About Us
Zanzibar, the cultural melting-pot of African, Arabian & Indian influences, lies surrounded by white golden sands in the crystal clear waters of the Indian ocean. This remarkable culture now reflects all its fascinating influences with Fahari’s beautiful collection of locally made bags, jewellery and accessories.
With the ethical and style conscious in mind, international designer and Fahari founder Julie Lawrence, a highly qualified accessories designer and maker from London with years of experience supplying the worlds’ top designer stores, has trained a team of Zanzibari women, for free, to produce cutting-edge designs demanded by those who insist on the season’s latest looks.
Fahari means "to have a sense of pride" in Swahili, the native language of Zanzibar and East Africa; it’s a motto encapsulated by our beautiful products that carry a unique Zanzibari twist.
As a local NGO & Social Enterprise proudly offering free training to Zanzibari women in handcrafts, we manage the entire production from design to manufacture, administration and marketing – with training offered in all areas. By encouraging our women to learn a trade and build vital business skills, we’re able to contribute positively to the livelihood of their families.
To date, 54 women on the island have received training and a core 14 now work regularly, on full-time salary and profit share, with Julie in our shop. Others benefit where possible from peace work.
Everything we make is a truly authentic Zanzibari product made, by hand, from locally sourced materials: boldly colourful African Kitenge fabrics and leathers - dyed and tanned to our own specifications. Gemstones, seeds, cow horn, bone, wood and beads; all are stylishly combined with dyed and plaited palm leaf (ukili) and mother of pearl (farmed oyster shell), which is painstakingly ground, polished and cut by hand.
Proud of their local skills, ukili plaiting and weaving, henna painting and wood carving - they have learnt and mastered modern techniques to ensure that authenticity is combined with quality.
You're welcome to browse our online catalogue, send us an email or visit our open Workshop & Retail space on Kenyatta Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar.