About
Our Founder & Designer
Artist Marissa Perry Saints founded Dsenyo in 2007 after living in Malawi, Central Africa. Dsenyo is a social enterprise creating sustainable accessories inspired by African textiles. Our unique, contemporary styles offer form, function and durability for fashion and socially conscious women.
Dsenyo is the result of taking this African inspiration and combining it with Marissa's experience in fine arts, graphic design and international development.
Our Vision
Dsenyo aspires to grow the ethical fashion industry and to empower a generation of African women and artisans eager to address the challenges facing their communities.
Social Commitment
Dsenyo accessories are currently handcrafted in Colorado. We are training women in Malawi to produce products for future collections. Dsenyo pays a fair wage and provides much needed employment for women and artisans. In addition, we donate 3% of sales to community development projects.
Environmental Commitment
Dsenyo makes every effort to use low-impact dyes and sustainable fibers like hemp and organic cotton. We reduce waste by composting organic scrap material and re-purposing African textile remnants for use in other products. Our “Old for New” recycling program lets you send back your used Dsenyo bag and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase. We will reuse, recycle and compost materials in the old purse.
By purchasing a Dsenyo handbag or accessory you can look great and do good for people and the planet.
Where is Malawi?
Malawi is a small, densely populated country in Central Africa. It is located at the southern tip of the Great Rift Valley and is bordered by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. Here are some statistics:
- 14 million people
- Malaria is the #1 killer
- 14% of the population livng with HIV/AIDS
- Life expectancy only 43 yrs
- 80% of the people are subsistance farmers
- Former British protectorate (not colony)
- Multi-party democracy since 1994
- National languages are Chichewa and English
