This is one of those companies that I discovered in the height of the pandemic. While the world was trying to figure out how to balance quarantine and functionality, I decided to make my home more of a sanctuary since… let’s face it… I was gonna be confined to it until further notice.
Expedition Subsahara hit my radar a few years ago when I went on the hunt for a good Bolga fan (Ghana). At first, I wanted a fan to dry my skin between skincare layers (hush… don’t judge), but that desire grew into wanting a few larger ones to put on the walls around the house as decoration. Initially, a punitively expensive offering from The Citizenry came across my screen (seriously, that company makes me question whether the owners honestly understand that we have options). I immediately ran away and headed for Etsy, in the hopes of buying directly from an artisan. But every design I found was either sold out, or marked up as a ‘rare find.’ Eventually, my search led me to Expedition Subsahara.
Owned by Sofi Seck, who hails from Senegal and a tribe known for it’s multi-generational art of basket weaving. She came to the United States to pursue education, and was shocked by the imagery and assumptions about her country and the African continent. Sofi aims to share the rich, colorful, vibrant, abundant offerings of Senegal and the entire continent, through a cozy collection of goods that are sure to enhance any home. From baskets to one-of-a-kind art, Expedition Subsahara has a little something for everyone. I started with the Ndeye Storage Basket (which smells faintly of sweetgrass)… and I’ve been hooked ever since. I am particularly fond of a section of this online store called marché Senegal, where you can score one of a kind art and appliances. It has been my experience that the items sell out pretty quickly, so if you see something you like, don’t hesitate to scoop it up.
Add to all of this: fast shipping and great customer service, and you have a winner. I love to support small business (especially as an owner myself), and I love to support artisans who produce unique and functional products. If you’re into a similar vibe, I highly recommend this company. It has been the best experience to add a little color to my sanctuary and do something good for others at the same time.
And yes, I did finally get my fans.