Erika's remarkable journey spans over 25 years of dedication to the world of beading, a journey that has not only defined her expertise but also ignited a fervent desire to make a difference in the lives of both animals and people.

Two and a half decades ago, Erika envisioned a powerful mission: to be the beacon of hope for the women of South Africa, one bead at a time. She understood that the path to empowerment begins with opportunities, and she set out to provide just that. With unwavering commitment, Erika has been empowering marginalized communities through education and job creation.

In the heart of South Africa, Erika recognized a pressing need among rural women who, due to various constraints, couldn't easily commute to work. These resilient women deserved the chance to not only secure their own livelihoods but also provide for their families, including the children of relatives. Erika's mission transcends mere employment; it's about fostering self-reliance, confidence, and the ability to change entire communities for the better.

Erika's journey is not confined to one region or one cause—it's a global quest to transform lives through the power of education and the artistry of jewelry design. With every bead meticulously strung, she renews her commitment to a brighter future, one community at a time. Erika's story is an inspiring testament to the profound impact that one person can have on the world.

Rita's journey beautifully aligns with our mission to transform lives and communities through the power of beading. For over 20 years, Rita has been a beacon of hope and empowerment, working alongside Erika. Starting with no skills on a rural game farm in South Africa, Rita's dedication and passion were ignited through Erika's first jewelry endeavor. She attended master beading courses, evolving from a novice to a master beader within a few years.

Rita's exceptional ability to speak five languages, along with her infectious humor and patient leadership, allowed her to connect and train countless women across South Africa's diverse landscape. Her linguistic skills were instrumental in bridging communication gaps, making her an invaluable asset in our mission to empower marginalized communities. Rita's leadership is marked by her patience and empathy, guiding each individual with care and understanding.

Having trained and impacted hundreds of individuals, Rita's unwavering commitment to empowerment led her to become a partner in Kioni. Today, she manages the site where our products are crafted, embodying the essence of our vision. Rita's story is a testament to the transformative power of beading, showing how each bead strung sparks a ripple of empowerment, lighting the path to a brighter future. At Kioni, we continue to turn beading into a catalyst for profound change, inspired by Rita's incredible journey.

For over two decades, Lizelle has been guided by a deep passion for using design to create meaningful change. As both a graphic designer and a jewelry designer for underserved communities, her journey has been about more than creativity—it’s been about empowering others and uplifting those who need it most

Through her work with Kioni Lizelle has found a way to blend her artistry with purpose. By focusing on jewelry design for underserved communities, she helps create opportunities for individuals who often face barriers to traditional employment. Her designs become a vehicle for change, offering not just beauty but also a chance for economic independence and self-reliance

Lizelle believes in the transformative power of design, whether it’s through the intricate details of a piece of jewelry or a thoughtfully crafted visual. Her work with Kioni isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about telling stories, building connections, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Her story is a testament to how creativity, when paired with compassion, can change lives. With each new design, Lizelle reaffirms her commitment to helping others realize their potential and bring their own visions to life. Through Kioni, she continues to use her talents to create impact, one design and bead at a time.