We had the good fortune of connecting with Oni Afryae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oni, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’d like to say that the artistic /creative career chose me. I’ve always been pretty artsy growing up and it was natural to me. In the early to mid 90’s I was living in Philadelphia just as the Neo Soul wave came through and was surrounded by all kinds of artists. I, my self, had my own funky style and would crochet really unique pieces that other artists would admire. They would commission me to make similar pieces for them for their performances or showcases. This is when BuddhaFly Wear began. I was not intentionally trying to start a career or even a clothing line at that time, it simply evolved and I haven’t looked back. This is why I say the creative career chose me and I’m forever grateful!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This is a pretty loaded question to answer in writing form for me as I’m not as creative in this medium but I’ll give it a shot!🤪
As I mentioned, BuddhaFly Wear is my brand. It is a crochet apparel and accessory clothing line. It’s mainly for the funky prep, bohemian flavored artist, but anyone can #get Buddhaflied. I am generally inspired to live a life of pure joy and creating wearable art helps me to do just that. I am a siocial worker by trade and having done that work for about 12-15 years I realized that there was no balance in my life. There was no time for family or play, just work. I could not imagine living my life that way forever. I enjoyed the work I was doing by helping others but was not giving enough to myself to be fulfilled. Now I get to do both…help others from my own love and joy of creating. I can now mix the social work and art, which I do through a sector of BuddhaFly, called ” These Magic Hands” I use crochet workshops to create community. This shift from cooperate employee to business owner hasn’t been easy but absolutely worth it! I wouldn’t change it for nothing in the world. I still approach this work everyday with zest and thanksgiving that my work is something I love so it simply doesn’t feel like work. What a blessing to be aligned in this way. I’ll never stop evolving because there is no ceiling to hit! I also love to collab with others in a way that we all get to achieve our life long goals. An African Proverb that speaks volumes to my mission in this way is..
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!”
Another proverb is..
“Comfort is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there.”
I love to be perfectly imperfect and forever growing stronger. This is the best thing about how I get to balance my life and career…to get the most joy possible in this life and THIS is what I intend to do moving forward. My legacy will be set for all of my descendants to come. They will have options and not simply forced to be laborers and live a life in void. My footprint may be small but certainly impactful and this Queendom will always be #Buddhaflied!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love nature and culture. I’m pretty spontaneous too so this would be a play it by ear for me. Definitely good vybes and diversity is key!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many who’ve supported and continue to support over the years. However, there is one in particular I’d like to say continues to be a huge inspiration as well as a suppoter to me as she manages her Queendom. Shange Jaara Lilaa of Rebel Assemblage

Instagram: @buddha_flywear

Facebook: BuddhaFly Wear

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/kU0ricjXa2M?si=ccenKEDkRBxRmuMw

Image Credits
Tyrus Davis VisualArts

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