From Idea to Reality: Why I Am Launching a Handmade Accessories Brand

I have always had a soft spot for handmade accessories. I grew up in Tanzania, surrounded by vibrant markets and colorful artisan work, and now I live in the United States—but every time I visit home, I still make sure to wander through those beautiful markets again. They’re full of energy and the most beautiful handmade jewelry and accessories you can imagine. I always bring some back with me, and without fail, people here ask: “Where did you get that?”

That’s when a little spark started forming.

Back in 2015, that question sparked an idea. I decided to test it by listing a few handmade pieces online—just to see what would happen. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything big. But to my surprise, orders came in immediately, and everything sold out faster than I could refresh the page.

That moment changed everything. It showed me that my love for Tanzanian artisan work wasn’t just personal—people in the U.S. appreciated it too.

So I decided to take the leap. I committed to bringing artisan-made, custom handmade accessories to a larger audience in the United States. What started as a small experiment turned into the beginning of my own brand—one that connects the creativity of Tanzanian makers with people around the world.

And that’s how it all began.

In this blog, I’ll be bringing you along on this journey—everything from sourcing supplies and components, working with artisans, choosing designs, all the way to finishing the accessories that finally land on the website for you to shop. I’m so excited to share this behind-the-scenes adventure with you all!

xoxo,

Doreen