Hello and welcome to Black Star Gift Shop! My name is Renee, and I started this journey in 2020, right when COVID-19 hit, and travel to Africa became uncertain. I wanted to create a new outlet for African Americans to connect with our rich culture. As a Black American married to a Ghanaian man from Accra, Ghana, I felt a deep need to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and the motherland.
Reconnecting with Our Roots
First and foremost, I wanted to help Black Americans and the African diaspora reconnect with Africa, specifically Ghana. Our African print designs are inspired by the vibrant and diverse traditions of the continent. Each pattern reflects the rich cultural heritage of Africa, bringing a piece of this beauty into your home and wardrobe.
Modern African Fashion
I am passionate about making modern African print clothing and statement pieces accessible to everyone, especially to women who are dating, engaged, or married to African men. Our designs are created to feel organic to current times, avoiding any sense of cosplay or cultural appropriation. It's all about celebrating our heritage with style and authenticity.
Empowering Through Employment
Building an American-based company that gainfully employs people living in Africa is another cornerstone of Black Star Gift Shop. As we grow, my goal is to prove that the future is Africa and that businesses in the West can be a part of that future without exploiting anyone. We are committed to ethical practices and empowering our partners on the continent.
Accessible, Affordable, and Fun
I decided to tackle the challenge of accessing African culture by making it accessible, affordable, and fun, all at your fingertips through our online store. Black Star Gift Shop brings you the best of African-inspired fashion and home decor, all crafted with love and respect for our heritage. 
About Me
I want to share a bit more about myself. I am a Black American from Detroit, MI, married to a Ghanaian man from Accra Ghana. In 2020 I decided specialize in e-commerce and Shopify after working on the software engineering team at StockX for two years. As a technical founder with eight years of software development experience, I have designed and built every aspect of my e-commerce brand myself.
Our Team
We have an incredible in-house designer, Jimmy, who lives in Lagos, Nigeria. He creates the stunning graphics that adorn our products, ensuring that each piece is of the highest quality and culturally authentic.
Thank you for supporting Black Star Gift Shop. Together, we can celebrate our heritage, empower our communities, and bring a piece of Africa into your everyday life. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us on social media or send an email at info@blackstargiftshop.com.
Warm regards,
Renee