I’m Hawa Lansanah, the owner of HawAmazing Design & Stitch. “HawAmazing” is derived from my name which is pronounced “Hah-Wah” (not “How-Wuh”). It was very important to stay true to my culture when deciding on my company’s name.
I'm a proud Liberian who was born in Brussels, Belgium. I was fortunate to attend Savannah State University (an HBCU) where I achieved my B.A. in Business Administration. While at SSU, I made one of the best decisions and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Are you surprised? Don’t be! I don’t play around when it comes to serving my community.
While living in Africa, my school uniforms were loving, handmade by my mother, so I’m no stranger to a needle and thread. For years I would make unique pieces and accessories for my friends as gifts. Word quickly got out and when my order volume continued to grow, I knew it was time to make a move. In the Summer of 2019, HawAmazing Design & Stitch became a "sitch". I started by participating in local pop-up shops and festivals and that led to launching my online store in 2020.
I use my designs to educate my customers about my heritage. The Vai Tribe's language is at the root of my designs. Each piece tells a unique story.
HawAmazing Design & Stitch focuses on 3 principles; Community Service, Education, and Diverse Cultural Inclusion:
COMMUNITY SERVICE - Community service has always been a huge part of my life. From getting out the vote to coordinating a relay for the most widely known cancer foundation in the U.S. for several years, I’ve always worked to mobilize my community. That same drive is at the heart of this company.
EDUCATION - My family and I immigrated from Africa to Gwinnett County; the most culturally diverse community in Georgia. Growing up in Gwinnett, I learned that education and exposure to those cultures are key to bringing us together and making us stronger as a country. I served as a classroom educator there for several years, being recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2017. I always strived to elevate students of all cultures and nationalities, by connecting the content to hands-on activities and encouraging them to share their unique experiences.
DIVERSE CULTURAL INCLUSION - As a brand, HawAmazing Design & Stitch continues that mission of education by creating products and curating hands-on experiences that connect our customers to the history, language, and cuisine of Liberia; a country that has roots in America. Recipes, art, and virtual community events are just a few of the tools that we use to continue to keep our customers engaged.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
- 2020 Published article in The VoyageAtL.
- Celebrated Liberian Independence Day virtually during a HawAmazing event called "Pepper Soup & Paint".
- Recipient of the Facebook Small Business Grant and Ad Credits.
- Released my brand's song "HawAmazing". Available on all streaming platforms.
- 2020 The company's 1st fashion show "A Tribe & Vibes Affair".
- Recipient of the Grind Pretty Fest Pitch Competition Grant.
- Hosted the Official 1847 Fest Brunch at Rock Steady ATL in celebration of Liberian Independence Day 2021.
- Several celebrities are rocking the HawAmazing brand including: Mona Scott Young, Chef Chauncy Yarngo and more!
