Today we’d like to introduce you to Lecretia Akines.
Lecretia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a self-taught seamstress whose love of African fashion and sewing started in 2013. There is an African proverb that says, “Children are the reward of life.” The birth of my daughter rewarded me with a spark of creativity that I had never thought to tap into. After creating my first set of baby clothes for her, I realized there were others like our family, who were looking for African print-inspired accessories for infants and toddlers. We started Dawning Day Creations, to create Afro-centric wear for those who care about culture, community, self-love and empowerment.
8yrs of focus, shifting, consistency, participating in 100’s of popup/vendor events, attending tons of classes, and pushing past the difficult moments with persistence has brought us to this point today. Over the years, our business model has blossomed into an African-style boutique, with an aim to connect the African diaspora to the motherland and vise versa. We recently opened our first permanent space at Fox Valley Mall, located in Aurora, IL. Please let us know if you stop by and visit our shop! At our kiosk, I hand select and curate beautiful products including clothing, home decor, head wraps, waist beads, travel accessories, Black art & more. Our goods are all currently sourced from makers in the Chicago-land area, the U.K, multiple countries in the motherland including Ghana, Mali and Senegale, with a few custom pieces made by me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have had a wonderful time on this business journey. This started as a side business while I was committed to being an at-home mom and homeschooling. Sewing was a calming experience, and attending vending shows got me out of the house and away from talking to toddlers all day to some adult counterparts! It wasn’t until 2021 that we decided to go full-time in the business. Since making that decision, I wouldn’t say we had struggles along the way, but definitely, obstacles to overcome, I actually face them constantly. One thing I’ve learned is you have to have some grit, you have to have a vision and goal you are pushing towards that can’t be shaken by the ups and downs of life. Let’s be real, things are going to happen that shake up our world, the question is are we willing to move forward, willing to grow, and willing to learn. The good seasons and the “bad” season will flow but it’s finding that sweet spot in the middle where you as an entrepreneur can calm your mind, find gratitude in that day and move on. Little by little, winning happens!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
We had this big willow tree in our front yard. Willow trees have these large billowy tree limbs that layer on top of each from the ground up, with elegant leaves that tremble and flutter in the breeze. When I pushed the limbs to the side, I was able to crawl into the inner part of the tree near the trunk, in my wild imagination it turned into a hidden wonderland! I used to climb the tree limbs, makeup stories, read and just relax. That is one of my favorite childhood memories, being at peace, free, safe and in the comfort of nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ddcwraps.com
- Instagram: @lecretiakines
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dawningdaycreations
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ddcwraps
Image Credits
Images by Dawning Day Creations, LLC
