kenya | artisans
my connection to kenya
When I was in high school I adopted a baby elephant from Kenya and years later my husband Adriano surprised me with a trip to Kenya to visit Mweya. While visiting, I knew I wanted to forge new artisan partnerships, and the rest is history.
about kenya
Kenya is located in eastern Africa and is made up of over 40 different ethnic groups with their own culture and traditional crafts. It’s also home to a diverse landscape filled with mountains, beaches, highlands, and savannahsi. Despite economic growth, many Kenyans experience un- and underemployment exacerbated by political corruption. Agriculture continues to be one of the main drivers of the Kenyan economy. With their rich cultural traditions, Kenya is known for their bold textiles, beaded jewelry, and handwoven baskets.
meet our artisans
Our Nairobi Collective
This Nairobi-based organization offers women a safe place for community along with support for their children through payment of their school fees. These women artisans are survivors of violent civil conflict, and come together to leverage their unique craftsmanship skills to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Together they create a wide range of products from jewelry to kitenge, using local and sustainable materials.
Anne + team
skilled in the artistry of sisal grass, Anne and her team purchases harvested sisal grass, dyes strand bundles and then weave beautiful bags. Anne works with a small group of women, training them in the artistry of basket weaving. The women of this small group live on the outskirts of Nairobi city and Anne, who is newly married, lives with her husband within the city limits.
Tsavo artisan group
Tsavo Artisan group was created to lift local communities out of poverty while conserving and protecting Tsavo land and wildlife. Working with artisans/groups from multiple rural villages, the Tsavo Group assists with raw materials, training in craft skills to give locals a sustainable opportunity to earn their livelihood.