Today we’d like to introduce you to Aminata Traore-Morris.
Hi Aminata, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but my roots stretch deeply to Savannah, Georgia, and Senegal, West Africa—places that shaped my love for culture, history, and storytelling. My journey has always centered on connecting people through culture, whether as a journalist, author, community organizer, or now, as the founder of ATM Artisan.
As an author and cultural curator, I’ve dedicated my work to showcasing the richness and beauty of diverse traditions. In 2018, I launched the Culturally Curious Literacy Initiative to advocate for inclusive representation in children’s literature while working within the library system. That mission inspired my first children’s book, Xavier the Prince: Step Into Africa.
ATM Artisan grew from that same passion—blending authentic African artistry with modern design. Each handbag and accessory reflects a story of heritage and identity, crafted from traditional Senegalese mudcloth and reimagined for today. It’s more than fashion—it’s storytelling, representation, and a celebration of culture through timeless craftsmanship.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, nor would I want it to be. Every challenge has sharpened my vision.
One of the ongoing challenges has been finding meaningful spaces to showcase our work — places that honor textiles, tactile art, and modern design. I’m deeply grateful for the beautiful space at Social Butterfly in Brunswick, Georgia, our only retail location where customers can experience ATM Artisan handbags in person. Outside of that, we rely on online sales to connect with our community, and we are actively seeking additional retail spaces that allow for greater visibility and deeper connection with customers.
Another obstacle has been educating the market on the cultural and historical value of Senegalese and Malian mudcloth — a textile admired for its beauty but rarely understood for its depth and storytelling.
And lastly, balancing creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurship while staying true to purpose has required patience, persistence, and faith in the journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through ATM Artisan, I specialize in creating premium handbags and purses that blend tradition with modern elegance. Each piece is crafted from Senegalese mudcloth by way of Mali, a textile rich in history and cultural symbolism, thoughtfully paired with modern design and contemporary silhouettes that speak to today’s fashion-forward consumer. It is a union of the ancient and the new, where the modernity of style meets the soul of ancestral craftsmanship.
I am most proud to continue educating and bringing light to the importance of sustainable fashion, a movement that goes beyond aesthetics to honor the process, the people, and the preservation of timeless pieces. For me, sustainability is not just about materials but about meaning. It is about slowing down, valuing what is handmade, and understanding the depth behind every creation.
Every handbag we craft tells a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and the resilience of African artistry. What truly sets ATM Artisan apart is the intentionality behind every stitch and the philosophy that culture is greater than currency. No amount of money can replace the history, thought, and time woven into each piece. My mission is to help supporters and collectors understand the “why” behind the work, to know that when they invest in ATM, they are investing in something enduring, purposeful, and profoundly human.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For me, risk is at the heart of creativity. Balancing community work, Resonate Global Consulting, and launching ATM Artisan has been a leap of faith. I didn’t know how people would respond to a brand rooted in cultural heritage, but I am the vision and moved forward.
Traveling internationally brings its own kind of risk—navigating unfamiliar places, unpredictable conditions, and cultural differences while and building organic relationships with artisans. But those experiences keep me grounded and connected to the purpose behind this work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atmartisan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturally.curious/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/atmartisan/
