"As a child, helping in the African arts boutique owned by my family, I fell in love with Batik print, indigo, and mudcloth fabrics."

Raised by parents who were themselves entrepreneurs, a few years ago, after Baiyinah Brookins learned to sew, she began translating her love of west African fabrics into products through Frank & Myrhh, her lifestyle brand. She creates fashion accessories using a diverse array of fabrics and patterns, including batik wax from Ghana and bazin from Mali. Her products are an unapologetic celebration of African diasporic heritage, culture, spirituality, and history.

Baiyinah is a member of the founding cohort of ORIGINS, a PG&H sister program and platform that celebrates and supports African American makers in Pittsburgh; learn more at ORIGINSpgh.org.