Minimalism isn’t always the trendy lifestyle portrayed on Pinterest. In fact, some black minimalists grew up with a different understanding of this concept.
For many people who are part of black and brown communities, minimalism is not just a smart lifestyle change.
However, some black women have embraced the minimalist movement and used it as a tool of empowerment.
If you’re curious about who these women are, read on to learn about eight black minimalists who are happily living and thriving with less.
How is minimalism defined?
Minimalism is not a complicated topic. It was born as an art and design concept, the idea of having less. But lifestyle includes a lot more.
Minimalism focuses on getting rid of unnecessary things to create space for the important things in life.
But the idea of limiting the items you own is not necessarily a personal choice, but a result of circumstances.
minimalism and black history
If you search for images of minimalism, you’ll probably see pictures of white walls and gray tables and chairs. Images of pristine places speak to the beauty of less.
However, minimalism is not always aesthetically pleasing, depending on a person’s socioeconomic status.
Minimalism as a Consequence, Not a Choice
Tatiana Donaldson shared on her blog another point of view. Sharing that minimalism meant barely making ends meet. In her own article, she writes that she made her must-have list at an early age.
This was her list of things to bring with her when her family had to move frequently. Rapid changes in life were often the result of economic and social conditions at the time.
Many racial injustices such as redlines, segregation, Jim Crow laws It prevented various black families from gaining high-paying jobs and home ownership.
As a result, many black communities were of lower socioeconomic status, which affected their purchasing power.
Yet despite these challenges, there are black minimalists who have grown to the position that minimalism is an enjoyable option that can help them improve their lives.
8 black minimalists living full lives
Minimalism is a practice that looks different depending on the practitioner.
Find out how 8 black women break free from minimalism and create joy.
1. Danae Smith
Danae Smith created a blog strange life To show the value and beauty of a slower and simpler way of life.
She believes there is magic and beauty in mundane things. On her blog, you can follow her monthly intention posts.
She also has a podcast.”let’s make coffee‘ focuses on conversations about everyday life.
2. Christine Pratt
If You Follow Other Black Minimalists, You May Already Know Minimalist Himself, Christine PrattUnwilling to conform to the bland, colorless designs she often sees, Pratt embraced this lifestyle.
Instead, she created a life less influenced by the African diaspora. An Afro-minimalist guide to living with less She teaches you how to organize yourself and let go of things that don’t add value to your life.
You can also check out her TED for more motivation. You can be a minimalist, Yes You!
3. Janne
Jeanne is black minimalist with youtube channel It focuses on sustainability and productivity while incorporating various elements of a minimalist lifestyle.
On her channel you can find videos on how to get started with minimalism, especially for beginners. She also has videos about minimalist skincare and beauty.
4. Jessica Young
Jessica Young shows the concept of minimalism as applicable to many aspects of life. blog minimal studentIn one blog post, she talks about how minimalism can lead to a happier life.
In that same post, she highlights how minimalism can remove the importance many people place on material things. Her blog also includes meditations and mantras on minimalism. I’m here.
5. Jessica Malone
Jessica Malone started Nacho Average Floa life design company that helps entrepreneurs learn how to stay organized. In doing so, she helps her clients step into the life they really want.
Her blog tackles an important aspect of minimalism: decluttering. Before she makes a lasting impact by organizing her space, she focuses on how to organize her mind.
6. Farai Hareld
Also known as Afro-herbalist Farai Hareld is one of Co-founder of BlackMinimalist.net.
With an emphasis on all things natural and eco-friendly, Hareld shares topics as diverse as motherhood, fashion, gardening, and sustainability with her audience.
7. Yolanda V Akeley
You can consider Yolanda V Acree A veteran of minimalism, she’s been living with less for the past nine years and get stronger.
For Acree, minimalism is a way of imagining and creating a simple yet purposeful life. She is also one of the founders of Black Her Minimalist.
She is the founder as well as the author of the book, Mindful Simplicity: Practical strategies for finding harmony at home, work and life. A guide to simplifying your life.
8. Melanin Minimalist
Lisa Shunette is aggressively committed to minimalism. She believes in living simply, but she doesn’t deprive herself of certain pleasures and luxuries, like having a colorful wardrobe, multiple types of cutlery, and living with intention.
Girlfriend YouTube channel is a compilation of minimalist lifestyle tips and tricks To help more blackened women become minimalists. She emphasizes the joy and enjoyment of living a simple life.
How to use minimalism to improve your financial situation
You probably got an idea of how minimalism can change your life from the list of black minimalists above.
identify core values
Minimalism usually starts with identifying your core values and eliminating anything that doesn’t align with those values. The same technique can be applied when it comes to finances.
If you value safety and comfort, you can invest in your own home. If you value experiencing and learning about new places, you can spend more money on travel.
spend money on experiences rather than material things
Another aspect of minimalism is having less stuff. If you’re focused on not accumulating too many items, you’re more likely to spend less money on getting new ones.
The minimalist state of mind focuses on experiences and places less value on physical objects. This way, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone, you can spend your money on making yourself truly happy instead of making yourself happy for a short period of time.
How Minimalism Improves Your Overall Happiness
Minimalism not only helps you prioritize your spending, but it also helps you improve your lifestyle.
Less stuff means less stress
Limiting yourself to the things in your life that bring you value and joy will make you feel lighter and happier. No more rummaging through your closet trying to decide what to wear from 47 tees.
You can find what you need because it won’t get lost somewhere in the drawer under the gadgets and gizmos you don’t use.
clear the confusion of mind and space
Have you ever felt like you have too many things in your head? There is a possibility that
If there is mental turmoil, there is probably physical turmoil. And when your body is cluttered, you don’t have space to relax and focus.
Minimalism helps clear your mind and space from the stress and frustration that clutter can bring.
more time and freedom
More stuff means more time you have to spend maintaining things. Too many clothes will take longer to wash.
Excess dishes mean more cleaning time. More beauty products can mean more waste and more time cleaning your bathroom.
Instead of organizing 30 pairs of socks, with less to worry about and maintain, you’re free to spend your time however you like.
be grateful for what you have
Finally, minimalism helps us appreciate what we already have. Like an old coffee maker, it can be slow and still make great coffee. Or an older generation cell phone that meets all your basic needs.
There’s always something new and innovative, but that doesn’t mean what you already have isn’t good enough.
Do you want to try minimalism?
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired by this black minimalist list to see how lifestyle can adapt to who you are and how you want to live. It is important.
Focus on surrounding yourself with people and things that bring joy and value to your life. Everything else you can leave behind. You can also take this a step further by simplifying your budget and becoming a financial minimalist.