Motherland.online – African fashion, accessories & more

TheMotherland.online an American store is the destination for affordable quality African fashion, accessories and more….Over 2500 products! Here you will find handmade jewellery and artwork, natural health and beauty products for your skin, hair and body as well as African fashion and accessories for the entire family.

Today we are in conversation with the founder and owner Roberta Holmes about her motivation for starting the business, pride in her African heritage, her Garveyite past, the Motherland, Donald Trump and much more.

 Why did I start the business and what motivated me?

My motivation is quite simple. I have always had the heart of an entrepeneur. I have always expressed my personal style to reflect my African heritage. TheMotherland.online is all about Black Pride…African pride! Growing up in the late 60″s and 70’s, the era of Afro Sheen, dashikis, and everyone singing “I’m Black and I’m Proud” was fantastic. And those positive messages were only reinforcing the role models in my home.

My family has deep roots in the civil rights community going back to the 1920’s. My maternal grandparents were Garveyites, members of the UNIA in Seattle until its demise. In 1962, my grandmother joined Seattle’s chapter of CORE where she focused on equal opportunities in employment as a member, and ultimately as Employment Committee Chair. My husband and I have reinforced the same positive messaging to our 3 children who are now in their 20’s.

TheMotherland.online is the 21st century version of providing an opportunity for Black folks to show their pride, especially now, in the age of Trump. Not everyone is willing or able to march in the streets; or join an organization that deals with racism or racial profiling. But anyone can wear a bracelet made by a sister in Kenya who is HIV positive; or wear an African dashiki when going out for dinner; or use Black soap made in Nigeria for skin care.

This is our niche in the marketplace and we support other Black Owned Businesses not only here in America but we are also doing so in Africa. We are proud to work with suppliers who support businesses and artisans in Africa. Every purchase made at TheMotherland.online supports programs for hungry children and orphans in Africa. Just one more benefit to spending your dollars at TheMotherland.online.

Business background before starting up?

I have never had a retail/online business but I have always been self employed. Over 25 years as an independent contractor in sales and customer service industries.

What were the major challenges…How were they overcome?

The major challenges I faced were my self doubt, fear of failure and lack of capital. Once I made my mind up that I was going to start TheMotherland.online. Self doubt and fear of failure immediately disappeared. The capital issue so far, has not been a major issue, though be it a minor one. Our thoughts are very powerful.

Once I believed, everything came together. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist. A quote from the author, Paulo Coelho is “When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” The Universe is still conspiring…This very interview is proof of that.

Which characteristics do I possess that contribute to my business success?

I have the patience of Job. I am also very optimistic and very rarely worry about anything. To quote my Mom, “There’s a reason for everything.” That reason may not be revealed to us when we want to know but eventually we come to understand. Another one of my favorite quotes is….” Worry is just another way of praying for what you don’t want.” If you haven’t noticed…I’m really big on quotes.

Major achievements to date?

My major achievements are my relationships. A picture written in a child’s handwriting purchased decades ago that hangs in my guest bathroom pretty much sums it up for me. “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” I am a blessed and highly favored woman! My husband and I have been together since we were 17 years old.

We celebrated 30 years of marriage last year. We have 3 amazing children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I am also very proud to say our children are college educated. This is something my husband and I committed to making a priority before they were even born. Here is another demonstration of the universe conspiring, manifesting as a Psy.D., a soon to be Ed.D. and our youngest working through undergrad.

Advice I would offer someone starting out is….

Simply, follow your dreams. Follow your heart. Be open and available to all the good life holds for you. Always remember your thoughts are powerful. Keep them positive!

 
What are your future plans?

For now I am working on brand recognition. My family calls me a walking billboard. I use my products. I wear my products. Whenever I am asked to conduct an interview or offered an opportunity to promote TheMotherland.online. I’m open and available.

About Motherland.online

TheMotherland.online is the destination for affordable quality African fashion, accessories and more….Over 2500 products!

Find handmade jewellery and artwork…Natural health and beauty products for your skin, hair and body including African soaps and fragrance oils…And of course African fashion and accessories for the entire family.

Your purchase will support hundreds of small businesses in Africa! Also every purchase you make will support programs for orphans in Congo, Liberia, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia through direct donations with our suppliers to pay for food, schooling and medical care for hundreds of special needs children.

Visit: www.themotherland.online for details.

Regarding shipping to the UK….Cost would be $40-60 USD. Also of mention we only process payments in USD