"In the intersection of botanical beauty and functional design lies our collaboration with Njeri Akosua, a maker whose approach to lighter cases mirrors our own reverence for craftsmanship."
- Alicia Marie / Founder
1. Can you tell us about your artistic journey? How did you first begin working with resin
and what drew you to it?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember, but the first medium I ever committed to was fabric dyeing. I’ve been dyeing fabric and creating wearable art for almost 10 years now. I’ve also created a lot of crystal jewelry in the past and have always been drawn to crystals and elements of the earth. I wanted the lighter cases to feel like an elevated extension of my past crystal work. There wasn’t anything specific about resin that drew me to it, I just had a vision in my mind for what I wanted to create and after lots of experimentation resin ended up being the best way to do it. It honestly has not been an easy medium to learn, but it’s been worth it to create the feeling that I want with my pieces. I wanted them to feel organic and otherworldly at the same time and I absolutely feel that resin does this.
2. Your work has such a bold, textural energy—how would you describe your artistic style
and what inspires it?
I would describe my artistic style as free-flowing, experimental, memorable, and nature-inspired, while still being otherworldly– and pulling elements of the past and the future at the same time. So much of my work is product-focused, so when I create, I’m thinking about and inspired by the person who will be using it. I imagine an aspirational lifestyle where someone spends their days outside in leisure and their nights being seen by people and connecting with others. I’m inspired by their daily rituals of meeting with friends or lighting incense before starting work. I’m always aiming for something that feels organic in a way while being elevated and thought-provoking.
3. What does collaboration mean to you, especially when working with other artists and
brands rooted in culture like San Maris?
For me, collaboration has been a way to accelerate my process of self-discovery and
self-expansion. Collaborating with other artists has strengthened my creativity and increased my self-confidence in my work. It’s amazing to me how quickly ideas can grow in collaboration compared to in isolation.
When it comes to working with culture-driven brands, I think shared roots are really important. When Alicia first reached out to discuss collaborating, we were both surprised to learn we had a family connection to the Orishas. It was such a crazy coincidence! That unexpected bond made the collaboration feel even more meaningful. I truly believe that working together to uplift and celebrate cultural traditions is what keeps them alive and evolving.
4. For our collab, each resin lighter case connects to an Orisha. How did you approach
infusing spiritual or cultural elements into your pieces?
This process required me to think back to my roots being raised in Ifá by my mother, an initiated Oshun priestess. It brought my mind back to childhood memories and drawing on the aesthetics of the archetypes as inspiration to create what I consider devotional art. I wanted each one to feel spiritually resonant, yet still open enough for users to bring their own interpretations. Rather than rigidly replicating symbols, I infused elements like color, materials, and charms that subtly reference the Orishas. It was important to me that the pieces feel connected to tradition, but with enough aesthetic flexibility to be personal and expressive.
5. Is there a specific piece in this collection that holds personal significance for you? Tell
us about it.
I’m really feeling drawn to the Oshun pieces with the mirrors. I usually test-drive pieces before offering them to the public, and during my time with this one, I’ve noticed it encourages you to hold it out and gaze at your own beauty when you use it. I’m also really drawn to the shape and the way it feels in your hand. I see my work as a tactile experience, and I’m always thinking about how it feels in your hands. This one just feels so right!
6. As an Oakland-based artist, how does your community influence your work?
I am based in Oakland but I’m from the East Coast. I’m an introverted person and as someone who has moved around, I can say that my art is the main way that I’ve been able to find people and create connections and friendships. I’m definitely inspired by the people around me and what I see them wearing and doing. When I make things, I imagine the people I love using them, and it inspires me to keep going!
7. What’s lighting you up creatively right now, and where can people find more of your
work?
Right now, I’m excited about continuing to explore different shapes and possibilities with the lighter cases. I really see the potential for these as part of someone’s daily ritual, a piece of unique home decor, an altar piece, or even a talisman that one can carry in their bag throughout the day. In the past, I’ve avoided spending too much time on one project because I would get bored, or I’d worry about my audience getting bored with it. The lighter cases have been a practice in commitment for me and it’s definitely paying off.
You can see more of my work on my Instagram at @njeri.akosua or my website njeriakosua.com or in person at Two Two on Grand in Oakland, CA.
