Meet The Jewellery Makers
MMOJA HASHUI CHOMBO • IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LAUNCH A SHIP
Yala comes to you from the hands of many talented individuals.
Our company is built on social values, to improve the lives of others by creating financial opportunities for skilled artisans, demonstrating their talent, while maintaining a low environmental impact.
We connect with our artisans on a personal level by visiting and keeping in touch with them - not just as colleagues, but as friends. We facilitate weekly workshop visits from team members based in Kenya to ensure everyone has a safe, happy work environment to create our high quality jewellery.
Our designs are brought to life in their skillful hands, and we value their talent by paying them a truly fair wage - triple the daily wage for jewellery artisans in Kenya.
MEET THE MAKERS - BMB Workshop
The BMB Workshop is located just outside the Maasai Mara in Kenya. We work with BMB to create our beaded and leather products.
The workshop employs 158 local women, and one man Oscar, the chief leather worker. Oscar is disabled and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
The BMB Workshop brings together local artisans who have learnt how to create precious beaded jewellery and leather wares using traditional methods. These techniques have been passed down from generation to generation of Maasai women, and accessorising is integral to their culture.
Providing three times the average daily wage in Kenya, the workshop enables its artisans to look after themselves and their families, as well as neighbours and friends who are dependent on the women. In total, their work has a positive impact on over 300 households in the area.
The close partnership between Yala and the BMB Workshop means we know who made our beaded and leather accessories, and that they were paid fairly for their work.
The BMB Workshop is certified by the International Fairtrade Association.
MEET THE MAKERS - Brass Workshops Nairobi
We work with a variety of brass artisans with workshops located in and around Nairobi.
One workshop is run by George and his team of 15 artisans. George started his business after realising his skills with brass while working as a professional mechanic. His team produces high quality brass work using traditional techniques, from sand casting and smelting to hammering and polishing.
Another workshop is run by Victor, a skilled artisan with 10 years of experience. Victor got his start in the jewellery business after learning metalworking from his older brother Tom while studying journalism, media and PR in college.
He took a break from jewellery-making to complete his studies and pursue a career, but entering the journalism industry required him to take unpaid internships for over 18 months which wasn't an option and left him frustrated.
He returned to jewellery-making in 2015 and has since trained several young artisans, who have also started their own workshops. Together with his team of 5 artisans, Victor creates the intricate brass and horn pieces featured throughout our collection.
SUPPORT TEAM - KENYA
|
Louis Nderi |
Photographer |
| Paul Ngugi | Photographer’s Assistant |
| Sinitta Akello | MUA |
| Brian Msafiri | Stylist |
| Adhel Bol | Model |
| Tisah Kuzi | Model |
| Faiza Marwa | Model |
| Kimi Smith | Model |
SUPPORT TEAM - UK
| Leni Kauffman | Illustration and Jewellery Design |
| Sam Lambert | Branding and Art Direction |
|
Besma Whayeb |
Copywriter |
| Dan Pask | Photographer |
| Ellen Pask | Interior Stylist |
| Adam Cook | Photographer’s Assistant |
| Holly Pepper | Model |
| Tameisha Edwards | Model |
| Kalopsia Collective | Textile Product Manufacturing |
| Jam Jar Print | Print Services |
| Boss Print | Packaging Design and Manufacturing |
| Give Packaging | Jewellery Packaging Supply |
| Urban Stax | Cotton Fabric Wholesale Supply |
| Lil Packaging | Postal Packaging Supply |
| Scribly | Content Marketing Services |