From Yard to Yaad: The Story Behind Avasshop21
Avasshop21 began with a difficult ending and a determination to build something meaningful.
When the Covid pandemic brought Ava’s cleaning business to an end, she returned to creativity, culture and the memories of home. What began at home in North London developed into a handmade business centred on Jamaican identity, family connection and the games and sayings that travel with us wherever we live.
Why Ludi matters
For many Caribbean families, Ludi is more than a board game. It is the sound of dice on the board, competitive family banter, stories shared around the table and children learning a game their parents and grandparents grew up playing.
That is why Avasshop21’s Ludi boards are designed to feel personal. A board may carry Jamaican colours, family names, hometowns, parishes, several national flags or photographs that tell a customer’s own story.
From game boards to the whole home
The same idea continues across handmade domino tables, doormats, wreaths and home décor. Familiar Jamaican phrases bring humour to the doorway, while flags and island imagery help customers celebrate where they come from.
The work is bold and playful, but it is also careful. Each custom order requires design decisions, preparation and hand-finishing. Clear production times and design approval help protect that quality.
Island tingz, global vibes
Jamaican culture is the foundation, but the customers and stories are global. Avasshop21 has created pieces that connect Jamaica with Britain, other Caribbean islands, Africa, Europe, Canada and the United States. These combinations reflect real families, friendships and diaspora lives.
Where the journey is going
Ava’s long-term goal is a family-run physical shop in the UK—a colourful, welcoming space that makes visitors feel as though they have stepped back home into Jamaica and the Caribbean.
For now, the journey continues one handmade piece at a time: made in North London, rooted in Jamaican culture and created to bring people together.
Read more about Avasshop21 or contact Ava to discuss a custom design.