A Day in the Life at Ecodunia: Meet the Makers Behind Your Favorite Ethical Bags

May 15, 2025 Cera Muchiri

When you carry an Ecodunia bag or wear our handmade jewelry, you’re not just holding a beautiful accessory, you’re carrying a story. A story woven with culture, craftsmanship, and community. But who are the talented hands behind these creations? What does a typical day look like at Ecodunia’s Nairobi workshop? Let’s take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the incredible team that brings these ethical bags and jewelry pieces to life.

Morning Rituals: Fueling Creativity and Connection

The sun rises over Nairobi’s Eastlands, and the Ecodunia workshop begins to buzz with energy. Our team, a close-knit group of artisans, professionals, and support staff arrive ready to pour their passion into every stitch, cut, and detail.

Unlike many workplaces, Ecodunia prioritizes well-being and community. Our chef prepares a nourishing lunch every day, a moment our team eagerly anticipates. But it’s not just about food, it’s about connection. Throughout the day, the team enjoys two tea breaks- one in the morning and one in the evening. These breaks are sacred moments to share stories, laughter, and support, strengthening the bonds that make Ecodunia more than just a workplace.

Meet the Artisans: Masters of Their Craft

At the heart of Ecodunia’s workshop is a team of skilled tailors and artisans whose expertise transforms vibrant materials into stunning products.

Antony (Anto) is one of our star tailors. Known for his precision and creative flair, Anto brings bags to life with every stitch. His dedication to quality is matched only by his infectious enthusiasm, which lifts the whole team’s spirit.
Naomi Omondi (Lilian) is a powerhouse of skill and patience. Her attention to detail ensures every seam is perfect, and her calm presence anchors the team during busy days.
Rosie is another talented tailor, blending speed with accuracy, helping us meet demand without compromising quality.

Behind the scenes, Maria is our materials wizard. She expertly cuts fabric and leather with her scissors, preparing components that tailors use to assemble bags. Maria is also a talented bag maker herself, stepping in to craft pieces when needed. Her precision in cutting ensures minimal waste and maximum efficiency, reflecting Ecodunia’s commitment to sustainability.

Victor, our workshop coordinator, oversees the flow of materials and inventory. Victor’s role is crucial, he ensures that artisans have the right materials at the right time, avoiding delays and keeping production smooth. Beyond logistics, Victor has embraced formal banking, which has empowered him to make smarter financial decisions, invest wisely, and access loans and benefits that ripple through his personal and professional life.

The Marketing and Operations Dream Team

Ecodunia’s impact extends far beyond Nairobi, thanks to a dedicated marketing and operations team working behind the scenes.

Diana manages social media and shipping logistics. Her creativity and organizational skills ensure that Ecodunia’s story reaches a global audience and that orders arrive on time.
Kelvin is our digital strategist, handling Google Ads, Shopify management, and SEO. His expertise drives traffic to our online store and helps conscious consumers discover our ethical products.
Matthew leads Ecodunia’s operations and people management, ensuring seamless fairtrade production and logistics. A former film producer and DEI advocate, he brings storytelling and social impact expertise to empower communities through ethical business.
Supporting them are Cera, our visionary founder; Shantanu, a trusted consultant; Grace, who assists the sales team through lead generation; and Robert, who manages accounts and shipping logistics.
Quality control is led by Chiro, who also travels regularly to Kibera to oversee the sourcing of our handmade brass jewelry, ensuring every piece meets Ecodunia’s high standards.
And finally, Charles, our photographer, captures the beauty and story behind every product, bringing the artisans’ work to life visually.

Crafting with Purpose: Sustainability Meets Culture

Ecodunia’s workshop is more than a production space, it’s a creative sanctuary. Natural light floods the room, illuminating vibrant kitenge fabrics, 100% fair trade cotton canvas, vegan leather, and hand-forged brass components. These materials are carefully sourced locally, supporting Kenyan suppliers and reducing environmental impact.

Each artisan understands the cultural significance behind the fabrics and designs. Kitenge, for example, is more than just a colorful textile- it’s a symbol of African identity and pride. By incorporating these fabrics into modern, stylish bags, Ecodunia honors tradition while creating products that resonate globally.

Sustainability is woven into every step. Maria’s precise cutting minimizes fabric waste. The team repurposes scraps creatively, and the use of vegan leather reflects a commitment to animal welfare.

Empowerment Beyond Craftsmanship

Ecodunia’s commitment to its team goes far beyond fair wages and safe working conditions. One of the most transformative initiatives has been transitioning employees from informal payment methods like M-Pesa to formal banking.

Victor shares, “Having a bank account changed everything for me. I can save regularly, plan for emergencies, and even access loans to improve my home and support my family. It’s not just about money- it’s about security and dignity.”

This financial inclusion empowers artisans to break cycles of poverty, invest in their futures, and gain confidence in managing their finances. It’s a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.

The Heartbeat of Community and Culture

Tea breaks and shared meals aren’t just about nourishment, they’re moments of connection. Stories are exchanged, challenges discussed, and victories celebrated. This camaraderie builds a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.

The workshop also serves as a cultural hub. Through their work, artisans preserve and celebrate African heritage, passing skills and traditions to younger generations. This cultural pride fuels creativity and innovation, making every Ecodunia product a unique blend of past and present.

Closing the Day: Pride in Every Stitch

As the sun sets over Nairobi, the Ecodunia team wraps up their day with a sense of accomplishment. Each handmade bag and piece of brass jewelry crafted is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and hope.

Founder Cera Muchiri’s vision to create dignified work that breaks cycles of poverty is alive and thriving in every corner of the workshop. The artisans’ stories, skills, and smiles are woven into every product, connecting you directly to a community committed to ethical fashion and sustainable change.

Why Your Purchase Matters

When you choose Ecodunia, you’re supporting more than just a brand. You’re investing in a model of ethical entrepreneurship that uplifts artisans, preserves culture, and protects the planet. You’re joining a movement that values people over profit and craftsmanship over mass production.

So, next time you carry an Ecodunia bag or wear our jewelry, remember that you’re carrying a story of hope, empowerment, and beautiful African heritage.

Ready to Explore Our Collections?

Shop our handcrafted bags and brass jewelry that blend timeless style with meaningful impact. Join us in supporting artisans who are changing their lives and the world one stitch at a time.