Founders and friends, Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo, were living in New York when they came up with the concept for Muzungu Sisters in 2009. Dana, finishing a master’s degree in human rights, wanted to create an online retail portal that would promote fair labour practices by showcasing artisan-crafted goods from around the world.

With an eye for style and interest in travel, Tatiana had already been thinking of curating a website that would feature items discovered during her adventures abroad. Pooling their ideas, the two developed the revolutionary concept of Muzungu Sisters (Muzungu is Swahili for traveller or wanderer).

Dana had previously held positions at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and at Human Rights Watch in New York and this passion for human rights is at the root of Muzungu Sisters.

Scouring the globe, the two find exclusive products ethically handcrafted by local artisans from diverse cultures and bring them back to their online shop. This in turn helps to stimulate these cultures’ local economies and leaves no human footprint at their origin, whilst providing customers with beautiful and unique products.

Muzungu Sisters were awarded the Tevla magazine Fashion Solidarity Award in 2012.

For more details please visit http://www.muzungusisters.com/.