Blog

Ndara isn't just a boutique (or online store) - it's a movement made up of the dreams, skills, and lessons learned.

Every handcrafted piece whispers a tale, weaving itself into the vibrant narrative of Ndara. We asked our Ndara artisans what their favorite product was and why, and this is what they had to say. 

Simple Joys and Big Dreams

 "Before we made one of our hooded towels, I had never seen a towel like this. It's literally a square, a triangle of fabric stacked on top, two small ears, and some really cute embroidery. It's so easy and simple, yet it makes the cutest little towel. I often think that the best things need to be complicated, but this product really taught me that something very simple can be the best! It's all in the details and how it works in the bigger picture. I love children. I am expecting my fourth baby now, and I really want to make one of these for my next baby!" - Jocelyne.

Jocelyne, brimming with maternal love, finds beauty in simplicity. It's a reminder that the most precious things are often the simplest. The meticulous details and love poured into each of our products elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Transformation and Unexpected Treasures

"The first product I was taught to make when I joined Ndara was a basket. I was given a bunch of used fabric – which to me looked like it should be thrown away – and then I was taught to make it into threads, stitch it together, and then crochet a basket. 

I didn’t understand how it would become a basket until it was almost finished. I couldn’t believe my eyes or my hands. I was so proud of what I made that day, so this is my favorite Ndara product. The product that made me a Ndara artisan."  - Josiane. 

Josiane's experience shows the power within the transformation of discarded fabric into a beautiful basket. Initially skeptical, her own hands turning scrap into treasure was empowering.

The Mother of Lions

"During a product development meeting, Charlotte showed us pictures of different animals that live in our country, and one was of a lion. I had never seen a lion, but I really liked the way it looked. I tried to make one, but it turned out wrong. At the time, we had a big order, so I didn’t have time to go back and correct it, and then we kind of forgot about the lions. But later, over a weekend, I sat at home and tried again. I made our bamara (bamara means lion in Sango).

I am the mother of the bamaras, and I love each and every one I have made. I wonder where they are going when customers pick them up in the boutique. Can you imagine? The work of my hands traveling in people’s bags across the world? I love all the animals I have made… just like I love all my human children. But if I had to choose a favorite of the animals – it would be the bamara." – Meryse. 

Meryse found inspiration in the majestic lion, and though faced with initial failure, her perseverance brought her lion to life. Each lion is proof of her talent, and as they are carried across the world in the hands of customers, it weaves a story of connection. 

Facing Challenges and Aspiring to Greatness

"I can’t make these handbags yet, but I dream of making them. They are so beautiful. I watch Macaire make them in our workshop, and he has taught me the basics of sewing leather. But stitching a bag with so many details is really hard! With leather, you can make no mistakes - it’s a lot more unforgiving than fabric. I am kind of scared of the leather work, but I also really want to master it. One day, I will be able to make a bag like this, and I will make my very own handbag. My daughter Charlotte will want to have it, but first, she needs to grow up." – Nadia. 

Nadia dreams of mastering the art of crafting exquisite leather handbags. The careful details and unforgiving nature of leather intimidates her, yet her determination to learn fuels her ambition. One day, she envisions herself creating a masterpiece, and Ndara will be there to support her every step of the way.

Dolls That Reflect and Inspire

"When I was a child, I wanted a doll. One Christmas, my parents bought one doll for all the kids to share. It was plastic, had blue eyes, and blonde hair that fell off quickly. She didn’t last long, the plastic was of bad quality and it broke. When we started to make dolls, I was happy to be able to make a doll that looked like me and like my daughters. And one that could be repaired if it broke. I love to make the dolls different clothes and give them different professions. It makes me dream! And I love to think of the little children that will play with the dolls and the dreams they will dream." - Vanelle. 

Vanelle's childhood memories of a fragile doll fuel her passion for creating dolls that celebrate diversity and empower imagination. Vanelle's dolls offer not just a toy but a reflection of self and a launchpad for imagination. Each doll, made with love, becomes a canvas for dreams and aspirations for both the maker and the child who will play with it.

Perseverance and the Power of Learning

"When I started working for Ndara, I saw Alain making these, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. To cut that straight and get all the seams aligned seemed so hard. For two years, I watched him do these before I decided to try. I still struggle with the cutting, but I can do the stitching all on my own. Soon, I’ll master the cutting too – because I now know I can learn really hard things now." – Garnella. 

Garnella's journey with Ndara's placemats exemplifies the power of perseverance. Witnessing Alain's mastery, she initially felt discouraged but did not let it stop her. With dedication, she has conquered the stitching and set her sights on mastering the cutting as well. Garnella's story teaches us the transformative power of learning and the limitless potential within us.

The Art of Presentation and the Value of Display

"We are sewing some complicated things now. Dresses, jackets, pouches of all kinds. I am proud of those things. But the product that really taught me a lesson is our napkins. Not because they are hard to make, but because this product taught me the power of display. In the beginning, I just folded them and stacked them on top of each other in a basket. Clients didn’t buy many. Then, I learned how to fold napkins in different ways and display them on a set table in the boutique. Someone showed me a video of how to fold napkins in this way. Now, clients are buying them all the time. This product is so simple and easy, but it taught me a really important lesson." - Omega.

Omega's experience with the humble napkin reminds us that sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the seemingly insignificant.

Our Stories

The stories from our artisans show that simple creations hold profound meaning. It’s also a great reminder that what a product is to an end-user (the client) may be very different from what the same product is for the maker. Each product showcases the artisans' skill,  unwavering spirit, and creativity's transformative and healing power. When you bring a piece of Ndara into your home, you're not just acquiring a handcrafted item - you're becoming part of a story woven with love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.