New Arrivals

Going out of town for the weekend? Our new beach bag is just what you need for a fun-filled trip! Roomy & easy weekender or for those who need a bit more room during the workweek. 

This bag is the quintessential multi-purpose bag. Throw your towel, SPF, portable speaker & hit the road. The detachable Kisumu pouch allows you to access your essentials easily and if you need to head to dinner right after, it turns into a wristlet carrying your wallet, keys & phone. We love its functionality and bright & playful design.

• 100% Natural cotton canvas
• Hand screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Magnetic button closure 
• Each bag comes with a free matching Kisumu pouch attached! This handy wristlet allows you to grab your essentials easily and detach when it's time to head to dinner without your full bag. (See images below)
• Internal zipper pocket with YKK zipper closure to secure smaller essential items
• All leather straps & trims are sourced from one of Kenya's finest & oldest tanneries
• Roomy main compartment 
• Reinforced leather handles - allowing your bag to hold up to 40lbs. 
• Piping seams running vertically along the sides of the bag & around the bottom of the bag, help give the bag a standing structure & reinforces the seems of the bag making this super sturdy! 
• A symbolic 36° diagonal stitch which represents our factory location in Kenya is located on the front
• Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya 
• Please note - Each Kuba Cloth pattern varies in each product due to the handmade nature - they are uniquely different JUST LIKE YOU!
• 14” H X 19" W  +  7" strap drop

Care instructions:

To spot treat, wet the Wash & Stain Bar and gently work into the stained area(s). Remove soap and dirt with a wet Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth—be sure to remove all soap. Dampen the cloth as needed, and repeat the process until satisfied.

If necessary, gently wipe your print with a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water. Never use chemicals to clean your print. When doing so ensure that all leather parts are carefully protected from water.

As the next chapter of the American Presidency moves forward, we as a nation are ready as well. Looking back at 2020, we all experienced highs & lows, and now as we make our mark on the New Year, we are ready to HEAL. We will never forget the lessons we learned last year, but it is time to open our hearts and welcome unity, peace, love & compassion into the future. 

Standing behind these powerful words, we are driven to create a product that we can wear & look at as reminders that we are working together to HEAL & to UNITE.

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Glass beads / Nylon cord
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Vegan
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

Introducing the newest addition to our footwear line, the Lamu Mule! Handmade from high-quality locally sourced leather & the same comfortable jute soles as our classic Afridrilles, these brown leather mules will have you ready to hit the streets in style.

We have named our new Lamu Mule after Lamu Island - part of an archipelago just off the east coast of Kenya. This idyllic roadless island, full of narrow cobblestone alleyways and footpaths, old forts and elegant rooftop cafes, inspired us to create this effortless shoe. Not only is it one of our favorite places to relax, it is also the perfect place to stroll and explore in a pair of our new Lamu Mules.

• Handmade in Maai Mahiu, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine Kenyan leather in a soft nubuck finish, traditional jute soles with vulcanized rubber for durability
• These brown leather mules are a rich and versatile Chestnut Brown color
• Hand beaded signature tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!
• Sizing: True to size. Not available in wide sizes. We recommend sizing up if you do have a wider foot. The material will stretch & mold to your foot over time. 

Please note W is for Women's and M is for Men's when reviewing our sizing!

To learn about how to care for your Suede Lamu Mules - Here 

Interested in the story behind the Mules? Read more 

As the next chapter of the American Presidency moves forward, we as a nation are ready as well. Looking back at 2020, we all experienced highs & lows, and now as we make our mark on the New Year, we are ready to HEAL. We will never forget the lessons we learned last year, but it is time to open our hearts and welcome unity, peace, love & compassion into the future. 

Standing behind these powerful words, we are driven to create a product that we can wear & look at as reminders that we are working together to HEAL & to UNITE.

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Glass beads / Nylon cord
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Vegan
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

As the next chapter of the American Presidency moves forward, we as a nation are ready as well. Looking back at 2020, we all experienced highs & lows, and now as we make our mark on the New Year, we are ready to HEAL. We will never forget the lessons we learned last year, but it is time to open our hearts and welcome unity, peace, love & compassion into the future. 

