This site’s icon, imagery and visual identity is inspired by the sweetgrass basket, the exquisitely crafted low country art with African origins.

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When enslaved West Africans were brought to Charleston, South Carolina in the 1600s, they brought with them the tradition of weaving baskets from grass and passed the tradition from generation to generation. The sweetgrass basket is unique to the low country and represents one of the oldest West African art forms in America.

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The baskets are unique, durable and were used as winnowing fans to separate the rice seed from the chaff as well as to hold and carry fruits, vegetables, and household goods.

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Today, the state of South Carolina recognizes the art form as its official handicraft and the baskets are featured in the Smithsonian, in museums around the world, and proudly in Leilani’s office in Charleston, South Carolina.