From Memphis to Hood Sensory: A Legacy of Resilience, Innovation, and Transformation

My life began in the vibrant realm of Memphis, with its legacy of music, history, and resilience acting as the heartbeat of my journey. As a child, my parents gifted me my first "Afro-American" encyclopedia set, a profound introduction to the struggles, triumphs, and sheer excellence of Black individuals throughout history. It was an early lesson, reminding me that excellence wasn't just a possibility—it was attainable in adversity. Through those pages, I felt the pulse of my heritage, connecting me deeply to the tapestry of Black history.

There, in Memphis, I sat at the feet of legends and absorbed tales from elders like my maternal great-grandmother, a beacon of Black and Indigenous strength, and my paternal great-great-grandmother, whose father had been enslaved. These narratives, coupled with the life I've built in Texas with my husband of 26 years and our three sons, weave a tapestry of endurance, community, and innovation.

The marginalization my elders and ancestors endured emphasized the importance of unity and care. They instilled in me the values of faith and community, tending to collective tears, and ensuring that others felt seen and nurtured. Their teachings and work - particularly the art of quilting by my grandmothers, left a profound impact on me. Each quilt was a tactile history, threads interwoven with stories, care, and sensory richness.

Fast forward to 2020, a year marked by tumultuous times and a need for solace. The horrific injustices against people like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and in my locale people like Bothem Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Darius Tarver, and Lermont Stowers-Jones, were profound wounds in our collective psyche, which propelled me into the role of community organizing during the national summer uprisings. Amid this backdrop of protest and a world grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw a need — a need for sensory solace.

Long before 2020, my personal struggles with anxiety, OCD, and depression introduced me to the world of sensory self-care, which included things like weighted blankets. Yet in the midst of the chaos that year, I observed my sons and countless other young folks gravitating towards an unexpected source of comfort: hoodies. Even in the sweltering Texas summers with temperatures soaring to 110 degrees, they remained swathed in these garments. Initially, like many parents, I fussed at my kids to switch to lighter and “more appropriate” clothing. But a deeper observation birthed an epiphany, drawing a direct line from the cherished quilts of my grandmothers to my trusted weighted blankets, and now to the younger generation's penchant for hoodies.

It was in this climate that Hood Sensory was conceived. Channeling the weighted comfort of my ancestral quilts and the symbolism embedded within the hoodie, Hood Sensory doesn't just provide a tactile solace. It seeks to shift perceptions, taking the hoodie from racialization to normalization. By reclaiming and redefining the hoodie, we amplify the voices of the criminalized and marginalized. Beyond just a hoodie, it becomes a symbol of resistance, revolution, and now, rest. This innovation celebrates the rich heritage from which it was conceived while offering a transformative, therapeutic essence.

My story, my creativity, and my innovations are intrinsically tied to who I am: a Black and Indigenous woman; a daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, and wife; an entrepreneur and a community servant. While Hood Sensory is for everyone, its foundations are rooted in the authenticity of my experiences. The inclusivity the brand promotes is an honest reflection of my essence, emphasizing that universal offerings must originate from genuine personal narratives.

From Memphis to Texas, from the stories of resilient ancestors to the creation of Hood Sensory, mine is a tale of embracing legacy, innovation, and transformative change for the greater good.

I warmly welcome you to the Hood Sensory community. As our story unfolds and our legacy continues, I am thrilled to share each chapter, each innovation, and every milestone with you. Your support, curiosity, and shared experiences enrich our journey together. Please like, follow, and subscribe to stay updated with all our developments. Stay tuned — our launch is just around the corner, and we're excited to have you be a part of this transformative chapter.