I have the privilege of owning several of your culturally infused, haute couture inspired designs. What sparks your creations?
- My greatest inspiration is my love for African and Indian textiles and their approaches to putting colors together. I am also inspired by Asian and Indigenous cultures as well. I really appreciate the way the colors are combined in a way that promotes harmony.
- My passion for traveling and culture in terms of the arts.
- My self-vision of consciousness and intelligence is a source of inspiration. My friends inspire that vision of my self. I believe that we are the new globe trekkers, because we bring something different.
- My designs are for women and men who are global and cosmopolitan in their approach.
As you know Naturi Beauty embraces the experiences of women with natural hair, what has been your experience as a natural, growing up in Trinidad and now living in Atlanta?
- My hair was relaxed when I was in primary school, but I have worn my hair natural for the majority of my life. Since I have been in the US, I had it relaxed once, however I would only wear my hair natural.
- In Trinidad it was quite common to see young girls with natural hair. There was also a good percentage of women who had chemically treated hair. There was the inclination that if one did not have loosely curled hair then it should be permed. What I have found, over the course of returning home is that a lot of women have transitioned back to natural. You now see a lot of women who wear locks as a fashion movement. However their locks are not an implication of culture or political movements.
- What is quite eye opening, is how unfamiliar Black woman are with natural hair. I get a lot of comments on my hair and styles. There is a pervasive lack of knowledge among ourselves and our hair. I think a lot of Black woman are afraid of not having a desired hair texture or being able to wear their hair in ways that are more “desirable”.
As we know, February is Carnival in Trinidad, a beautiful explosion of culture, color, people, music and mas. I look forward to the Kush & Kemet Mas debut in 2011. What is mas and what does Kush & Kemet Mas offer to Carnivalgoers?

Mas is a combination of art forms. It includes music (soca, calypso, stelel bands) and costumes. It is also an outlet for people to vent and let go of their frusrations and worries. It is an opportunity for people to be at their most sexual, creative enlightenedness publicly.
Kush and Kemet offers a new chapter and new experience in Carnival. Often times, what has been disheartening to me in Carnival, is how much we have strayed from the artistry of costume making. In my opinion there are few who can call themselves true Mas designers. Kush and Kemet offers a dedication to craftmanship by preserving older techniques of mas making and adding the innovation of new textiles designs and eco-friendly materials . We also enable our masqueraders the opportunity to invest in social issues. Whether it be the conservation of the Bucco Reef or contributing to other NGO’s in Trinidad. Historically, Canrival was empowering to the enslaved Africans, and I have the responisbility to create Mas as an opportunity to do more than just“get on wassi” or (dance with complete abandon).

I love that you use culturally conscious inspired designs in your clothing line and mas experiences. What else inspires you in your personal life and helps you find balance?
I am inspired by the sacrifices of my parents and ancestors AND beauty in all forms. Prayer and meditation keep me grounded and remind me of the big picture. They remind me of the light that I have and how life is so delicate.

The Naturi Beauty charge is to Nourish, Nurture and Grow. Please share with our readers how Djinisa of Kush & Kemet is a Naturi Beauty everyday!

I nourish myself through my diet which is full of fruits and veggies and plenty of water. I embrace nutrition. I use products that are organic and nourish my body on the outside, including Naturi products J I nourish my spirit through prayer and meditation and I regularly affirm, because I believe it to be vital in order to be a Beauty. Internally and externally I have a certain view of myself that is enhanced through embracing my love for myself. When I think of beauty, I don’t only only think of “things”, I also think of surrounding myself with beautiful people physcially and spiritually. This is my Growth.

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