Through intimate audio clips, “Before I Had Them” delves into journeys of identity, community, and self-discovery as Black women Through the voices sabah, lauren, alexandra and nouran. Each woman's page invites the audience to explore themes of Black womanhood, friendship, and healing, As told through theIr unique voices. 
The title, "Before I Had Them," speaks to the transformative power of friendship and community in shaping identity and healing past wounds. It reflects a time in each woman’s life before finding the chosen family they’ve created together—a family that has helped them step into their identities with confidence, joy, and love. The project highlights how relationships between Black women can foster safety, understanding, and affirmation in a world that often undermines their value and voices.

Photo Courtesy of Typology of hairstyles. Photographer J.D. Okhai Ojeikere. 1930-Feb 3, 2014


"Before I Had Them" is a celebration of the multifaceted nature of Black womanhood, exploring how friendship and community offer a sanctuary for healing, joy, and freedom. The project is both personal and universal, demonstrating the power of storytelling to bridge individual experiences with broader cultural narratives.
The website’s interactive design invites audiences not only to listen but to reflect on the impact of connection, emphasizing that the path to self-love and confidence is often paved with the love and support of others.