Our Story

As an entertainer, I lost every booking I had in about a week because of the Corona virus shutdowns. I went from being booked with teaching and acting jobs to completely unemployed. I found solace in working for my parents in our promotional products business. An apprentice of sorts, my dad began teaching me how to be a graphic designer and my mother how to make t-shirts.

Then George Floyd was murdered by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Breonna Taylor was murdered by police officers in Louisville, Kentucky; Elijah McCain; Sandra Bland; Laquan McDonald; and so on… Can you believe that? I said, “And so on…”

We braved a pandemic to fight for the lives of black people. At every protest in Chicago, I found myself learning about another incident of police brutality.

I began making t-shirts for my friends and family to wear to protests or to show support for the movement.

I began to see that “Black Joy” is a part of the movement. To say “Black Lives Matter” and to be heard, understood, and respected. Our happiness is a protest. Us thriving, loving, finding moments of joy and community fuels the movement. Thus the “prototype” was created.

She is the embodiment of black joy, love, and freedom. She is a celebration of life.

All of our products are handmade. They are one of a kind and of the best quality materials. We hope you are as excited to wear them as we are excited to make them.`

Founder,

Darian Tene