Standing behind these powerful words, we are driven to create a product that we can wear & look at as reminders that we are working together to HEAL & to UNITE.

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Glass beads / Nylon cord
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Vegan
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

As the next chapter of the American Presidency moves forward, we as a nation are ready as well. Looking back at 2020, we all experienced highs & lows, and now as we make our mark on the New Year, we are ready to HEAL. We will never forget the lessons we learned last year, but it is time to open our hearts and welcome unity, peace, love & compassion into the future. 

Standing behind these powerful words, we are driven to create a product that we can wear & look at as reminders that we are working together to HEAL & to UNITE.

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Glass beads / Nylon cord
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Vegan
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

Going out of town for the weekend? Our new beach bag is just what you need for a fun-filled trip! Roomy & easy weekender or for those who need a bit more room during the workweek. 

This bag is the quintessential multi-purpose bag. Throw your towel, SPF, portable speaker & hit the road. The detachable Kisumu pouch allows you to access your essentials easily and if you need to head to dinner right after, it turns into a wristlet carrying your wallet, keys & phone. We love its functionality and bright & playful design.

• 100% Natural cotton canvas
• Hand screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Magnetic button closure
• Each bag comes with a free matching Kisumu pouch attached! This handy wristlet allows you to grab your essentials easily and detach when it's time to head to dinner without your full bag. (See images below)
• Internal zipper pocket with YKK zipper closure to secure smaller essential items
• All leather straps & trims are sourced from one of Kenya's finest & oldest tanneries
• Roomy main compartment 
• Reinforced leather handles - allowing your bag to hold up to 40lbs. 
• Piping seams running vertically along the sides of the bag & around the bottom of the bag, help give the bag a standing structure & reinforces the seems of the bag making this super sturdy! 
• A symbolic 36° diagonal stitch which represents our factory location in Kenya is located on the front
• Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya 
• Please note - Each Kuba Cloth pattern varies in each product due to the handmade nature - they are uniquely different JUST LIKE YOU!
• 14” H X 19" W  +  7" strap drop

Care instructions:

To spot treat, wet the Wash & Stain Bar and gently work into the stained area(s). Remove soap and dirt with a wet Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth—be sure to remove all soap. Dampen the cloth as needed, and repeat the process until satisfied.

If necessary, gently wipe your print with a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water. Never use chemicals to clean your print. When doing so ensure that all leather parts are carefully protected from water.

(UBUNTU LIFE)^RED Face Masks were designed by a collection of artists within the themes of Ubuntu and United in LOVE. We want to convey that we are not divided by age, gender, sex, health status, or race. We are united in LOVE to help one another. 

BARO SARRE is a Senegalese illustrator born in 1986. He produces an enigmatic and emotional art navigating between Africa, hip-hop, and Egyptian art and sculpture.

20% from every purchase of an (UBUNTU LIFE)^RED Face Mask will go directly to the Global Fund, helping to provide life-saving services and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on those living with HIV.

• Soft, breathable double-layered non-medical masks
• Designed to keep you comfortable 
• Elastic earloop closure offers ease of wear & comfort. Comfort is key & these are the most comfortable for all-day wear!
  
• 100% Polyester 
• Sublimation printed design by Baro Sarre
• One size fits most
• Our goals are to provide our global community with reliable and safe masks while keeping our Maker Mums employed and empowered.
• We recommend washing your mask before the first wear & after each time-worn in public. 
• Handmade by our Maker Mums in Maai Mahiu, Kenya
• The mask is not FDA-approved, not intended for medical use, and not proven to reduce the transmission of disease.
• The CDC recommends use of cotton or cloth face coverings in public to reduce community spread by asymptomatic persons
• This item is Final Sale
  

Introducing the newest addition to our footwear line, the Lamu Mule! Handmade from high-quality locally sourced leather & the same comfortable jute soles as our classic Afridrilles, these brown leather mules will have you ready to hit the streets in style.

We have named our new Lamu Mule after Lamu Island - part of an archipelago just off the east coast of Kenya. This idyllic roadless island, full of narrow cobblestone alleyways and footpaths, old forts and elegant rooftop cafes, inspired us to create this effortless shoe. Not only is it one of our favorite places to relax, it is also the perfect place to stroll and explore in a pair of our new Lamu Mules.

