Daughters of The Dust capsule collection
PROMOTING MIND, BODY & WELLNESS THROUGH THE CURRENT INSTALL AT SEMILLA’S +STUDIO.
Photo courtesy of Henry Amistadi
Cafeteria’s partnership with Semilla Cafe + Studio has led to implementing an experience-driven approach for the shop’s retail section. As the title derives from the 1991 independent film directed by Julie Dash, the in-store installation includes subtle references to a pre-industrial homestead with personable relics and a straw-filled claw foot bathtub as its centerpiece.
Daughter of The Dust film poster / Director Julie Dash poses for the movie "Daughters of the Dust", circa 1991. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives)
The products are noted to be handcrafted and made from natural ingredients that offer an enriched focus on mind/body nourishment and healing; all while being contributed by a prominently women-owned and Great Hartford-based brand list.
Photo courtesy of Henry Amistadi
This installation was produced in collaboration with visual artist Henry Amistadi. We invite you to learn more about the brands in this collection below, and to visit Semilla to explore the installation in person.
Brand List
Marsh + Mane is a Philadelphia-based beauty supply boutique that provides a unique shopping experience for Black men and women. Founded by Hartford, CT native Jenea Robinson, Marsh + Mane was created to be a one-stop-shop to purchase everything you need for your wash day routines and self-care rituals. Customers will find a curated selection of independent and national brands in addition to our in-house Marsh + Mane Collection. Our goal is to redefine the Black beauty supply experience.
Warm Jungle was founded in 2020 by Danessa Pedroso to help people cultivate a sacred relationship with their environment and ultimately, themselves. By creating functional and sculptural ceramics, Danessa hopes to provide earthenware that will maximize others' self-care experiences. Additionally, Warm Jungle applies a green touch by offering plants to liven up spaces and reconnect the community to the natural world. Ultimately, Danessa's overall mission with Warm Jungle is to create a safe, learning sanctuary for others by using one of the oldest forms of technology, pottery.
The8thElementt is created by Rachel Fritsch, entrepreneur, and Reiki Practitioner. After discovering crystals & the metaphysical realm along her spiritual journey, The8thElementt will incorporate her approach to spirituality into your daily life & rituals. Items include Zodiac name necklaces, Mantra rings, Crystal necklaces, and more. Each piece has been cleansed and set with intentions.
Since 2017, Terri discovered her calling to create natural products for skin and hair care, a few years after her migration to the U.S. from Jamaica, and began facing skin problems such as acne and severe eczema. Her love for holistic healing and all-natural skincare grew through her continued research and creation of her first product “TerriShea” with all-natural and organic ingredients which began to nourish and show consistent results for her skin. She launched TerriShea Naturals in 2019 in her local city with a mission to spread the power of holistic healing and empower all people of color to love the skin they’re in by boosting their melanin with her astonishing products.
Northend Rose x Cafeteria “Audiophilia” Candle, exclusively sold at Semilla.
NorthEnd Rose Scent Studio is a therapeutic scent company offering natural, eco-friendly aromatherapy products. NorthEnd Rose’s founder, a licensed massage therapist with training in aromatherapy, creates products that reduce mental fatigue and promote mental wellness by using scent to trigger "feel good" memories and emotions. They're the perfect solution to elevate your existing self-care routine or help you to create one.
Meraki means to put something of yourself into what you’re doing. To do something with Soul, Creativity, and Love. Founder Typhanae created Unlox Meraki during the beginning of covid to pursue creative projects including consulting, programming, and event coordination. Items include the Luxe Passport Holders and the etched glass Cafe Cups. Unlox Meraki isn't just creative consulting, it's a place where you can Create, Plan, and Shop.
Chantis Shea became official in 2016, in Asylum Hill, Hartford, CT. Merely off of word of mouth and an amazing support system. The mission is to produce clean and organic products with uplifting benefits. Every single jar is filled with love, comfort, and a shine you will feel from within.
Really Just Shae is an all-natural skin-care brand that promotes self-care and love through gentle alternatives to beauty, with handmade products including whipped shea butter sourced from West Africa. The love of self-care and the commitment to producing high-quality all-natural products birthed Really Just Shae, an inclusive skincare line catering to all skin types and skincare needs.
Based in Naugatuck, CT, Wavy Faith offers all-natural organic handmade hair & skin products that nourish and heals short, thin damaged dry, and brittle hair. Their products consist of the finest cold-pressed unrefined butter and oils, that can be used on your hair and body that offer moisture shine and hold.
