Spring Safari: A Global Treasure Hunt
Made in Kenya by Maasai mamas, our new Spring Safari Collection takes you on a journey around the world. From India to Mali to the markets of Kenya, we have scoured the globe to bring you precious treasures that have been fashioned into pieces of stunning beauty. Follow us on a journey to three stops along the way.
India: First stop
Whirling brightly coloured saris, the spicy aroma of curry and the loud clamour of a busy market greet us in India. Here we find fragrant sandalwood beads traditionally used for meditation to refresh the mind. These beads possessed such an alluring soft brown glow, we had to feature them in our Akoko Nan Rose Gold Necklace. To a long string of honey-brown beads, we added rose gold-plated brass beads interspersed in a pattern customary for counting out mantras during meditation. At the heart of this necklace is a stunning 14-karat rose gold-plated brass Andrinka pendant symbolizing the dual elements of nurture and discipline.
Mali: Up next
In Mali we encounter the striking beauty of sun-drenched sandstone cliffs. From these cliffs, artisans fashion a sandstone bead in the shape of a skull to remind the wearer to live every day to the fullest. This unique bead acts as an accent for our Transformation Charm Bracelets. Artisans fashion these stackable bracelets not only with beads made of sandstone from Mali and sandalwood from India, but with brass beads from Kenya as well.
Kenya: Where our final destination is just the beginning
The markets of Nairobi bustle with activity. Here, modernity meets traditional craftsmanship. From local artisans we buy hand-fashioned, burnished brass charms, including a star and a peace sign, to add just the right bohemian touch to this stylish bracelet. Exquisite oval and pearl-sized brass beads, as well as turquoise glass beads or creamy-white bone, complete the look. Our Transformation Charm Bracelets are the epitome of global style.
From Nairobi, we head out to the Maasai Mara to meet the Maasai mamas who create these exquisite pieces. Beading under acacia trees, the mamas fashion the pieces with precision. By earning an income with a skill passed down generations from mother to daughter, these women are able to provide for their families. Imagine a mother who, for the first time, can afford to send her children to school. So, when you wear a Me to We Artisans piece, remember, you are not only wearing a little bit of stylish treasure from around the world, you're also wearing a reminder of a mother's hopes and dreams.