Our Story
For us, fashion is about more than aesthetics.
It is about creating space for creativity, preserving craftsmanship, building community, and supporting women through meaningful work and collaboration.
Every garment represents the connection between Berlin and Nairobi, between generations, and between design and purpose.
Zawadi Designs is ultimately a reflection of the people behind it — the makers, the stories, the craftsmanship, and the shared vision that continues to shape the brand.
Between Berlin and Nairobi
Zawadi Designs was born between Berlin and Nairobi, shaped by family, craftsmanship, and a shared vision of creating meaningful opportunities for women through fashion.
Founder Sheela Aura grew up surrounded by fabrics, makers, and the everyday reality of women building livelihoods through creativity. Her mother, the founder of Mrembo Africa, built a women-led workshop and social enterprise in Nairobi focused on craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and empowering women through skills development.
Watching that journey unfold from an early age deeply shaped Sheela’s understanding of fashion, not simply as clothing, but as a tool for expression, confidence, opportunity, and community.
Years later, Sheela began developing Zawadi Designs as a contemporary fashion brand that connects modern style with thoughtful craftsmanship and intentional production.
Today, Zawadi Designs exists between two cities, two generations, and two creative perspectives.
A Shared Creative Vision
At the heart of the brand is the creative collaboration between mother and daughter.
Collections are co-designed between Berlin and Nairobi, combining contemporary silhouettes with artisan craftsmanship, vibrant textiles, and timeless wearability. Ideas are developed collaboratively through conversations, sketches, fabrics, and years of shared creative influence.
This connection between fashion, family, and craftsmanship gives Zawadi Designs its unique identity — globally inspired, yet deeply personal.
Our Workshop in Nairobi
Every Zawadi piece is ethically produced at our workshop in Nairobi.
We work closely with skilled artisans and women makers who bring each garment to life through careful craftsmanship, attention to detail, and small-batch production.
Rather than focusing on mass manufacturing, we prioritize intentional production processes that allow us to maintain quality, reduce waste, and create garments designed to last.
Our workshop is more than a production space, it is a creative environment where women gain practical experience, develop skills, and build sustainable income opportunities through fashion and craftsmanship.
We believe meaningful impact is created through long-term investment in people, collaboration, and opportunity.