Kisha Rawlinson

Kisha Rawlinson

I was born in New York November 10, 1973, and moved to South Carolina with my parents when I was around 5 years old. They were born and raised in Mt. Pleasant and Wando, South Carolina and wanted their children to grow up around their childhood places. I attended and graduated from Charleston County schools and majored in Spanish at the College of Charleston in 1994. I landed a job as an insurance claims representative in 1996 in Charlotte, NC where I married the wonderful James Rawlinson in 1999. In 1998 I was diagnosed with a speech disorder that affected my ability to continue to work so I start my own business as an independent contractor for insurance companies. Answering the calling of my more creative side, I recently started selling my sweetgrass baskets at craft shows and online via www.sweetgrassgreetings.com. Sweetgrass baskets are one of America’s oldest crafts of African origin practiced primarily in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Sweetgrass basketry has been in my family for many generations. I was taught by my mother, grandmother and great aunt. Although I had been making baskets since I was a little girl, I had never considered making a living selling my pieces although my mother and grandmother sold and still sell them for supplemental income. This has proven to be one of the most fulfilling ventures of my life, exposing me to crafters and artists from across the world. I look forward to one day teaching my children the art of sweetgrass basketry and helping them discover fulfillment in their lives as well.

The photo of Kisha Rawlinson used in this program is by Kelley Clayton.