At Curls à la Mode we're BLACK and PROUD everyday!

Our Founder & CEO Ahsika Boasman had the great opportunity to share the story of our fashion and lifestyle brand, and also highlight the personal connection to a local slave hero!

In Sint Maarten we celebrate and recognize many influential persons who contributed to the history of our island and people. One story in particular is very inspirational for our Founder...the story of "One-Tété Lohkay". 

One-Tété Lohkay was a young slave who rebelled against her Dutch colonial slave owners. She escaped her plantation and soon a manhunt was sent after her. She was recaptured and given a cruel punishment of mutilation; one of her breasts was cut off. She became known as One-Tété Lohkay (one breast Lohkay).

 

"One-Tété Lokhay was determined to choose freedom. Even after that gruesome punishment, she didn't let herself be broken. I take strength from that not to give up when things aren't going well, but to continue to achieve my goals. On Sint Maarten it is not easy to start your own business, especially as a black woman. I had to fight against a huge stigma," says Ahsika Boasman (Founder & CEO of Curls à la Mode)

Curls à la Mode was created as a reminder, that dreams can be achieved with the right mindset and self-confidence. Owned, operated and founded by Ahsika Boasman, with the vision of creating a body positive fashion brand with global appeal. Built from a tiny idea, it was important that Ahsika chase her dream by creating an extension of her values and purpose in life, to inspire and activate the next dream chaser. 

One-Tété Lokhay remains a celebrated "freedom fighter" in our home country Sint Maarten. Read the full article and learn about 3 other Caribbean freedom fighters!