21
May
2026
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
[IN PERSON] Afrobeats Dance Fitness
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
Founder-Led | Mission-Driven | Community-Powered
Handcrafted African gifts, wellness, and community experiences with nationwide reach.
Founder-led media and African stories in real time—from Northampton, across the U.S., and around the world.
- Curated by Aimee Salmon, Founder and CEO
- Rooted in African heritage
- Handmade by skilled African artisans
- 25% of profits support women in the Congo
Founder-Led
Mission-Driven
Community-Powered
Handcrafted African gifts, wellness, and community experiences with nationwide reach.
- Curated by Aimee Salmon, Founder and CEO
- Rooted in African heritage
- Handmade by skilled African artisans
- 25% of profits support women in the Congo
Our Impact: More Than a Purchase
Every product, experience, and story supports African women artisans, celebrates culture, and builds global community.
Rooted in Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Positively Africana By Aimee is built on meaningful connection, not transactions.
We partner directly with women artisans across Africa, including the Congo and Kenya, to bring you handcrafted pieces with real stories behind them. No middlemen. No mass production. Just authentic craftsmanship and real opportunity.
25% of all profits support women entrepreneurs in the Congo, helping create sustainable income, independence, and dignity.
Every purchase you make:
Supports skilled African artisans
Preserves cultural traditions
Creates real economic opportunity
Connects you directly to the maker
25% of all profits support women entrepreneurs in the Congo, helping create sustainable income, independence, and dignity.
Retail | Fitness | Community Experiences | Workshops | Media By Aimee | African Ubuntu Leadership Training
African Retail and Gift Shop
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Handmade African gifts, curated collections, authentic craftsmanship, 25% of profits support women entrepreneurs in the Congo. Shop in-store in Northampton, MA or online with nationwide shipping.
Gift Certificates
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Gift Certificates from Positively Africana By Aimee are the easiest way to give something meaningful without guessing. Choose an amount, and let them decide what speaks to them, whether that is an artisan-made gift, a cultural experience, or a wellness moment. We’ve got you covered.
Group Exercise Classes and Fitness
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Ubuntu-powered cultural wellness experience. Trained and passionate instructors. Adults only. 6 classes per week. Community-powered movement and connection.
Community Events and Cultural Experiences
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Workshops, panels, gatherings, and special events rooted in African culture and community building. Join us for Sustainable Fashion Fair, Family Jazz, and more.
Media By Aimee
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Storytelling, content creation, community features, and cultural narratives that celebrate African culture and founder-led entrepreneurship.
African Ubuntu Leadership Training
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led. Mission-driven. Community-powered.
Programming, workshops, and leadership development rooted in Ubuntu philosophy and authentic cultural exchange.
Pride Month
A celebration of love, identity, and the power of being seen.
Pride is not just a celebration. It’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made, and the work that still lies ahead.
At Positively Africana By Aimee, we believe in building bridges—between cultures, communities, and hearts. Our mission is rooted in love, togetherness, and the celebration of diversity.
Love always wins. Together, we can help create a world where every person is celebrated, protected, and embraced for who they truly are.
Positively Africana By Aimee | Founder-led cultural platform and media brand | Authentic African retail, gifts, fitness & community experiences | Northampton, Massachusetts | Shipping Nationwide | 25% of profits support women entrepreneurs in the Congo
Spring is here, and Mother's Day is coming. This is the season for new arrivals, fresh color, and gifts with meaning.
Discover curated favorites from Positively Africana By Aimee, featuring African Bold Kitenge Blazers, dresses, unique jewelry, accessories, handcrafted gifts, new arrivals added weekly, and cultural and community experiences.
Every gift carries a story.
Every purchase supports women.
Every experience builds community locally, nationally, and globally.
25% of profits support women entrepreneurs in the Congo.
Shop Online With Nationwide Shipping
Visit Us in Northampton, MA
Positively Africana By Aimee: Founder-Led. Mission-Driven. Community-Powered. Nationwide.
All offerings hosted by Positively Africana By Aimee.