• Handmade in Maai Mahiu, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine Kenyan leather in a soft nubuck finish, traditional jute soles with vulcanized rubber for durability
• These brown leather mules are a rich and versatile Chestnut Brown color
• Hand beaded signature tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!
• Sizing: True to size. Not available in wide sizes. We recommend sizing up if you do have a wider foot. The material will stretch & mold to your foot over time. 

Please note W is for Women's and M is for Men's when reviewing our sizing!

To learn about how to care for your Suede Lamu Mules - Here 

Interested in the story behind the Mules? Read more 

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine-leather / glass beads
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

The inspiration of our Kuba Cloth Afridrille is to take a historical print & give it new life through the beautiful people working at Ubuntu Life. Kuba Cloth is a unique textile from the Democratic Republic of the Congo known for its elaborate & complex design. We are proud to showcase this historical pattern using a modern approach while each step is done by hand. 

You will be sure to stand out in handmade Afridrilles! These are the perfect shoe to transition from Summer into Fall without missing a step. Grab a pair of socks for those cooler nights, our Afridrilles were designed with adventure in mind.  

• Handmade in Maai Mahiu, Kenya
• Hand-screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern using lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Materials: 100% Natural cotton Kenyan canvas, genuine Kenyan nubuck leather, traditional jute soles with vulcanized rubber for durability
• Sizing: True to size. Not available in wide sizes.
• Your Afridrilles will be slightly tight at first. The shoe will stretch out and mold to your foot after 2-3 wears. If they are a little tight, we recommend wearing them with socks around the house to loosen up the canvas. 
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya

Please note W is for Women's and M is for Men's when reviewing our sizing!

Learn how to clean your Afridrilles - View Here 

Say hello to your new everyday bag! The Go-To tote is perfect for heading out to work or for a weekend stroll to the farmers market. The leather straps fit comfortably over your shoulder, making it easy to transition from Summer to Fall. You will make your entrance into any room with our bold, hand screen printed Kuba print. 

The inspiration of our Kuba bag collection is to take a historical print & give it new life through the beautiful people working in Ubuntu Life. Kuba cloth is a unique textile from the Democratic Republic of the Congo known for its elaborate & complex design. We are proud to showcase this historical pattern using a modern approach while each step is done by hand. 

• 100% Natural cotton canvas
• Hand screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Magnetic button closure
• Internal zipper pocket with YKK zipper closure to secure smaller essential items
• All leather straps & trims are sourced from one of Kenya's finest & oldest tanneries
• The roomy main compartment comfortably fits your notebook, 13" laptop & water bottle, or your weekend farmer’s market haul! 
• A symbolic 36° diagonal stitch which represents our factory location in Kenya is located on the front
• Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya 
• Please note - Each Kuba Cloth pattern varies in each product due to the handmade nature - they are uniquely different JUST LIKE YOU!
• 17" H X 13" W  +  9" strap drop

Care instructions:

Share the LOVE with Ubuntu Life. One LOVE. One WORLD. UBUNTU! 

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine-leather / glass beads
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• One size fits all
  
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya

This eye-catching carry-all large pouch is a beautiful & practical companion for all your organizational needs. Crafted by hand, this pouch is our new go-to! These pouches make great gifts and travel organizers. The large pouch can be your pencil kit, makeup case, or your COVID kit - keeping your mask, hand sanitizer & gloves in one easy to locate place. 

The inspiration of our Kuba Cloth bag collection is to take a historical print & give it new life through the beautiful people working at Ubuntu Life. Kuba cloth is a unique textile from the Democratic Republic of the Congo known for its elaborate & complex design. We are proud to showcase this historical pattern using a modern approach while each step is done by hand.

• 100% Natural cotton canvas
• Hand screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Single interior compartment
• YKK Zipper closure with leather pull tab & trim. All of our leather is sourced from one of Kenya's finest & oldest tanneries.
• A symbolic 36° diagonal stitch which represents our factory location in Kenya is located on the front 
• Signature Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya 
• Dimensions: 11” L x 6” W

• Please note - Each Kuba Cloth pattern varies in each product due to the handmade nature - they are uniquely different JUST LIKE YOU!

