Zaliwa

Brand Story

Zaliwa celebrates the art of rebirth, transforming discarded materials into distinctive handcrafted pieces that bring together Kenyan creativity, traditional craftsmanship and a new purpose for waste.

Meaning ‘to be born’ in Swahili, Zaliwa was founded by Heather Butler following her move to Kenya in 2021. Captivated by the country’s natural beauty but troubled by its growing waste problem and limited employment opportunities, Heather began exploring how creativity could become part of the solution. A chance discovery of a beautifully woven bag made entirely from discarded sweet wrappers sparked an idea. Here was something once considered waste, transformed through remarkable skill into an object of beauty and value.

That discovery led Heather to artisan communities across Kenya, where she found makers already giving discarded materials new life through traditional craft techniques. What many lacked was access to wider markets. Zaliwa was created to bridge that gap, connecting skilled artisans with customers who appreciate originality, craftsmanship and a more thoughtful approach to consumption.

Every Zaliwa piece tells a story of transformation. From discarded textiles and plastic to reclaimed metals and other recovered materials, objects that might otherwise contribute to pollution are reimagined as beautiful, functional creations. Handwoven bags, jewellery, accessories and homeware showcase the ingenuity of Kenyan makers, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design. Each piece carries the individuality of its materials and the hands that shaped it.

As a social enterprise, Zaliwa places people and the environment at the centre of its purpose. The brand works with artisan partners across Kenya, building relationships rooted in fair trade, transparency and mutual respect. Artisans set their own prices and work in safe environments, helping create meaningful livelihoods while preserving craft skills that might otherwise disappear. Through these partnerships, Zaliwa also supports opportunities for women, young people and communities with limited access to formal employment.

Circularity is equally fundamental. By working with organisations that recover and repurpose plastic, textiles and other discarded materials, Zaliwa helps extend the useful life of existing resources while supporting efforts to reduce pollution in Kenya’s landscapes and waterways. Its collaborations bring together environmental innovation and traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating how materials once overlooked can become something worth treasuring.

Zaliwa stands firmly against the culture of fast fashion and disposable consumption. Its collections celebrate the beauty of things made slowly, with skill, imagination and purpose. Rather than seeking uniformity or mass production, the brand embraces the character of handmade objects, where every creation has its own history and no two pieces need be exactly alike.