Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge, a luxury jewellery brand builder changing the lives of Kenya’s artisans — Lionesses of Africa

What inspired you to start your company?

Being British born and of both Kenyan and Rwandan heritage, I’ve always had a very strong affinity with my East African roots and had a desire to amalgamate all my worlds while giving back in a sustainable way. In addition, I used to sell jewellery when I was 15 years old to friends, family members, and at various events after some of my most memorable summer holidays in Kenya. I remember making £100 profit from sales in one day which was very exciting. At the time, however, my teen priorities had me put my social life ahead of any business development. 

My observation of creative industries taking their inspiration from the African continent. Examples spanning from high fashion runways, such as Ozwald Boateng’s Africanism line, to Hollywood costume designs in films such as Black Panther, I realized there is a global demand for African design and I am well equipped to be a part of the movement. These realizations coupled with the social impact potential gave me the confidence to take the leap of faith and venture out into a world I dabbled with briefly as a teenager. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the vast array of creative talent I see in Kenya every year coupled with my desire for societal change amongst communities that are often overlooked.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Our mission is and always will be:

• To empower the disenfranchised.

• Promote a spirit of reciprocity.

• Cultivate a culture of equitable exchange.

Our handmade, gold plated jewelry are forged with love by the very best artisans from the heart of Kenya.

The artisans making our pieces are youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, hoping to turn their lives around, developing new skills that will keep them away from the biggest threats to young men and women in slum areas – the prospects of a life of crime. Currently, we work with artisans in two slums; Kibera, the largest urban slum on the African continent and forth largest in the world as well as Baba Dogo, located on the fringes of Nairobi. Through their skill and care we are able to ensure quality and also meet the personal desires and requirements of our customers. 

By purchasing our jewelry, you are not just buying an aesthetically pleasing piece, you are supporting the dreams of those artisans that dare to change the cards life has dealt them and in turn their family’s future.