(Boston, MA) – Healthy Wealthy Thoughts, a health and wellness resource, wishes to address a matter that has been discussed within the community concerning a financial grant from the Grove Hall Trust. We express our gratitude to the Grove Hall Trust for their ongoing support of the Grove Hall community, its members, and business endeavors through mini-grants that foster community engagement and development. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have returned the funding. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with the Grove Hall Trust again in the future.
Project Manager Grace Eijwale overcame challenges to successfully lead the "Bucket Hat Customization Workshop" at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston - Yawkey Club of Roxbury. The workshop was instructed by MarQuia Lawson, owner of Quia Mara Group, LLC, a black woman owned custom print shop established in 2021. The company specializes in on-demand personalized apparel and accessories such as t-shirts, hats, mugs, and tumblers.
Lawson has effectively and inventively introduced young people to the design process, including design transfers, hands-on layering of these transfers, and the weeding process.
Lawson earned an Associate of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing from the International Academy of Design, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a notable GPA of 3.95. Additionally, she has completed 62 credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Tuskegee University and has furthered her skills in Residential Planning and Interior Design at The Art Institutes. Lawson is also affiliated with the District Council 35 Painters and Allied Trades Union. Lawson was asked about what she gets from working within her community. She stated that "as a native of Boston [who] has been living on the same street since 1988, I enjoy nothing more than to help offer my service and experience to the community".
Grace Ejiwale, despite numerous challenges, has launched the "Bucket Hat Customization Workshop," an innovative project that merges science, technology, art, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) with fashion. This program provides a creative and educational experience for youth across the Greater Boston communities. The workshop received sponsorship from The Boys & Girls Club of Boston-Yawkey Club of Roxbury, Quia Mara Group, Gold Peak Tea, Smart Water and an anonymous benefactor.
For further details about the Bucket Hat Customization Workshop and to support the Healthy Wealthy Thoughts initiatives, please reach out to healthywealthythoughts@gmail.com. For more information about Quia Mara Group, LLC, please contact Lawson at quiamaragroup@gmail.com.
