Supporting Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Artisans & Authors

Since 2008, Alternative Thinking was built on the foundation of providing our community with the information and freedom to consider making conscious lifestyle decisions. Conversely, we have always welcomed our customer’s feedback to ensure that we cater to as wide of an audience as possible. Our commitment to circulating the flow of information between us to fuel the direction of our operations will always remain the same.

We’ve been putting a lot of thought towards ways we can extend our support to Black and Indigenous People of Color (BlPOC) business owners and creators. Read on as we highlight whos products we carry in our online shop at Alter8.com and in store at Alternative Thinking, followed by the orders we’ve placed in response to our customer recommendations.

Highlighting BIPOC Artisans & Authors We Currently Offer

Soulfire Sessions

Creator of Soulfire Sessions, Jessica Miller is a tarot card reader, reiki master, and intuitive guide. Built on the belief that each of us has the ability to heal and transform ourselves, she offers personal care products as a tool to help others experience self-love and compassion.

The Elderberry Syrup tincture we’re proud to offer is formulated from organic natural ingredients to fortify your immune system.

Learn more about Soulfire Sessions by visiting their website and Instagram @soulfire.sessions

 

Traditional Masaai Tribe Beaded Jewelry by Maua Boutique

Based on the principles of fair trade and empowerment, MAUA hand-beaded jewelry supports female artisans from the Masaai tribe in Kenya. Visit our website to explore their beautiful and colorful array of traditional beaded earrings and necklaces.

See our full collection in store, or learn more about Maua Boutique by following them on Instagram @maua_boutique.

 

Malcolm-Emilio

From accessories, sculptures to murals - this African multi-disciplinary artist leaves his mark on everything he touches with his uniquely distinguishable style and his unconventional approach to creation. We welcome you to Alternative Thinking to view his work on display at the back of the shop.

Learn more about Malcolm-Emilio by following them on Instagram @stay_relevant.

 

Metaphysical Jewelry by Elephant Aura

This metaphysical jewelry creator makes beautiful handmade designs with love and intention. The designer uses natural elements such as healing crystals to bring people positive energy. Each piece is said to hold an aura to assist its beholder in remembering lessons and attuning to one’s spiritual purpose.

Learn more about Elephant Aura by following them on Instagram @elephantaura

 

Handmade Unique Designs by Quinoir

This talented artisan creates elegant and simple one-of-a-kind jewelry designs from minimal studs made of natural elements like crystals and stones, to a colorful array of painted earrings. Her work is designed to make a subtle statement with great attention to detail.

Learn more about Quinoir by following them on Instagram @quinoir

 

Living Through the Meantime: Learning to Break the Patterns of the Past & Begin the Healing Process by Iyanla Vanzant

From television talk show host to bestselling author, Iyanla Vanzant is best known for helping people transform their lives through spiritual housecleaning. Her tested and proven process is now accessible to be explored from the comfort of your home. In this book, Iyanla breaks down the healing process of breaking behavioural patterns of the past - a key milestone towards growth and becoming a better version of one’s self.

Learn more about Iyanla Vanzant by visiting their website and on Instagram @iyanlavanzant

 

Twin from Another Tribe: The Story of Two Shamanic Healers from Africa and North America by Mandaza Augustine Kandemwa

A gift to a world divided by race, this memoir of two healers in the Bantu tradition; one in Africa, the other in a U.S. hospital, who know themselves as spiritual twins. Merging Western medicine with Shamanic practice, they offer a profound view of peacemaking that requires meeting "the other".

Learn more about Mandaza Augustine Kandemwa by visiting their website.

 

Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism: Sacred Ceremonies of North America by William S. Lyon

The Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism features information on various traditional healing medicines and ceremonies practiced by shamans. This book offers a thorough understanding of techniques used to acquire and control the power of sacred ceremonies. Technical terms used by anthropologists and practitioners. References of renowned shamans famous for their healing work.

Learn more about William S. Lyon by visiting their website.

 

Native Plants Native Healing by Tis Mal Crow

Native American medicine is based on the sacred belief that nature offers healing properties. Drawing strongly from Muskogee tradition, the Cherokee and Hitchiti herbal teacher Tis Mal Crow examines common wild plants and clearly explains how to identify, honour, select, and prepare them for use. Breaking down the preparation process of liniments, lotions, oils, salves, teas, and tinctures, and recommends specific remedies for numerous ailments. A great resource for beginners as well as serious students of herbology.

 

Local Business Shout-out

Next time you're in the Annex, please be sure to check out and support our friends across the street at A Different Booklist located at 779 Bathurst St, a Canadian multicultural bookstore specializing in literature from the African and Caribbean diaspora and the global south.

Head West on Bloor St. to discover Pacha Arts ocated at 614 Bloor St. W., an indigenous arts family owned and operated business. They offer a variety of one-of-a-kind artisan crafted indigenous items.

Announcing what is yet to come ...

In gathering the authors featured in this article, it has come to our attention the need to expand on our selection of books by BlPOC authors. We aim to maximize inclusivity further by sourcing more books from new suppliers. We’ve placed an order and are expecting to feature the following titles, amongst many others:

• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Bearskin Diary by Carol Daniels
• Black Indian by Shona Buchanan
• Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
• Men We Reaped: A Memoir by Jesmyn Ward
• Well-Read Black Girl: Finding by Glory Edim
• Walking in Your Power: lessons by Barbara M. Derrick

Should you have any feedback or recommendations for more BlPOC artisans & authors you would like to see on our shelves, please contact us directly by emailing us at info@alter8.com. We appreciate your input on how we can continue to expand our offerings to expand our perspectives and further foster inclusivity.

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About The Author

Tablö Creative is a digital creative agency dedicated to helping small businesses leave a lasting impression online with our service offerings including content creation, copywriting, branding, social media marketing, web design and development. Our dream clients are brands whose core values are rooted in conscious & mindful operations. We believe that it's our responsibility to protect our planet from the climate crisis, not just through our personal lives, but also through our work. Our communication style supports creativity and freedom of expression by creating meaningful connections.