Boxes are for objects, not people
A Black Woman’s Journey in to DIY
My name is Tamarah and I am a Software Engineer but that is not all I am. I’m a DIYer, building and renovating around my house. Yes, I’m a homeowner. My current project is my Kitchen but I have so many projects already under my belt. I am not a stereotype and don’t fit into the boxes people think a Black woman fits in.
My Projects
See the above picture? I built those shelves in the closet! Bought plywood, screws and built each shelf one by one. I also added the trim, added the bifold doors and painted/stained everything!
This blog is name AfroAndReno because as I was looking though instagram in June 2020 for DIY inspiration I didn’t see many DIYers that looked like me. I also love color and you wont find a neutral palette in my home!
Since then, I found other Black and Hispanic DIYers but it has taken almost a year and the Instagram algorithm doesn’t show them to me…I find them from shares by other Black and Hispanic accounts.
Closet Project
One of my biggest projects to date was redoing my office closet. The closet before…had one large shelf and a rod for hanging clothes.
With a bit of wood, lots of nails, pocket screws, a month working on it after work and on weekends this closet was transformed.
Storage is what was needed in this home office and I delivered! I learned a lot doing this project which is why I love DIYing and also why I love Software engineering.
The Kitchen
Representation, that is my goal and to break the stereotypes of Black women. DIYer, homeowner, woodworker, design/build furniture, educated, work in tech and so much more!
Using my brain, the internet and my hands to build something cool. Follow along!
Check me out on social!
Latest On the Blog
-
Kitchen Glow-Up for Every Budget: From Broke to Big money!
Are you a broke-y, balling on a budget or Big Money? Your Kitchen budget will help you decide where and when to tackle a Kitchen Renovation.
-
How to change you car cabin and engine air filter
In a Honda Fit, I’ll show you how to change your air filter and some tips I’ve learned along the way. It’s a good practice to check them at least once a year.
-
DIY · Garden · Tips and Tricks
Grow pineapple the easy way
The easiest way to grow pineapples is from a pineapple top. You know, the part you take off before cutting into the delicious fruit!
Oldies but goodies On the Blog
-
One Room Challenge (ORC): Fall edition
Customizing the kitchen one drawer and cabinet at a time as part of the ORC
It’s that time again for another One Room Challenge (ORC). I participated for the first time in the Spring starting phase one of the kitchen renovation. I will do a post later on this month how the spring challenge went. Hint: I finished it this week!
-
DIY | Home Improvement | Kitchen | ORC | Woodworking
Building a custom drawer: Recycling Bin
Customize your kitchen on a budget. This week we tackle building a custom drawer for a recycling bin. Works with a trashcan or easily modified for both!
-
One Room Challenge Week 8: Wait What!?
It’s reveal week for the One Room Challenge and I am way behind on blog posts. Sorry but life happened.
