Artisan Profile

Sidai Designs is a social enterprise in Arusha, Tanzania, creating contemporary luxury beaded jewelry, based on traditional Maasai beading techniques and design. Founded in 2011, Sisai Designs supports Maasai women by providing economic empowerment through fair trade. They are passionate in their mission to help overcome poverty and improve women’s social standing, believing that artisanal design led handcraft is a powerful tool to bring about positive change.

Their jewelry is created entirely by hand using a combination of ingeniously upcycled products. Traditional glass beads are intricately joined using thread salvaged from old grain bags and enhanced with recycled metal beads, oil canisters and yoghurt pots to create the boning and luxury soft leather and sterling silver to create simple, elegant fastenings. Jewelry is an integral element of the Maasai identity and through their products, Sidai Designs endeavor to tell their stories and preserve the traditions of this unique tribe.