FEatured Products
African Gifts by Occasion — Handmade, Ethical & Meaningful
Discover African gifts for every occasion, including birthdays, weddings, holidays, and cultural celebrations. Each piece is ethically handcrafted by African artisans and rooted in tradition, storytelling, and Ubuntu values — perfect for thoughtful, intentional gifting.
African Gifts by Theme — Handmade, Ethical & Culturally Rooted
Explore African gifts by theme, including heritage gifts, handmade and artisan-made pieces, ethical and fair-trade collections, and wellness-inspired gifts. Each item is crafted with care and purpose, supporting African artisans and women entrepreneurs in the Congo.
GIFT CARDS - GIVE THE gIFT OF CHOICE
Use In-Store OR Online Nationwide
SHOP BY CATEGORY
Shop with Purpose. Celebrate with Culture
Explore our curated collections of authentic handmade African gifts — from jewelry and bags to home décor, dolls, clothing, and more. Each piece is ethically crafted by skilled African artisans and rooted in culture, purpose, and community impact.
Shop Your Way
Handmade by artists across the African continent. Available in-store at Thornes Marketplace (Level 2, Northampton, MA) or nationwide online.
Meaningful African Gifts
Shop handmade gifts with purpose. Every piece supports women entrepreneurs and artists in the Congo.
Home Decor + Textiles
Transform your space with handmade African textiles, mudcloth, kitenge, and baoule fabric. Each piece tells a story and supports artisans across the African continent.
MEET AIMEE, FOUNDER & CEO
Founder & CEO, Positively Africana By Aimee – Business Strategist and Builder, Cultural Bridge Builder, Storyteller (Media By Aimee), and Fitness Entrepreneur (Mount Holyoke College alumna, Frances Perkins Scholar Graduate)
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Aimee founded Positively Africana to build a platform that celebrates African culture, supports women artisans across the continent, and amplifies African stories through Media By Aimee. Based in Northampton and serving nationwide, every piece, every class, every experience is rooted in her mission: to build community, honor authenticity, and create lasting impact.
This page is dedicated to my grandmother, Tate Bikuwe—my role model and inspiration. I’m here to continue her legacy and inspire the next generation to see what’s possible for them.
MEET AIMEE, FOUNDER & CEO
Founder & CEO, Positively Africana By Aimee – Business Strategist and Builder, Cultural Bridge Builder, Storyteller (Media By Aimee), and Fitness Entrepreneur (Mount Holyoke College alumna, Frances Perkins Scholar Graduate)
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Aimee founded Positively Africana to build a platform that celebrates African culture, supports women artisans across the continent, and amplifies African stories through Media By Aimee. Based in Northampton and serving nationwide, every piece, every class, every experience is rooted in her mission: to build community, honor authenticity, and create lasting impact.
This page is dedicated to my grandmother, Tate Bikuwe—my role model and inspiration. I’m here to continue her legacy and inspire the next generation to see what’s possible for them.
BusinessWest 40 Under Forty — Class of 2026
Aimee Salmon, Founder & CEO of Positively Africana by Aimee, has been named to BusinessWest’s prestigious 40 Under Forty Class of 2026 — recognizing the region’s most outstanding young leaders in business and community.
“Aimee’s business is not just retail — it is bridge-building.” — Caroline Gear, Executive Director, International Language Institute
Ubuntu In Action
Ubuntu Community Experiences Across New England
Celebrating African Ubuntu Leadership Philosophy through authentic cultural marketplace traditions — at festivals, farmers’ markets, conferences, and neighborhood gatherings near you.
From bustling farmers’ markets to vibrant cultural festivals, corporate wellness conferences to neighborhood block parties, Positively Africana By Aimee brings authentic African cultural experiences directly to your community. Each event is guided by Tate Bikuwe’s “bikuwe bikuwe” wisdom and combines handcrafted African retail, dance fitness performances, and Ubuntu Leadership storytelling — turning “I am because we are” from philosophy into lived experience.
FEATURED EVENTS
New events are live. We can't wait to welcome you—explore what's next and join us in community.
