When you wear the a piece of jewelry with a Kazuri bead, you aren’t just wearing a piece of jewelry—you’re wearing a story of empowerment that began in a small garden shed in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Meaning of Kazuri “Kazuri” is the Swahili word for “small and beautiful.”
This mission-driven enterprise was founded in 1975 by Lady Susan Wood, who started with just two employees and a vision to provide sustainable employment for disadvantaged women, particularly single mothers.
Today, that tiny workshop has grown into a thriving Fair Trade collective of over 340 artisans who hand-shape and hand-paint every single bead.
From Mt. Kenya to Your Wrist The authenticity of these beads lies in the earth itself. The clay is sourced from the Mount Kenya area, then meticulously crafted into the beautiful beads used in our products.
Because each bead is hand-painted, no two are exactly alike. Add them as a design element in a necklace or bracelet making a true one-of-a-kind treasure.
Fair Trade Impact Choosing a Kazuri piece means supporting fair wages and essential benefits for the women of Nairobi. Kazuri employees receive nearly 3.5 times the average wage, along with access to an on-site medical clinic and covered healthcare for their children.
When you add this “pop of color Kazuri beads” to your collection, you not only have a beautiful unique piece you are helping to sustain a legacy of beauty, strength, and community. I get great satisfaction in using these beads knowing I had a small part in these people’s lives and communities.