We adapted a circular business model  in our contribution towards safeguarding the environment. We make jewellery from banana fiber extracted from the banana stem. The process of our production begins right from harvesting of the stem, extraction of the fiber to weaving the jewellery. This ended up opening opportunities for women in Busia as well as farmers for their economic empowerment.  We train them in the banana fiber jewellery making process, we also work with artisans in Nairobi with whom we collaborate to co-create brass accessories that we use to finish the jewellery.

Cultural traditional craftsmanship like basket weaving using natural resources have existed in many parts of  Kenya from generation to generation and Busia is no exception, Unfortunately, these valuable sustainable processes are diminishing. In our attempt to restore them we are encouraging continuation of these practices by using them as inspiration for our jewellery. Every piece of our jewelry is unique, timeless and tells a story; the weaves and twists of each piece are inspired by the culture and lifestyle of basket weaving and crafts of the Marachi people and by so doing we are helping restore the culture by repurposing this craftsmanship.

Sylvia Omina

Sylvia spent her childhood between Nairobi and Busia where she was born, while in Busia she loved crafting as there were materials always readily available. She created dolls from clay, plaited their hair and crocheted dresses for them from yarn. She picked this up from her mother who used to crochet a lot and her grandparents who weaved traditional handwoven baskets to earn income. This creative expression laid the foundation for the birth of  her brand years later. In 2017, She founded the fashion brand Omina Otsieno which originally specialized in clothing and yarn jewellery before they transitioned to banana fibre jewellery officially in 2021.

Through the work of her brand, Sylvia is focused on three main areas of sustainable development, which include gender equality, industry, innovation, and infrastructure and Sustainable Citie and Communities. She hopes that Omina Otsieno will become one of the most Inspiring sustainable brands in Africa and the world.

Sylvia is acting on the economic inequality that plagues those living in rural areas while resources surround them in abundance. Her aim is to leverage crafts, fashion and design skills available in the villages to create art and products that will bring economic prosperity to those in need.