Our Story

FOUNDER’S NOTE

We started Zawadi Atelier with a desire to honor the kind of beauty that can’t be mass-produced; the kind shaped by real hands, real time, and real cultural depth.

Growing up around African craftsmanship, we saw how artistry lived in everyday life: in beadwork patterns passed through generations, in woven textures that carried stories, in objects made with patience rather than pressure.

Zawadi Box is our way of carrying that legacy forward while giving it a modern, global language.  We created this brand for women who move with intention, who see luxury not in scarcity but in soul. For those who appreciate the difference between “made” and crafted. For those who want every piece in their wardrobe to mean something.

When you hold one of our sandals or bags, you are holding art shaped by tradition, imagination, and humanity. You are holding the work of an artisan whose livelihood grows with every stitch. And you become part of a story that stretches far beyond fashion.

Thank you for being part of this world where craftsmanship is protected, where design is elevated, and where the handmade remains sacred.

— Founders, Zawadi Atelier Box 

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES

A deeper look at what makes every Zawadi Box piece extraordinary.

Leather: Responsibly Sourced, Expertly Softened

We use high-quality leather sourced from trusted suppliers across East Africa. Each hide is inspected by hand for grain, durability, and flexibility.  The leather is then shaped and softened using with character rather than decline.

Beadwork: Precision in Every Pattern

Our bead artistry is entirely hand-applied, never glued, never machine-set.  Artisans use fine glass beads in curated palettes ranging from earth neutrals to bold coastal hues.  Every design is created bead by bead, row by row, allowing subtle imperfections that give each piece its individuality.  No two patterns are ever exactly alike.  The process requires stillness, focus, and a rhythm developed over decades.  This is the soul of our brand.

Woven Structures: Crafted From Natural Fibers

For woven bags and accessories, we use sustainable plant fibers sourced from African cooperatives in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.  These fibers are: harvested by hand, dried under open sky,  and braided or woven using heritage methods that date back generations.  The result is a texture that feels both organic and architectural with an intersection of nature and skill.

Stitching: Strength in the Smallest Details

Each stitch is done by hand or with artisan-guided machines to maintain precision while preserving the handmade integrity. The stitching is reinforced at stress points so every piece stands the test of time, whether worn on busy streets or soft coastal paths.

Finishing Touches: A Signature of Care

Before a product leaves the studio, it is inspected by the artisan who made it.  Straps are trimmed and smoothed, bead rows aligned, and leather edges polished.  Your piece includes subtle irregularities that act like an artist’s signature. Proof of the human touch.  These aren’t flaws. They’reauthenticity.

Why It Matters:

When you buy from Zawadi Box, you’re supporting:  fair wages for artisans preservation of Kenyan craft traditions sustainable material practices
small-batch production and slow, intentional design.  Our materials and methods are chosen not just for durability, but for meaning.

Esther & Susanna