Her Hands - Behind The Brand

There is something profoundly meaningful about the stories we bring into our homes through the objects we choose.

At Her Hands, every handcrafted piece tells a tale of tradition, resilience, and artistry. Founded by Sarré Guille to connect conscious consumers with skilled female artisans in Kenya and Southern Africa, Her Hands is more than a brand—it is a movement that celebrates culture and human connection through design.

Celebrating Craftsmanship and Culture Through Design

Design Philosophy & Mission

At the heart of Her Hands lies a deep respect for slow design and ethical sourcing. The brand embraces imperfection as part of an item’s beauty, honoring traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Each piece is more than a product; it is a testament to the artisan's heritage, culture, and dedication to their craft.

Her Hands aims to preserve and give recognition to these skills whilst empowering the talented artisan women by providing a global platform to showcase their work. By choosing handcrafted goods, buyers can become part of the narrative of Her Hands too, fostering a connection to the hands that shape each creation.

"Her Hands is more than a store—it’s a celebration of the craftswomen of the world and their legacy of artistry."

Meet the Artisans

The soul of Her Hands lies in the stories of its artisans, particularly those from Kenya and Southern Africa. High in the Taita Hills in South East Kenya, a group of women meet to weave Her Hands' handwoven baskets and pendant lights. These women, who call themselves the Mapatano group—meaning "togetherness"—share not only materials and skills but also laughter, songs, and stories that bring their community closer.

In Southern Africa, women artisans create the Pulp Collection using recycled waste magazines. Each piece is handmade from start to finish by a single artisan and dried under the sun’s rays. The artisans work on secure, full-time contracts and earn up to two to three times the minimum wage in their country. These positions provide much-needed employment and create opportunities for further growth, with new artisans being added to the team as demand increases.

The Mapatano Weaving Group

The Mapatano group creates handwoven pendant lights and baskets using locally sourced natural fibers. The results are a beautiful blend of tradition and modern design, bringing warmth and texture to any space. The artisans weave each piece by hand, using skills passed down through generations, preserving their cultural heritage while earning a sustainable income.

Their weaving process is more than just a craft; it’s a way of keeping their community connected and supporting each other. The pendant lights reflect the artisans’ deep-rooted connection to their environment, with organic shapes and natural materials that bring the outdoors inside.

The Pulp Collection Artisans

The Pulp Collection is made by a small team of women artisans in Southern Africa. Using waste magazines as the primary material, they create unique, handcrafted decor pieces that are dried under the sun. Each item is crafted by one artisan from start to finish, ensuring a personal touch and a sense of ownership in the final product.

These artisans are employed on full-time contracts, providing stability and financial security. Their work not only preserves sustainable craft techniques but also contributes to environmental responsibility by repurposing waste materials. Since the start of Her Hands, the team has grown, and plans are underway to add more artisans in the future as the business grows, although founder Sarah is mindful of ensuring sustainable growth. She believes in ensuring growth comes in line with the capability of artisans without placing any undue pressure on them or their communities.

Materiality & Craftsmanship

Her Hands celebrates the use of natural and sustainable materials. The pendant lights are crafted from locally sourced sisal and other natural fibers, while the Pulp Collection utilizes recycled waste magazines. These materials reflect the landscape and resources of the artisans' communities, creating products that are both beautiful and conscious.

The texture of the woven fibers, the subtle variations in color, and the intricate patterns all contribute to the authenticity and charm of Her Hands' collection. These products are not only functional but also serve as artistic expressions that carry the stories of the women who made them.

Handwoven Pendant Lights from the Taita Hills –

Beautifully crafted lighting solutions that blend tradition with contemporary style. Each piece reflects the artisan’s skill and the community spirit of the Mapatano group.

Pulp Collection from Southern Africa

Unique decor pieces crafted from recycled waste magazines, providing both sustainability and employment opportunities for women artisans.

The Founder’s Vision

Her Hands was founded by Sarré Guille, whose passion for design, travel, and cultural preservation inspired her to create a platform that honors traditional craftsmanship and empowers women artisans. Recognizing the disappearing art of handmade crafts, Sarré set out to build connections between artisans and conscious consumers, creating opportunities for both storytelling and sustainable impact.

Explore more about Sarré's vision and Her Hands' journey at her-hands.com.au.

"By bringing these pieces into our homes, we honor the hands that made them and keep their stories alive. - Sarré Guille, Founder Her Hands

OAAK Final Thoughts

Her Hands beautifully embodies the essence of slow design and cultural preservation. It reminds us that behind every handcrafted item is a story worth sharing—a narrative of tradition, resilience, and artistry. By bringing these pieces into our homes, we become part of this story, fostering connections that extend far beyond borders.

For those seeking meaningful decor with a purpose, Her Hands offers more than just designer products for your home; it offers a connection to humanity, culture, and sustainability.

Ready to bring these stories into your home? Explore the full collection and support the artisans behind each piece at her-hands.com.au.

View more stories