Blog

Each month, we push ourselves to create new products. Product development is a challenge for any artisan business, but for us, located in the Central African Republic, it is particularly hard as exposure to outside influence is very limited due to both the geo-political history of our country as well as the fact that we are still learning to read and write, we don’t have easy access to the internet and on top of that, material resources can be scarce. But that’s exactly what makes our creations so special.

Our artisans face challenges that many creators wouldn’t even consider. With limited access to the internet (and we don’t know how to use computers anyway), global trends or opportunities, coming up with new ideas isn’t just about creativity - it’s about resourcefulness and resilience. Our artisans rely on their immediate surroundings - nature, local wildlife, cultural traditions, and our clients visiting us in our Bangui Boutique  - as their primary sources of inspiration. Their ability to innovate with so few external influences speaks volumes about their inventiveness and resilience.

From the initial spark of inspiration to the final product, our artisans pour their hearts into every creation. For a deeper look into what this process looks like, you can read more in our blog, From Bangui to Your Home: The Heartbeat of a Ndara Creation, where we explore the journey of a Ndara product.

Earlier this year, we decided to challenge ourselves to create new products as part of our special edition Brunch Ti Tere offering. We’ve come up with several exciting new products this year, each with its own story.

Bangui Boutique vs. Web Shop: A Little Refresher

Before we dive in, a quick reminder about the difference between our Bangui boutique inventory and our webshop stock. If you’re in Bangui, you’ll find a broader range of items at our boutique, but for our international customers, we have a carefully curated selection online. This is all thanks to the complex dance of politics, logistics, and shipping in CAR. Curious to know more? You can read all about it in our blog, Twisted Paths: Politics and Shipping.

What’s New at Ndara?

1. Bossobo: A Tribute to the Giant Eland Derby

One of our latest creations is inspired by the Giant Eland Derby, known in our Sango language as Bossobo. It is the largest antelope species in the world, standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 1,000 kg (about 2,200 lbs) - this magnificent animal is both awe-inspiring and elusive.

Our Bossobo stuffed animal not only showcases this majestic animal but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting CAR’s unique wildlife. Today, CAR is home to the largest wild population of these antelopes, but the species is facing significant threats due to habitat loss and poaching. Through our very own Ndara Bossobo, we hope to share the story of the Giant Eland with the world to raise awareness about the ongoing conservation efforts needed to safeguard these remarkable creatures.

2. Makako: Celebrating the Chimpanzee

Another new addition to our animal-inspired creations is Makako, which means monkey in Sango. Our Makako is the Chimpanzee, honoring one of CAR’s most intelligent and social animals. Found primarily in the tropical rainforests of southern and Eastern CAR, these chimpanzees play a vital role in the local ecosystem.

Chimpanzees are known for their incredible resourcefulness, using tools to forage for food and living in complex social groups. Unfortunately, they also face significant threats from habitat destruction and poaching, which have led to a drastic decline in their numbers.

With the creation of our Makako stuffed animal, our goal is, just like with all of our animals, to shed light on the significance of protecting the distinctive animals of the Central African Republic. But, it is also a reminder to the world that while the media mostly talks about the negative parts of our situation and history, such as violence, poverty, hunger, and corruption, there is so much more to us and our country than the negative narrative. The negative news is true, but the positive news is equally true.

3. Recycled Key Rings: Upcycling and Sustainability

We believe in the power of upcycling, and our new keyrings are a perfect example of that philosophy in action. We’re always teaching our artisans to make the most of what’s available, turning scraps such as bottle caps into something practical and beautiful. These key rings are more than just accessories - they show the ingenuity of our artisans. Out of small pieces of fabric that would otherwise end up in the bin and eventually a landfill, and by saving bottle caps that restaurants throw away, the Ndara artisans made new products. And we don’t want these creations just sitting on a shelf collecting dust; they’re meant to be used and enjoyed in everyday life.

4. Our New Fabric Baskets: A New Spin on Old Product

Our Yann-baskets, our latest line of fabric baskets, came from a desire to push the boundaries of what our artisans were comfortable doing. Our zigzag machine is big and moves fast, and if you get something wrong, it can destroy the materials. So many of our artisans were hesitant to use it, so we challenged them to face that fear and try something new. The result? A beautiful, functional product made entirely from leftover fabric. These baskets are fantastic practical storage solutions and proof that with the right encouragement,  a bit of creativity, and a healthy dose of resilience, we can turn scraps into something useful and beautiful while conquering our fears of big sewing machines.

5. The Mousseline Wrap Dress: Designed with You in Mind

One of our artisan’s favorite new products is the Mousseline wrap dress, designed by Omega. We’re always thinking about how to create clothing items that are both versatile and inclusive, and this wrap dress fits the bill. It’s designed to accommodate different sizes and can be easily adjusted to suit the wearer. When we came across a large stock of black sheer fabric that was going to be discarded by a company in town, we saw an opportunity to turn it into something beautiful and sustainable. The Mousseline wrap dress is stylish, practical, and a great example of how we repurpose materials to create beautiful, wearable designs.

Innovation and Inspiration: The Ndara Way

Every piece we create has a story behind it. Whether it’s born out of a challenge, like learning to use a new machine, or inspired by the natural world, each product reflects the creativity and resilience of our artisans. We’re proud of the work we’ve done this year and excited to share it with you.

So, what’s next? Well, we’re always brainstorming, always dreaming, and always looking for ways to bring a little more beauty and sustainability into the world - one product at a time.