My interest in craft was nurtured during my childhood growing up on a sugar estate in the South Eastern part of the country. Here, my now late mother was a well known social worker who believed in empowering communities and always encouraged women to be self sustaining. One of her pet projects was organising the women in the community to produce craft work that was eventually sold in what was known as the Che Che Craft Centre in Triangle which she had a hand in setting up.

I used to accompany my mother on some of her field visits and it is during those visits that my appreciation for quality and beauty in the craftwork was developed. I found that I also enjoyed being around  the different women’s groups as there was always laughter and a sense of togetherness as they went about their work. At home my mother was always busy either behind her sewing or knitting machine or learning a new skill like macrame and as a consequence so were my sisters and I. Although I went on to become a chemical engineer the seed for the love of handmade products had already been planted. I have kept in touch with my artistic side throughout my life until the idea of Handcrafts Zimbabwe was born over several coffee meetings with JJ.

What I enjoy the most about Handcrafts Zimbabwe are the incredibly talented people that we meet and work with. Buying our products means income to the artisans and helps ensure that the communities continue to thrive.