It began with a paper and a pencil, a wonderful imagination and the desire to share her creativity with the world. For over 20 years, Toronto-based artist/ designer Desiree Marshall has had a passion for drawing, which comes from her heart, and makes her feel at peace.

Desiree decided to fulfill a lifelong dream, when she launched her apparel company AFRODELIK DESIGNS in November 2006. She describes the line as “…rich and textured designs, created through the spirit of SOUL”. The various pieces feature hand-drawn original designs celebrating culture. There are currently three distinct collections available:

AFROCITY: a memorable throwback to blaxploitation movies of the 1970s

AFRIKA: an inspirational dedication to various cultures of the African diaspora

IKONS: an ode to various trendsetters and community leaders in music, politics and thought.

The present canvases are T-shirts, hoodies, messenger bags, mini-Afrodelik clutch purses, buttons and greeting cards, geared to men and women between the ages of 25-48, and boys and girls 1-12 years old.

Says Desiree about the line: “Whether it be humorous or serious, I feel I have a job to educate kids and adults in and out of the community about the positive richness of one of many beautiful cultures in this world. The best way for me to communicate this message is through my art….through my interpretation of the world”

Word is quickly spreading about Afrodelik Designs. The collections have been described as eye-catching, unique, bold, and inspirational. International celebrities such as Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Vivica A. Fox (frequent visitor to Antigua), and actor Derek Luke own Afrodelik shirts of their own. New to the line is artwork dedicated to reggae artist and inspiring Bob Marley, and the most current work in progress is her rendition of the late great Michael Jackson.

The entire Afrodelik Designs line is available in stores in North America, and worldwide on the Afrodelik website at www.afrodelik.com