supporting women entrepreneurs and providing awareness about women in artisanal industries.
How You Can Support Women Artisans, this International Women’s Day
We can all play a role in uplifting women artisans from Africa and the African Diaspora by celebrating their craftsmanship, being intentional about where we invest our hard-earned money, and sharing platforms like September Collective, which brings unique, sustainably made, and ethically sourced pieces to the Canadian marketplace.
As a women-led business, September Collective is intentional about creating an environment where women flourish. Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. Our collections honour cultural traditions and skilled craftsmanship. Every piece is selected with intention, ensuring it reflects the genuine artistry and heritage of its origins. By embracing authenticity, we empower our clients to create homes that truly reflect their identity, heritage, and personal narratives.
Participation in artisan initiatives has led to consistent income, improved living standards, and enhanced community support for women, their families, and the community in Sub-Saharan Africa and the African Diaspora. By purchasing handcrafted items directly from artisans, we help preserve traditional crafts and foster global economic equality for women. Let’s embrace the artistry of thoughtful craftsmanship over the uniformity of mass-produced home decor and art. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our own personal impact and how we can move the dial forward for women artisans globally. Let’s all commit to continuing to support women artisans year-round, not just during the month of March.
Visit September Collective to learn more about our artisans and shop our thoughtfully curated collections.
Sources:
Weaving Social Capital: Empowering Women Artisans in Sub-Saharan Africa through Cooperatives
Women and the Changing Face of Entrepreneurship in Africa
The Power of Parity: Advancing Womens Equality in Africa