Welcome to
MOJA Boutique is a social enterprise that provides an opportunity for Canadian women artisans to sell unique handcrafted one-of-a-kind items while raising funds that support the empowerment of their African sisters.
Moja also includes a variety of exquisite home décor products and fashion accessories made from Kitenge (cotton batik print fabric) purchased from village women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. We bring this fabric back to Canada and employ local women as sewers, with a focus on those who may have barriers to employment. 100% of the profits from sales of the Kitenge products goes directly back to fund new entrepreneurial development programs for our village mamas in Africa. OneLove going full circle!
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Women supporting women - locally ~ globally.
Products are made to order and will shipped within 5 business days. Orders shipped Canada Post anywhere in Canada. Express Post traceable shipping available on request. Delivery and/or pick-up an option in the Greater Victoria area. Satisfaction Guaranteed
About Our African Fabric - Kitenge
Kitenge is an East African print fabric made from 100% cotton. The printing on the cloth is done by a traditional batik technique. In Tanzania, Kitenges are used in many ways either symbolically or for practical reasons. It is primarily worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling to hold a baby across the back of a mother or they can hold the baby at the front as well, particularly when breast feeding. It is also common to give a piece of Kitenge as a special gift – a sign of respect and honour. While Kitenge is known for its vibrant and exciting colours, the cotton has tremendous colourfastness and the more you wash the fabric, by hand or machine, the softer it becomes.
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The Story of the Paper Beads
Paper beads are the oldest craft done on the African continent. Primarily made by women of the villages, the beads are made from re-cycled paper waste (newspapers and magazines) that are cut into long narrow strips and then hand rolled around needles or sticks. After rolling, the beads are sealed with varnish to ensure they are long lasting, durable, and waterproof. They last for years and make a striking fashion statement at the same time. It is clear our African mamas were already living in an era where recycling and upcycling played an essential part in their society, long before us.
Our beads are produced by an original graduate of OneLove’s Biashara (Business) Village Venture Program in 2010. Rehema now provides employment for many mamas in her village and sells the paper bead jewelry to curio shops and tourist attractions in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. (As an aside, Rehema is now also one of our highly respected business trainers and successfully runs four businesses.)