Our mission is to connect our community through health and wellness, multicultural education, and arts.
WELCOME to Positively Africana, LLC
March is Women’s History Month! We are very excited to introduce you to one of our Congolese makers.
Meet Francine.
“Hi! My name is Francine, and I make clothes businesswomen can wear while they change the world. I love seeing women look bold in the clothes I make. My specialty includes suits, blazers, coats, professional dresses, tops, skirts, and more.
I started to make clothes when I was 19 years old after I finished high school. I always wanted to work and support myself financially, so I decided to get professional training in sewing. This allowed me to start my own tailoring business in my hometown of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
I was a struggling artist having trouble providing for myself even though I worked hard every day.
I met Aimee Salmon through her family connection here in the Congo. One of our clients told me that Aimee’s company is creating employment opportunities for African women and artists, especially Congolese women. So, I reached out to Aimee’s mother and sister, and they gave me her contact information. I texted her on WhatsApp, she replied to schedule a phone call. I told her about my passion for making people feel good in the clothes I make, and that my specialty is corporate wear. Aimee hired me as her Congolese supplier, and she is paying me more than I can earn selling only here in Goma. Plus Africana buys from me in larger quantities!
I can say working with Africana is a game changer, and I can now plan for a bigger future with my own sowing equipment and shop. Thank you, Africana!”
Working with women in the Congo last few months has given us a larger purpose and meaning to the larger vision of Africana. We are so grateful for all the hard work and talent they share with us in the USA.
We are Congo 🇨🇩
Feedback from Vendor Event organizer!
“Positively Africana was an amazing vendor at our Loc’d in Hair event. The owner brought so many beautiful authentic pieces!!! Her presence is so important because we don’t often get to have vendors who represent the motherland in its truest form with real pieces made by African artists! The dolls were my favorite part! I really do believe that there needs to be a black doll in every home! And Classroom!! It was amazing for the little girls who did attend to see dolls that look like them with curly hair because so often in our society, beauty is portrayed as people who don’t look like us. So it is so important for us to have businesses like Positively Africana at our events!!” ~ Diane Arias
Weekly Vendor Event With Positively Africana!
Our next vendor event is at Winter Craft/Hobby Fair at 90 Elm St, Enfield, CT, Inside the Enfield Square Mall.
Dates and Hours of Operation:
- March 5, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm
- March 19, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm
- March 26, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm
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Come enjoy the local shops and restaurants and shop pop-up vendors!
Did you know that you can take our online group exercise classes anywhere, Massachusetts time?? And In-person in Amherst, Massachusetts?
Positively Africana presents at the Millersville University of Pennsylvania! Great online fitness workshop with these amazing students.
Our Happy Client
“"I do multiple virtual Zumba and Afro dance workouts with Aimee each week. I was hesitant about the Strong class as I was sure it would be beyond my ability or just too intimidating, but I was intrigued by the idea of adding something new. At almost 74, trying new things can be so rewarding. I was so happy to find the workout both interesting and exciting as I tried new moves, adapting in my own way as I felt I needed to. I see it as an accomplishment! Not scary, not beyond my capabilities but an additional way to approach staying healthy and happy.
I think Aimee is one if the best instructors to learn from. I always feel I can follow her and I can easily adapt to my needs as she includes and shows variations to try. This Strong Nation class is different than other classes but also familiar at the same time. Great moves, great music. Thank you Aimee for opening the door to this new kind of workout.”
~Maddy Etkin