About Us
Ziimara | Mzima + Imara | Complete + Stability
Derived from the fusion of two powerful Swahili words, Ziimara encapsulates our brand's ideals and what we work toward.
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From our repurposed raw materials to our responsible, slow-batch production with artisans across Kenya, we turn waste into wonder by putting people and planet at the heart of what we do. We believe that no drop is too small and that we can create a positive ripple.
A note from our founder
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It all started when I began my search for my purpose. I didn't like the way the world worked and I felt that I was missing something. Then I came across two concepts that changed my life - the circular economy and doughnut economics. Suddenly I found the ideals that I had been looking for.
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I wanted to do something that could be a part of these principles. Coming across so many inspirational businesses following these ideals, I too wanted to be a part of this wave of change. Given the idea by my sister, I decided to design non-leather handbags out of waste textile. Handbags are used daily and need to be practical, functional and gorgeous - a perfect item to add value to repurposed material!
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My search for manufacturers led me to a team that was passionate about artisanal craftsmanship and heritage in Kenya. It all clicked into place then - I realised that artisans held the secret key all along. They already practiced slow batch production and their work tells the stories of generations before and now. Each handmade piece has its own mark, quite like us, full of hidden stories. As an Indian-Kenyan now calling London home, it was time to showcase what can happen when you merge rich cultures and designs together with artisanal craftsmanship. And so, Ziimara was born.
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To find out more about our materials, click here. To discover the ethos behind our season-less style, check out our blog.
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Hope you enjoy exploring Ziimara!
Medini xx
Craft
With a human touch, each piece may vary slightly. The beauty of individually crafted pieces.
Openness
Whether to ideas, change, creativity or just for fun, openness lets energy flow.
Responsibility
We create, buy and design responsibly. We are loyal custodians of our planet and communities.
Care
We design and create with deep care, for our process, planet, people and everything in between.
Heritage
We prize skills that have been passed down from generation to generation - the ingenuity of those that came before us.