Care instructions:

To spot treat, wet the Wash & Stain Bar and gently work into the stained area(s). Remove soap and dirt with a wet Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth—be sure to remove all soap. Dampen the cloth as needed, and repeat the process until satisfied.

If necessary, gently wipe your print with a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water. Never use chemicals to clean your print. When doing so ensure that all leather parts are carefully protected from water.

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine-leather / glass beads
• SM: 13"L x 3/4"W
• MD: 20"L x 1"W 
• LG: 22"L x 1"W
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

Shopping for someone, but not sure what handmade product they'd love? Look no further than an Ubuntu Life gift card. Every purchase supports meaningful, sustainable jobs in Maai Mahiu, Kenya!

Gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. Our gift cards also have no additional processing fees.

With lots of LOVE & Many thanks, Happy Holidays!

Our Save the Wino bags are back in stock!

Screen printed by hand in our Maker Mum studio, these wine bags arrived just in time for all the holiday cheer! Bring along a bottle for cozy holiday nights or a trip to your local wine shop. 

Grab them individually for bundled up the trio up! 

Details:

• Materials: 100% Cotton
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• 14"H, 6"W, 6" straps

This eye-catching carry-all large pouch is a beautiful & practical companion for all your organizational needs. Crafted by hand, this pouch is our new go-to! These pouches make great gifts and travel organizers. The large pouch can be your pencil kit, makeup case, or your COVID kit - keeping your mask, hand sanitizer & gloves in one easy to locate place. 

The inspiration of our Kuba Cloth bag collection is to take a historical print & give it new life through the beautiful people working at Ubuntu Life. Kuba cloth is a unique textile from the Democratic Republic of the Congo known for its elaborate & complex design. We are proud to showcase this historical pattern using a modern approach while each step is done by hand.

• 100% Natural cotton canvas
• Hand screen printed Kuba Cloth pattern
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• Single interior compartment
• YKK Zipper closure with leather pull tab & trim. All of our leather is sourced from one of Kenya's finest & oldest tanneries.
• A symbolic 36° diagonal stitch which represents our factory location in Kenya is located on the front 
• Signature Hand beaded tab made by our Maasai Maker Mums
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya 
• Dimensions: 11” L x 6” W

• Please note - Each Kuba Cloth pattern varies in each product due to the handmade nature - they are uniquely different JUST LIKE YOU!

Care instructions:

To spot treat, wet the Wash & Stain Bar and gently work into the stained area(s). Remove soap and dirt with a wet Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth—be sure to remove all soap. Dampen the cloth as needed, and repeat the process until satisfied.

If necessary, gently wipe your print with a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water. Never use chemicals to clean your print. When doing so ensure that all leather parts are carefully protected from water.

Since holiday shopping can be stressful, we thought we would help you out & create easy to pick bundles that everyone in your family will enjoy. Each item is handmade with LOVE and provides sustainable employment for our Maker Mums & Men. Give a gift that gives back! 

Our favorite black & gold bracelet together in both sizes! Who doesn't love a little simmer of LOVE on their wrist :)

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Glass beads / Nylon cord
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• Adjustable sliding knot closure. Pull-on sides of bracelets to open the bracelet & pull on strings to close it securely. 
• Vegan
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

*Bundle does not include ornament*

 At Ubuntu Life, LOVE is how we stayed connected. Near & far, we are a community empowered by LOVE. Join us as we continue to spread LOVE to all and welcome them with open arms. Show your support by wearing or giving a LOVE bracelet today! 

• Handmade in Ngong Hills, Kenya
• Materials: Genuine-leather / glass beads
• Size: New adjustable closure!  Easy sliding knot closure with a circumference of 6” closed to 10” open for a more comfortable fit
• One size fits all
  
• Every product supports meaningful, full-time employment in Kenya!

Our Save the Wino bags are back in stock!

Screen printed by hand in our Maker Mum studio, these wine bags arrived just in time for all the holiday cheer! Bring along a bottle for cozy holiday nights or a trip to your local wine shop. 

Grab them individually for bundled up the trio up! 

Details:

• Materials: 100% Cotton
• Lead-free water-based inks used for silk screen printing
• 14"H, 6"W, 6" straps