I started doing leather works in the year 1995 as a local shoe repairer after dropping out of high school due to financial constraints,being raised by a widowed mother.I then moved to the city in search of a job to meet the basic needs back at home.Luckily I found a well wisher who taught me how to stitch using a machine,all this time we were making shoes.
Later on I had to leave him because the shoes made locally were not doing well due to the then government allowing importation of plastic shoes from China into the Kenyan market. Due to tough financial and economic situations by then,I had to look for an alternative job for survival. It's then that I decided to venture into leather bag making.My first bag costed me ksh 1500 to make and I then sold the same bag at a price of ksh 1500 just to introduce myself to the leather bags industry. Little did I know that this humble start would lead to my career in crafting leather goods.
The design of my creation draws inspiration from the ornate beadwork traditionally worn by Maasai women. The bag, named Olbene, a term denoting "bag" in Maasai, is a reflection of the intricate beadwork synonymous with the women. The handle serves as a representation of the traditional headgear worn by Maasai women, while the beadwork adorning the bag corresponds to the elaborate, multilayered, and colorful Maasai necklace. Furthermore, the incorporation of tan leather in the design symbolizes the community's resilience, prosperity, and sustenance. Additionally, the dangling bone with beaded trim detail symbolizes my dedication to sustainable practices.
The size is accommodative for everyday use casual, official or dressy. It's simply.... an everyday statement African bag
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