Hey friends,
Let’s talk about home—not just the place where you sleep, but the moments, smells, and people that ground you. For me, home is a street name, a childhood address, the sound of music at a family gathering, or the familiar scent of my granny's Dettol. These seemingly small details mean so much when you're "gone from yaad."
Regrettably, I haven’t visited my mother’s childhood home in BG yet, but the stories I've heard allow me to envision it vividly. Home is a powerful concept—it can thrive in places we’ve never set foot in and in the people who make us feel we belong.
This sentiment inspired me to create the Stanley Hill Collection, an homage to the everyday sayings, humour, and wisdom of my Caribbean-Canadian upbringing. This collection celebrates cultural resilience and the enduring strength passed down through generations.
The Story Behind Stanley Hill
The name "Stanley Hill" is deeply personal; it’s the street in Bristol, UK, where my father lived after immigrating from Jamaica in the 1950s. This name honours my family’s journey while also speaking to the broader Caribbean diaspora experience of discovering new worlds while staying connected to our roots.
During a summer break in the early '90s, my father took us to his family home, where we were embraced by extended cousins. I savoured British-Jamaican food, placed my hands in my grandfather’s vegetable garden, and danced to ska with my great aunt and mother. That trip was my first taste of "home" beyond Canada, shaping my understanding of how our roots travel with us.
Words Have Power. Cultural Expressions Inspire.
The phrases in this collection aren’t just words; they’re part of my everyday vernacular—expressions I grew up with and still rely on today as I navigate 9-5 life. These sayings serve as cultural anchors, tying us back to our origins and guiding us through daily responsibilities.
From the cheeky "Api Up Yourself" to the straightforward "Don’t Ramp With Me," these phrases ground me and remind me that home is wherever I choose to make it. They embody the essence of kitchen table conversations and the jokes shared with friends that help us get through the day.
I designed this collection for all of us balancing work, life, and everything in between. These stickers, magnets, and patches are more than just items; they’re notes from home, connecting us to our roots—no matter where we are.
Soon Come
Woy! I can’t wait to unveil the Stanley Hill Collection. Each piece is a tribute to the stories, memories, and expressions that bind us to our heritage, no matter where life takes us. Stay tuned for sneak peeks and previews as we approach launch—you won’t want to miss this one!
Walk good,
Leah