Northampton Juneteenth Festival
Join us in Northampton for a powerful, joy-filled Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, culture, and community. This all-day festival uplifts Northampton-area Black artists, musicians, local businesses, restaurants, and community leaders through a vibrant experience rooted in connection, creativity, and pride.
[IN PERSON] Family Jazz with Lauren
Sunday, May 3 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM
Family Jazz is a joyful, story-driven dance experience designed for everyone. You don’t have to be a parent to participate — this is a welcoming space for families, friends, solo dancers, and anyone curious about moving, connecting, and having fun together.
Come As You Are. Bring Water And Get Ready To Move, Connect, And Have Fun. All Ages Welcome.
Important: Please come barefoot. No jazz shoes, sneakers, or socks. Get ready to get grounded.
Hosted by Positively Africana By Aimee
Book Virtual Shopping (Personalized With Aimee)
Let’s shop together online with Aimee from anywhere.
Choose a time, share what you’re shopping for, and Aimee will curate pieces just for you based on your style, budget, and what you love. We’ll ship your order to you.
- Perfect for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
- Members get 10% off in-person and online.
- Shop online. Ship nationwide.
Book Virtual Shopping (Personalized With Aimee)
Let’s shop together online with Aimee from anywhere.
Choose a time, share what you’re shopping for, and Aimee will curate pieces just for you based on your style, budget, and what you love. We’ll ship your order to you.
- Perfect for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
- Members get 10% off in-person and online.
- Shop online. Ship nationwide.
Every Purchase Makes an Impact
Positively Africana By Aimee: 25% of all profits support women entrepreneurs and artists in the Congo. Whether you shop in-store or online, you’re helping to support our mission.
Testimonials for Positively Africana By Aimee
Rated 5 out of 5
What People Are Saying
Upcoming Positively Africana By Aimee Events
Fitness Classes, Corporate Wellness Sessions, and Other Events.
22
May
2026
8:00 am - 9:00 am
[VIRTUAL] Strong Nation HIIT
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
22
May
2026
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
[IN PERSON] Zumba Class
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
24
May
2026
25
May
2026
26
May
2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
[IN PERSON] Functional Strength Training
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
27
May
2026
28
May
2026
6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
[IN PERSON] Afrobeats Dance Fitness
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
29
May
2026
8:00 am - 9:00 am
[VIRTUAL] Strong Nation HIIT
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
29
May
2026
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
[IN PERSON] Zumba Class
Studio Helix
150 Main Street Level 3, Northampton, Massachusetts
31
May
2026
01
June
2026
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Join our community + get exclusive rewards, early access to new collections, and updates on the impact we're making together.
Community Changed My Life: How Loneliness, Isolation, and Postpartum Led Me to Build Positively Africana By Aimee — Fitness Programs
When I first arrived in the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I experienced loneliness and isolation in a way I had never known before. It wasn’t the romantic notion of starting fresh in a new country.
FAQ
From Our Blog
Catch up on all the latest news from Positively Africana
Northampton Cultural Events: Celebrating Diversity Through Art, Dance, and Music
May 11, 2026
Hosted by Positively Africana By Aimee Founder-Led. Mission-Driven. Community-Powered. Nationwide. There’s a particular sound that happens at community events in Northampton right before things really begin. Chairs scraping against wooden
The Magnificent Kente Cloth: Authentic Craft, Community Connection, and Why Origin Matters
April 17, 2026
Hosted by Positively Africana By Aimee Founder-Led. Mission-Driven. Community-Powered. Nationwide. The Magnificent Kente Cloth Kente cloth is a distinctive traditional handwoven textile created by the Asante (Ashanti) and Ewe peoples
Media By Aimee Interview Professor Chipo Dendere on Migration, Power, and Home
April 15, 2026
Lecture Hall – Educational Event Positively Africana By Aimee | Level 2, 150 Main Street, Northampton, MA and Nationwidehttps://www.positivelyafricana.com Who She Is Professor Chipo Dendere (she/her) is an Assistant Professor
