Dsenyo Videos

Learn More About Dsenyo

2010, Malawi Photo Journal

This year, Dsenyo has made leaps and bounds developing relationships with our producer groups and creating new Made in Malawi products. Founder, Marissa Perry Saints, spent a total of 3 months in Malawi over two separate trips. This slideshow showcases the six producer groups now working with Dsenyo. One of the main principles of Fair Trade is establishing long term relationships with producers. Returning frequently to place orders takes many of these groups by surprise. They are accustomed to seeing aid workers come and go on short contracts and often seeing projects fail to reach completion. They are grateful for the partnership with Dsenyo and for the opportunity that each purchase here in the USA makes for them back in Malawi. The groups you will see in this video (in order of appearance) include: Tamara Banda (country director...birthday party for her son Rodgers), MicroLoan Kasungu (making the jute tote and change purse), Chibavi Tailors (making belts and cosmetic bags), Nkhata Bay Woodcarvers (hand carved belt buckles), MicroLoan Mzuzu (change purses), Ekwendeni Youth AIDS Resource Center (greeting cards), Luso la Manja (change purses, aprons, kid's knapsack), Tribal Textiles (hand-painted textiles), Chifundo Artisans Network (hand-painted textiles, ornaments), Domasi HIV Positive Living Group (flower ornaments).

9News: Starting Over Segment

Dsenyo got a visit from Jennifer Ryan of 9News at our little studio in my basement last week. She did a story on us as part of her "Starting Over" series. As an entrepreneur, following my dream and my passion, we fit right in an hope to inspire others!

March 2010, Malawi - Tanzania - Zambia

Marissa spend seven weeks this spring training women's sewing cooperatives and working with artisans for Dsenyo's new line. We now have six groups and over 40 people crafting our handbags, belts, greeting cards and other accessories. Some of the groups include Luso la Manja at Chifira Village near Kande Beach, MicroLoan Foundation Kasungu and Mzuzu, the Ekwendeni Youth AIDS Resource Center and others

Dsenyo (dee-SEN-yo) is giving a hand UP to women and artisans working their way out of poverty. Contemporary handbags, accessories and home decor celebrating African Textile design.

Shop in Person

Fair Trade Winds

206-743-8500

http://www.fairtradewinds.net

1815 N. 45th Street
Washington, Seattle 98103

More Retail Locations

About Dsenyo

Dsenyo is a social enterprise.  We believe business is a powerful way to address social and economic problems. Countless challenges confront creative people in Malawi, Africa as they try to build their businesses, practice their craft & support their families. 

After living in Malawi, artist Marissa Perry Saints founded Dsenyo to create opportunity for hard-working, African women and artisans.  Dsenyo offers hand-crafted bags and accessories that celebrate African textile design.  We follow Fair Trade principles working to create maximum benefit for the women, artisans & communities in which we work.

  

Marissa's Blog

Testimonials

Jennifer - Wilmette, IL

Jennifer - Wilmette, IL

Lovely! I purchased several bags for my daughter and niece for their graduations from nursing and medical school, and they are beautiful, practical, and sturdy. Environmentally & Politically Friendly are Fringe Benefits!

Watch Our Video

Marissa shares her vision for Dsenyo. Learn more about her passion to create jobs for women and artisans in Malawi and how you can help.

Newsletter Sign-up

Be the first to know about new designs. Receive special discounts and exclusive invitations.

join our mailing list