Representation matters more than you might think, sis. When I started dakari moon, I knew one thing for sure—Black women were underrepresented in the world of art, in coloring books, and in the kinds of products that speak to us.
We’re constantly told that our experiences, our stories, our magic are secondary, but the truth is: we’ve always been the magic. We’re just waiting for the world to see it.
It was clear to me that coloring books could be much more than just fun pastimes. They could be healing tools for Black women, where representation wasn’t just about filling a space, but about reclaiming our power, our history, and our joy.
So, what’s the real power of representation in this world? It’s the power to see ourselves as the leaders and creators we truly are.
Representation in Art and Healing: A Personal Journey
When I first designed my first coloring book, I focused on art—beautiful, intricate art that spoke to the culture I hold so dear. But soon, I realized something. Black women don’t just want to see beautiful images—we need to be reflected in a way that honors us in all our complexity.
It wasn’t until I took my products to events and spoke to Black women that I fully understood the impact. I was told many times, “I need more than just pretty pictures. I need something that speaks to my heart. Something that helps me process, something I can use in my day-to-day.”
That was the turning point. Black women value functional beauty. We want things that uplift us, not just in spirit, but in how we live. How we function. That’s when I realized that representation had to be more than just about “looking like us”—it had to be about products that were designed to heal and empower.
The Healing Power of Representation
Coloring has always been an act of release for me. There’s something about choosing the colors and putting them to paper that brings out emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding. That’s the true healing power of art and representation.
When we see ourselves reflected in art and products—whether it's in a coloring book, a journal, or any other form—we feel seen, heard, and valued.
Representation is healing because it allows us to confront the things we’ve been made to forget or overlook. It’s about honoring our stories and using creativity as a way to process the deep truths we’ve carried for generations.
Creating More Than Just Art: Functional Beauty
This is why I shifted dakari moon from just art to functional beauty. I wanted to create products that didn’t just speak to our aesthetics, but to our souls. That’s why my product line expanded into planners, journals, and affirmation cards—tools for daily living that were just as beautiful as they were powerful.
For too long, we’ve been offered products that either didn’t speak to us at all, or products that didn’t reflect the fullness of our being. That’s why at dakari moon, I create products that serve Black women—products that nourish our minds, honor our hearts, and reflect the deep richness of our culture and legacy.
Whether it’s a coloring book that helps you process emotions, or a journal that encourages you to reflect on your life and dreams, I want Black women to know that we are worthy of beautiful, functional art that helps us grow, heal, and thrive.
Why Representation in Art is a Necessary Act of Healing
When we talk about representation in art, it’s not just about filling a space with images of Black people. It’s about reclaiming our right to be seen in every aspect of life—in fantasy, in healing, and in culture. It’s about seeing ourselves reflected back in ways that nourish our hearts and nurture our spirits.
Representation isn’t a luxury; it’s a right, and we should never have to fight for it.
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