A photo story of my creative explorations through the years
Ajani Handmade:
A creative love story
The Beginning: In 2009, while at university abroad, I made the decision to stop chemically straightening my hair. Away from home and the convenience of professional hair care, I began learning to care for my hair in its natural state. I spent my time discovering how to care for my hair's natural coils and curls, whipping my own oils and butters into fluffy concoctions. I truly enjoyed the process of making products- melting, whipping , pouring. I often had more than I needed with each batch, so I began sharing my creations with my friends and family during visits back home. I realised then that I didn't just love making the products; I loved the art of packaging them, too.
The Market Trial (2015): After moving back to Nairobi in 2015, I decided to trial these products in the market. I designed labels and set up a stall at a local crafts market. By the end of the event, I had completely sold out.
Building a brand: I continued to refine the brand’s aesthetic and packaging. What started as oils and butters for hair and body, grew into an operational business, expanding into body scrubs, candles, linen sprays, and other scent-based home and body products.​
​The joy of creative storytelling: I found immense joy in creating collections and marketing concepts that reflected my love for Kenyan and African names, colours, landscapes, ingredients and cultural practices.
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I explored this passion until 2023, when we decided to close shop. This archive of our evolution lives here.
I credit the creative support to a team of women—Bamidele Malaika, Daisy Awiti, Wanja Kibuki, Cheryl Shisia, and Nancy Tol—who contributed at different points of the evolution of Ajani Handmade and were co-creators of such a beautiful product line.
Art for art's sake
