Tamika runs Afro Puff Ltd and makes Afro-centric children’s clothing using a variety of African print fabrics. Learn about the inspiration behind Tamika’s designs, see tons of her brilliant products and read her passion for shopping small here. 

Check out Afro Puff Ltd on Instagram 

Tell us a little bit about Afro Puff Ltd.

How did you get into creating Afro-centric children’s clothing?

I’ve always loved the colour and vibrancy of African print fabrics. I love finding out about the stories and meanings behind some of the designs.  

I  am from the Caribbean so didn’t grow up with the fabrics around me but admired them from afar.  In my early 20s I would ask friends to bring back fabric for me whenever they would return on family trips to Africa.  When I decided to make children’s clothing, it wasn’t even a conscious thought that I would specifically use African print, for me, it was already a given. 

Using the fabrics has allowed me to feel closer to my African heritage and putting these prints in the mainstream with simple and fun to wear designs allows parents and children to feel connected to rich African heritage and stories.  If we see more of these prints out there, it becomes the norm and not just something we wear during black history month for example.  Children will feel pride in wearing these beautiful prints

Why do you think it’s important to support small businesses?

Supporting small businesses gives us the opportunity to really appreciate creativity, variety and difference.  When someone makes a product in a small business, a lot of love and care goes into the whole production process and this is what makes it extra special for me.  Of ten you find products tend to be one of a kind, especially if they’re hand made – it’s so difficult to get exactly the same design for every item.  For me, this is even more relevant because although someone can choose the same fabric, depending where I cut the patterns on the fabric, you could end up with a totally different looking piece.

What do you think makes a great gift?

Finding something unique is always important when I’m choosing gifts.  You want it to be special and maybe something you wouldn’t necessarily come across in a high street shop. You want it to stand out and certainly have a wow factor. 

What are your top tips for finding the right gift for someone?

Start early!  Listen to what people are saying to you so you can really find out what they need or would want even if they don’t think they do.  I try as well to make a little note on my phone of the item or where to find it so that I’m not scabbling around at the last minute.

What are your recommendations for favourite places to buy gifts?

I love Etsy, UK Jamii, Janet’s list and I save posts that I come across on Instagram with gift ideas.  It’s an all year round thing!

What is the best gift you have ever received?

I love to travel so on my 30th birthday, my husband surprised me with a family trip to Spain and a special video collage of messages from friends and family that he’d put together on a really soppy backing track – I cried like a baby!  It was so lovely.

Visit Afro Puff shop on Etsy for more gifting ideas 

I love Tamika’s designs using African textiles and prints. The quality of her products look amazing and the stories behind the prints, the connection to heritage and the pride in your identity in my opinion make these clothes even more special. Amazing shop full of unique clothes for your little ones. 

If you’re on the hunt for gifts for new parents and want to pair one of these with some tasty treats, check out Emma Bakes Elevate This, vegan, dairy and gluten free confectionery and gift hampers for every occasion.

Looking for other unique gift ideas? Take a look at my Indie Birthday gift ideas – for all the quirky, fun gals in your life or Vegan Birthday Hamper – EmmaBakes gift ideas

Looking for gift ideas. Join our mailing list for tons of suggestions so that you’re never be scratching your head again.