Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaha Knight
Hi jaha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY, but my roots run deep in Charleston, SC—my mom was a Geechie gal with a Geechie father, so I was raised in Charleston surrounded by a slew of cousins and aunties. I’ve known I was destined to be an artist since I was 6 years old. That was a pivotal age for me—it was the first time my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and it was also when we made the move to Charleston.
By the time I was 11, I realized I loved both art and words. I often found myself torn between pursuing art or writing. By 14, I was a self-proclaimed poet (I had my first poem published in the school newspaper)—you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t Sonia Sanchez.
My love for both words and visuals led me to focus on graphic design in high school, where it was like a tech major. We spent years learning the craft, eventually getting certified by graduation. I went on to earn both my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and by 22, I started my own African American newspaper, published in Charleston, Columbia, and Orangeburg, SC. Over the years, I’ve done it all—spoken word artist, graphics and art teacher, radio personality, podcast host, event host, branding coach, author, and artist—constantly chasing the dream of being an artist.
In 2019, everything finally clicked, and I pulled it all together under dakari Moon. It just felt like the natural fit. Most of my clients throughout my entrepreneurial journey were Black women, and I’d learned to identify our pain points and our pleasures. I knew what we needed and what we yearned for, so I packaged that up into dakari Moon. My original tagline was “Give yourself the gift of something beautiful,” but as the brand developed, “Because every Black girl deserves a magical escape” crystallized.
dakari Moon allows me to merge everything I’ve done—creating art that celebrates Black women while providing products and experiences that promote mental wellness and creativity. Our current goals are to place our products into no less than 5000 stores nationally and internationally, provide designs for products that need our touch, and expand into soul care and self-care retreats around the world, serving our audience. It’s been a journey of combining my love for art, words, and community. While there’s still so much more to do, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t trade the challenges. In fact, those bumps in the road have been some of the best lessons.The struggles of balancing my creative vision with the realities of running a product-based business has been tough. I’ve had to learn a lot on the fly, especially when it comes to managing production, scaling my brand, and navigating the complexities of online sales. There were moments of doubt, especially early on when I was juggling multiple projects and trying to figure out the best way to get everything to come together.
One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to build an online community and convert that into sales. I’ve found incredible success with live events, but shifting to digital spaces was a whole new learning curve. Another struggle has been managing my time—being pulled in multiple directions, between being a creator, managing the business, and balancing family life, can sometimes feel overwhelming.
But all of these struggles have shaped me into a stronger entrepreneur. Every setback has pushed me to adapt, grow, and refine my vision. And that’s what makes the wins feel even more rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating fantasy art and products that celebrate Black women, blending the whimsical with the real to offer a truly unique experience. At dakari Moon, we’re known for our fantasy-themed coloring books, journals, and creative products that immerse you in magical worlds. What sets us apart is our ability to take Black women and place them in these fantastical settings—whether it’s unicorns, trees, mandalas or mythical creatures—while still honoring our culture and experiences. It’s not just about escaping into a world of imagination; it’s about seeing ourselves represented in places we’ve often been left out of.
At dakari Moon, we infuse every piece with fantasy elements that invite our community to dream, explore, and heal. Whether through unique designs, hand-drawn patterns, or storytelling that brings magic to life, our products are crafted to spark creativity while fostering mental wellness. We don’t just provide an art product; we offer a space where you can embrace your magic, find peace, and connect with your inner power.
What I’m most proud of is how dakari Moon has become a platform that merges fantasy and empowerment, creating a space where Black women can celebrate their strength and beauty in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and healing. Our work isn’t just about coloring, games, books or creating—it’s about tapping into something deeper. It’s about offering a magical escape that’s rooted in our identities and dreams.
Ultimately, dakari Moon stands out because we bring fantasy art to life with a deep respect for the cultures and stories of Black women. Our mission is to create worlds where we can see ourselves as magical, limitless, and truly celebrated.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve definitely had a lot of incredible support along the way, and I can’t take all the credit on my own. First and foremost, my family has been a huge pillar. Their unwavering support has kept me grounded, encouraged, and motivated, especially on the tough days when I doubted myself. They’ve always been my sounding board, and are the first ones to push me to reach for bigger goals.
I’ve also been lucky to have mentors who have guided me, especially early in my career. My art teachers and professors have always pushed me to think bigger and bolder, teaching me not just about technique but about how to trust my voice and vision. In addition, fellow entrepreneurs and creatives have been such an inspiration and source of knowledge. Their honesty and openness about the ups and downs of business have helped me navigate the more challenging aspects of entrepreneurship.
Beyond that, my clients– the”Stars in the dakari Moon sky” have been an amazing part of this journey. They have supported dakari Moon from day one have not only purchased products but have shared their stories, their art, offered feedback, and helped me evolve. They’re the reason I do what I do, and their belief in the brand has given me the drive to keep going.
Lastly, my team has been key. Whether it’s helping with the business side or supporting me during live events, I’ve built a small but mighty team who brings the vision of dakari Moon to life. Their dedication and hard work make everything possible, and I am so grateful to have them by my side.
Pricing:
- $20 – Black Girl Mini (Cozy) Coloring Books
- $25 – Black Girl Thick Coloring Books
- $15 Black Girl Journals
- $15-$35 Black Girl Games
- $40 Black Girl Colorable Planner (Undated)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dakarimoonqr.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dakarimoon
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dakarimoon
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@dakarimoon
