afropunk bk: spinthrift market, afrodesiac worldwide

Our merchants are the heart of the festival (besides the poppin’ bands and artists, of course). Each one has a particular story that makes their craft meaningful and unique. We interviewed some of our fav brands that will be at AFROPUNK Brooklyn this year. Get your wallets ready!

What is your name and where are you from?    
My name is Chiedza Makonnen. I often say I am from a bit of everywhere. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica; raised in Brooklyn; and moved to Accra, Ghana, my Ancestral home 13 years ago, where I live currently.

Describe what you do and what you sell. 
I am founder and creative Director of Afrodesiac Worldwide, a cultural lifestyle brand based in Accra and Brooklyn. I design womenswear, menswear, accessories and  home decor utilizing bespoke textiles printed in West Africa.

What was the moment you decided: okay, I gotta turn this idea into a reality?     
Eight years ago, while walking across a bridge in Chicago wearing one of my signature jumpsuits, a woman jumped out of her car, ran across the street chasing me asking me where I got my jumpsuit. I knew then I was onto something.

Define success.   
Doing what I feel passionate about, running my own business, empowering other Black people by providing jobs and educational resources and being able to travel and experience  as much of the world as possible is for me the embodiment of success and I’m fortunate to be able to live my dreams.

What’s something fest-goers should check out at your booth?
Our signature Infinity jumpsuits are bold and have a creative approach to color and print, and an edgy yet classic femininity and they have my personal fave…. pockets!