A community of carefully chosen artisans
creators of unique + timeless objects
OUR STORY
Obakki is a purpose-led lifestyle brand that connects people through modern design. Everything we curate is handcrafted and produced in partnership with our network of world-class artisans—real people making products that bring meaning and connection to your home.
At Obakki, our artisan partners are part of our extensive global family. We’re in touch on a regular basis and their quality of life—and ability to sustain themselves and their communities—will always be our top priority as a company. Their happiness, health, and financial independence all matter to us. By respecting the creativity and technique of every artisan, Obakki helps to give communities a stronger sense of cultural independence and pride.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE
We believe in slow design. We’ve connected with artisan groups from around the globe to preserve and honour traditional artistry, and we love the idea of limited edition, small-batch homewares that can be admired for a very long time.
We believe in knowing the origin of the products we buy, as well as the impact of our consumption—not only on the environment, but also on the communities and individuals that create them.
From homewares created in partnership with like-minded co-ops to goods sourced from global artisans who share our ethos, every Obakki product reflects our values of sustainability, traceability and ethical production.
HOW DO WE ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY?
Our founder meets with each artisan partner, fostering genuine relationships around the globe to ensure that the highest levels of dignity, respect and social responsibility are upheld as we work with these vital communities. Our constant connection with our artisan partners allow us to trace each product from concept to completion, ensuring that our pillars of sustainability and ethical standards are always maintained.
OUR IMPACT
With every Obakki purchase, consumers are supporting meaningful income opportunities for artisans, their families, and their communities. Obakki provides a platform for these talented makers to share their craft with a global audience.
Obakki’s main mission is to support and expand our artisan partnerships, and to fund development work through the Obakki Foundation (our philanthropic counterpart). Focused on providing clean water access and livelihood initiatives around the globe, to date we’ve helped over 4 million people.
HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?
1. LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS ARE CREATED IN THE LOCAL COUNTRY
By travelling to each region and using local materials, we establish sustainable relationships with our artisan partners. Every item is small batch to ensure its sustainability and uniqueness.
2. WE ENSURE THERE IS A LOCAL MARKET ESTABLISHED FOR ARTISANS FIRST
Our artisans' future security is important to us, therefore we help to facilitate a sustainable local livelihood first, ensuring our artisans are not solely dependent on us.Â
3. WE CO-CREATE PRODUCTS THAT RESPECTS + PRESERVES TRADITION
We work directly with our artisans to create modern products while respecting, preserving, and protecting traditional artistry. We embrace slow design and artisanal production.
4. WE FOLLOW THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO ETHICALLY TRACE EVERY PRODUCT
We follow the complete supply chain and analyze the impact, ethically tracing each product from concept to completion to protect the environment and our artisan partners.
5. WE ENSURE FAIR + PROMPT PAYMENT WITH ALL OF OUR ARTISANS
We pay fairly and promptly, advancing funds early and offering sampling budgets. We respect our artisans and implement fair trade standards at every stage of our partnership.
6. WE INVEST BACK INTO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WHEN NEEDED
We invest in community development when needed through our Obakki Foundation programs so our partners can improve their local communities through our partnerships.
HOW MUCH DO WE PAY OUR ARTISANS?
We pay fairly and promptly, advancing funds early and offering sampling budgets. We purchase products directly from our artisan partners at a price determined by them and when needed, we reinvest back into expanding their businesses and into their communities through our Obakki Foundation development programs.
OUR FOUNDER
Treana has worked in international development for over 30 years transforming lives in vulnerable areas through clean water, educational support, medical care and livelihood initiatives.
Treana has helped countless individuals and communities harness their strengths and overcome obstacles by giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. With 4,000 water wells drilled, she has helped impact over 4 million people around the world.