Learn more about Shaakira + Ginja Snap!

I grew up in Monmouth County, NJ, and Bucks County, PA. I received my education in Communication studies at the University of Maryland. My time in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) was very pivotal. I was around a lot of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. It filled a void I didn't even know I had. I became a part of a community of beautiful, talented people that expressed themselves in unapologetic and magnetic ways. I'm relatively young but I've occupied a few roles across a few different industries. My recent roles center around facilitation and creative problem-solving. While in the DMV, I worked with a digital magazine called The Vibe Room, where I was the Curatorial Director. For every issue, among many other things, I curated a roster of creatives to be interviewed and featured. Earlier this year (which feels like another lifetime), I interned for Harlem's Fashion Row, a social company that provides opportunities to minority designers in the fashion industry. I currently do project coordinating for Hoffman Design Group, a plant design company right outside of Philly. Entrepeurnship is new to me but has always been my end goal. It was just a matter of what and when! 

In college, I had a sore throat and a friend of mine told me to boil ginger and water, add lemon and I'd feel 80% better in no time. I had my doubts but I tried it anyway. While boiling the ginger I got distracted and forgot about it (classic) so most of it evaporated and the little bit that was left was realllllly strong. I drank it straight, no lemon or sweetener. It was so strong that I could feel the ginger "working" on the part of my throat that was sore. Within an hour, I could tell a pretty significant difference in how my throat felt. From that point on, Ginger water or tea became something I made for myself when I was sick. Ginger as a flavor began to grow on me and I found that when I bought ginger teas and beverages, the ginger flavor was never as strong as I wanted it to be. So I starting making bigger batches that would last me a week or so.

It was the positive response from family and friends who've tried it that prompted me to bottle it up and test it with a wider audience. My brother has a vintage shop in Brewerytown called Search + Rescue Drygoods. I figured that would be a great place to start, and to my surprise, it was a success!

Q: Have you always lived in Philadelphia? What draws you to this city? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of Philadelphia?

I actually just moved to Philadelphia in May but as a Bucks County kid, I've always been somewhat familiar with the city. There are quite a few draws. Philly is a good place to create a foundation and try something new. I have a support system here. My best friend is here, I have family here. I love being able to see my brother on a regular basis and help him at his shop. Right now, my favorite aspects of the city are the thriving independent businesses and the vintage scene. Least favorite part is driving - y'all are aggressive, lol!