On Scrunchies And Supporting Black Hair Culture: Designer Mardasia Berry
As we reflect on our Spring Season, we’re touching base with a few of our vendors. Today, we’re chatting with Mardasia Berry of Blueberry Sweetness about her Black femme inspirations and creating safe spaces for Black hair.
Photo courtesy of Blueberry Sweetness
ABOUT MARDASIA BERRY
My name is Mardasia (mar-day-sha) Berry and I’m currently 25 residing in Pflugerville. I created my shop Blueberry Sweetness back in July 2021 because I couldn’t find any scrunchies big enough to fit my natural hair. I knew when it came to black hair especially in Texas there’s not really much that caters to us so I decided to. Like they say, “Be the change you want to see,” or in my case, “Make scrunchies that’ll fit you and me.”
What are you hoping to nurture through your work in 2022?
My goal is to nurture and create a safe space for all hair types but specifically black hair. Because black hair comes in all shapes , sizes and forms and we want to accessorize our crowns too I remember being a kid and my mom would accessorize my hair to the T and every black girl and woman should still have that experience no matter the age.
Who are your biggest inspirations in Texas?
My inspirations currently would be Taraji P Henson, Angela Bassett and Meg Thee Stallion. The way they have paved the way for black women to freely create and not care what other people think is why they’re my inspirations. They show that we don’t have to be anyone else but ourselves and that is more than enough.
What does creative collaboration mean to you?
It means to be able to create something beautiful with another creator that shows both of your talents. You have to be able to connect on a level that’s deeper than just grabbing drinks and chatting. When it comes to create collaboration it’s like a dance that only you two create and own.
How do you make space in your life to creatively recharge? Any tips or routines?
When it’s time for me to recharge after going hard in the studio I really love music. So many people think there’s a specific routine you have to do but honestly it’s not a one size fits all. Some days you just have to binge watch your favorite shows and hang up your brain in the closet but one tip id share is as creatives we don’t have to create 25/8, give yourself time to breathe and enjoy life while you’re creating.
How do you approach building community around your work?
My approach is creating scrunchies and hair accessories for my community. When other black women and kids come to my shop they have this face of “finally something for me”. And that keeps me creating because we do need more representation in the hair community and it feels good to contribute to that.
What's the one recommendation you'd make to someone new starting out as an independent creative or small business owner?
My one recommendation would be to not give a damn about what people have to say. And anytime you doubt yourself just take a walk down the bread aisle. No one ever says “Damn , another bread brand?!” They simply go pick the brand that they love and go on about their day.
Photo courtesy of Blueberry Sweetness
Photo courtesy of Blueberry Sweetness
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