In Maasai communities, beadwork is language, history, and a livelihood. For Naisujaki, it has also been the path to independence, dignity, and opportunity.
Before joining Sidai Designs, life was a daily struggle. “I was abandoned by my in-laws because I was poor compared to them,” she recalls. “To survive, I used to burn charcoal and sell it. But sometimes the forest authorities would catch me, which made it hard to feed my family.”
Everything changed when she joined Sidai. Today, her beadwork income covers food, school fees, and other essentials for her husband, mother-in-law, and six children. She has even been able to invest in her family’s future – buying four goats that provide milk and extra income, sending her children to English medium schools, and starting her own small business selling cooking oil.
Craft as a Blessing
For Naisujaki, every bead has meaning. If her work had a name, it would be Namelok – “blessing” in Maa.
She says, “In our culture, beadwork is never rushed. We are taught to do it with intention and care, which leads to something beautiful and also helps us earn a living.”
Some of her proudest achievements are creating large pieces such as the Triple V Leather Wall Hanging and Double V Leather Wall Hanging - intricate works that once felt far beyond her reach.
She also treasures the day she completed her first Adjustable Zigzag Leather Bracelet and Narrow Chevron Leather Bracelet, pieces that took weeks to finish but brought immense satisfaction.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
“The first thing I bought with my Sidai income was school uniforms and fees for my children. I was also able to build a small clay house, and buy food and clothes for my family,” she says.
Her message to the world is clear: “Empowering women means empowering the whole community. Maasai women should be given opportunities to follow their dreams – not be forced into early marriage or told to just stay at home.”
At Sidai, beadwork is a bridge between tradition and opportunity – a way to preserve Maasai cultural heritage while providing stable income for women like Naisujaki.
When you purchase Sidai jewellery or home décor, you’re investing in a woman’s future, helping her send her children to school, build a safe home, and keep cultural traditions alive for the next generation.
Explore the pieces Naisujaki is most proud of:
Every purchase is a blessing – Namelok – for the maker, her family, and her community.
