Weavers

All of the women artisans who create our bags come from villages located just outside of Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital. Nairobi is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and as a major economic hub in East Africa. Despite its urban growth, many communities around the city still maintain traditional practices like weaving, which these women continue to pass down through generations. 

Find your weaver by locating their tag in your purchase. Placed by the weaver herself, the tag gives you the name of the weaver. Check out your weaver's story, or meet our other weavers, in the list below (listed alphabetically).

Eunice Syombua 

Eunice is a joyful soul who loves sharing her weaving talent with her peers. In her late 30s, she discovered a deep passion for this craft. Basket weaving has taught her patience—with herself, her family, and her community. The process isn’t easy; from soaking the fibers to carefully interlacing them, it’s like composing a song, layering and blending elements until the final product emerges.

Her favorite design to make is the mawingu, which requires patience, creativity, and consistency. Sometimes, Syombua’s children help her, especially with cutting the raw materials, enjoying the chance to watch their mother create. They’ve even tried weaving themselves, learning from each mistake and growing with each attempt.

 

Felister Mutindi 

Felister is 32 years old and the youngest in the weaving group. Her basket weaving journey started in the year 2014. She was taught how to weave by her neighbor, who was a part of the group. Her determination was unmatched and she learned how to weave within a period of one week. Since then, she has never stopped. She was very determined to not only know the skill, but to master it. 

She has 3 kids and weaving has not only made her life meaningful, but easier, as she is able to provide for her children. Felister’s wish is to have younger women join the group for financial independence and to take care of their mental health. She gets so much inspiration and guidance from the older women in her group, and wishes for others to experience this as well.

 

Jane Mutua 

Jane is the funniest in the group, with a warm and welcoming attitude that draws others to her. Known for her quick weaving skills, she fills the space with humor and laughter. Her gap-toothed smile adds to her beauty. Life hasn’t always been easy for her; challenges like limited access to formal education and the struggle to support her children led her to find solace in weaving. In this craft, she can be her true self, sharing her vulnerabilities with her fellow weavers in a safe and supportive space.

 

 

Kanini Musila 

Kanini is married with four children. Despite facing health challenges, weaving has been her lifeline, and she continues to meet with the other women, finding joy in creating together. She says that the group gives her hope and strength. Kanini learned weaving from a friend who gifted her a basket every time she visited, sparking her interest. Inspired, she practiced and eventually began selling her own beautiful creations. Today, she and her friends compete playfully, seeing who can weave the fastest and make the prettiest baskets. To her, life should be fun—like tying up sisal threads to create something beautiful.

 

Mumbua Victoria 

Mumbua, in her late 40s and a mother of two girls, finds weaving to be her mentor, keeping her mind and heart youthful. She also loves farming and often takes an unfinished basket to the Mũũnda (farm), weaving under a tree during breaks from the sun.

While she sometimes struggles with getting colors just right for custom orders, she values the different strengths in her group and often consults with others before starting a new basket. Known for her creativity, she eagerly takes on any unique designs that come through. Her weaving skills are truly top-notch, making her a cherished artist in the group.

 

Mwende Kasilu 

In her mid-60s and a mother of six, Mwende learned weaving from her own mother back in the early '70s and has cherished the skill ever since. Acquiring sisal for weaving has always been a challenge; she can either buy raw materials directly from growers or opt for ready-to-use sisal thread from local markets. Purchasing thread saves time, as the harvesting, drying, and preparation are already done.

Mwende believes that every woman should have a hands-on skill to stay busy and foster an income-generating activity. For her, weaving is not only a craft but a source of both purpose and income.

 

Mwikali Bernard 

With six children, Mwikali has managed to support her family through the proceeds from weaving and selling baskets—a craft passed down to her by her mother-in-law. This skill has transformed her life, and she often wonders what she would have done without it. Frequently, she weaves with a group, which helps speed up the process and adds a joyful, collaborative spirit. For her, the time spent weaving goes beyond just crafting; it strengthens her social life and builds lasting friendships. The women in her weaving group feel more like family than friends.

 

Susan Syombua 

Susan, a retired nursery school teacher, began weaving in the early ’80s, more than 40 years ago. As a widow with four children—two still in school and two married daughters—she has relied on weaving to supplement her income as both a teacher and a farmer.

Since her husband’s passing, Susan has found great joy and resilience in providing for her family. "Losing someone you love is like losing a piece of yourself; you just have to learn to move on," she says. Being part of the women’s group brings her comfort and laughter—like reminiscing about the time one of them nearly burned down her house after falling asleep while weaving. These shared moments give her a deep appreciation for life and the joy of friendship.

 

Winfred Vilita 

Winfred, married and a mother of three, moved to Kitui in her early 20s after meeting the love of her life. Now in her mid-50s, weaving has become her full-time work, helping her provide for her family’s essential needs. As the chairlady of the Neema Basket Weavers Group, she leads 15-30 women, uniting those who share an interest in weaving. Her greatest joy comes from seeing each woman empowered to manage her own income and support her family.

Winfred feels the weight of responsibility, especially during the dry seasons when farms yield little food, as many women rely on income from each basket they make to put food on the table. Despite rising costs of sisal, she ensures each woman has materials to weave and works tirelessly to secure orders. Winfred is truly the glue that holds the group together, bringing women with different skills and backgrounds together through her dedicated leadership.

 

Zipporah Kikuvi Kapende 

Born and raised in Kitui, Zipporah is in her early 40s and is known as the "Bottle Weaving Guru." Inspired by watching her mother weave kiondo baskets, she developed a deep love for weaving that has brought her endless joy. The income from her craft supports her business, covers school fees for her five children, and meets her household’s essential needs.

Her latest creation—a woven water bottle—has been especially thrilling. Proud of this new design, Zipporah hopes it finds its way into homes locally and internationally, sharing a piece of her artistry with the world.