Meet Janai Rakes | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janai Rakes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JaNai, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Honestly, I didn’t even know I was starting a business when I created Grass. It all began as an art project focused on building a symbiotic relationship between humans and Mother Nature. I was fascinated by biomimicry—how nature naturally solves complex problems like waste, pests, or even energy flow, without overcomplicating things. I’d spend hours studying these systems and asking myself, “How can I learn from Mother Nature?” That question became my guiding principle.

My goal was to design things that serve, just like nature does—constantly adapting, growing, and evolving. Grass became a way to express that idea through clothing, installations, and objects, challenging people to look at the everyday world differently. I wanted to create designs that align human-made processes with nature’s, fostering harmony and recognizing the untapped potential in what we often overlook.

At its core, Grass is about interconnection and growth. Our logo—a pentagram based on sacred geometry—symbolizes regeneration and the infinite cycles of life. It reflects the essence of our mission: to create thoughtful, functional designs that teach us how to live in balance with Mother Nature, while embracing movement, imperfection, and expansion.

Through this approach, Grass inspires people to reflect on their place in the world and ask questions like, “How can I grow? How can I serve?” For me, it’s about designing with intention—designs that not only enrich individual lives but also contribute to the planet in meaningful ways.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply inspired by organic shapes and forms, with a focus on maximizing the use of natural fibers and materials. I’ve always believed that what we interact with—including the clothing we wear, sweat in, and live in—has a profound effect on our body and mind. This perspective sets my work apart. I aim to create what I call “feel-good clothing,” using natural fibers not just for aesthetics but for their inherent properties and benefits.

For example, leather isn’t just a durable material; it molds to your body over time, becomes more personal, and has properties like fire resistance. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with a fiber I discovered while foraging in Mexico from the ceiba tree. It’s a silky, cotton-like material in the hibiscus family that’s water-resistant, can hold 30 times its weight, and has practical applications like life vests. For me, it’s about letting the materials guide the design, finding natural resources that solve problems without creating waste—or reusing the waste to create something else.

Grass started as an art project and has evolved into an ever-advancing and experimental brand. I want every object I create—whether it’s a jacket, a bag, or a wallet—to engage people and challenge how they perceive and use materials. I ask myself questions like, “Why create another item? What can this object do that others like it can’t? How can I solve a problem or serve a purpose?” That curiosity keeps me inspired and pushes the boundaries of what I can create while staying consistent with my mission.

I’m proud to have remained true to my commitment to using natural fibers, even when it’s more expensive or time-consuming. It all started with a leather ID bracelet—I loved how it fit and molded to me, becoming almost like a second skin. That bracelet led to wallets, then bags, and now a collection of functional, aesthetically pleasing pieces. Every step has been a learning process.

It hasn’t been easy. Being a one-person team means I handle everything—from designing and drafting to sewing and assembling—so my collections are often limited drops. Balancing creativity with running a business has been challenging, but I’m learning to go at my own pace and stay focused on what matters: solving problems, honoring the materials, and creating objects that make people think, feel, and connect.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire people to engage with the world differently, whether through a graphic, an object, or a piece of clothing. Grass is about creating designs that serve, evolve, and tell stories while honoring nature. I want to leave people asking questions—not just about the objects they use but about the environment they live in. For me, that’s the true art of creation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and fun. Here’s the itinerary:

Sunday: We’d kick things off with Parable’s jazz night—it’s cozy, yet electrifying. We’d grab a drink, let the music set the mood, and just enjoy. Share some laughs.

Monday: A creative catch-up day at Casa Cacao. This place is a warm hug in drink form, and the perfect spot for catching up or working on creative projects. We’d sip on something rich, chat for hours, and just soak in the cozy, inspiring atmosphere—especially as it starts to get colder it’s a nice little escape.

Tuesday: Shopping day, duh! We’d hit Sole Classics for a nicely curated collection. Nothing beats shoe shopping with your bestie. Jon and Brian, who work there, always make it a fun time, and the vibe at the shop is always on point.

Wednesday: A full-on artsy day. We’d start at the Columbus Museum of Art (CMOA) to wander through the galleries, snap pics, and let all the creativity soak in. Afterward, we’d wander over to the Franklin Park Conservatory to take in all the beautiful flora. Inspo!

Thursday: Dinner and drinks at Waves on Long. It’s such a great spot for good conversation, laughs, and just vibing. The energy is always fun, making it the perfect place to yap it up and enjoy each other’s company.

Friday: Party time! We’d hit up an OVERSTIMULATED DJ set by my friends Josh and Justien. Their sets are always boppin’—nonstop dancing, amazing music, and that “we out here” energy. And everyone be fitted!

Saturday: To wrap up the week, we’d spend the evening at The Kee Columbus. The place is full of creative energy, with art installations, amazing cocktails, and fun games for a little friendly competition. Meet fellow creatives too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family. They’ve been my foundation, always sticking with me and helping me expand and grow. My aunt and cousins are like my unofficial managers—they’re constantly pushing me, making sure I stay true to my passions and dreams, and helping with everything from vending shows to running the business.

My best friends, Lupe and Alek, deserve a huge shoutout too. They’re always there to bounce ideas back and forth with me, and honestly, that support keeps me grounded. Having a solid group of people who love and believe in what I do makes all the difference. They motivate me to keep going, even when it feels hard.

And, of course, the biggest recognition has to go to nature, the universe, and the almighty creator. That’s my muse—it’s where I draw all my inspiration from. Everything I create is rooted in that connection. Without it, I wouldn’t have the focus, passion, or creativity I rely on today. So, this is a shoutout to the people who keep me going and the universe that keeps me inspired.

Website: https://Grass-bgs.myshopify.com

Instagram: @vessicapi @grass_bgs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janai-rakes-263382197

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/janai.monique/