Meet the Makers : Swahili Coast Designs

The mission at Swahili Coast Design is to share the artistry of makers in East Africa with consumers around the world. They believe in the principles of artistry, fairness, dignity, and respect, and by supporting women-owned cooperatives in Kenya and Tanzania, they are able to do just that.

The Swahili Coast Design cooperatives are safe and comfortable workshops and they operate on a model of total-transparency. Since the ownership of each cooperative is shared by the makers working within it, everyone is both empowered and held accountable.

Designs through this shop are created in the US and are then sent to a partner in East Africa who matches each product do the workshop that will best be able to bring it to live. Makers are paid fairly and are active participants in the economic activities of their local communities.

Ethos Kolekto stocks a line of beautiful beaded cuffs, hammered brass, and horn jewelry to help bring the artisans’ beautiful work right to your door.