About Us

Beauty of Rwanda was founded by Salha L Kaitesi after being inspired by the hard working men and women of different associations that sold local crafts in Rwanda. Most of the members of these associations are survivors of the genocide. Some are wives of men serving time for atrocities they committed during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Others are victims of rape who are now HIV positive. Their skills have been passed down from one generation to another and are the only means of earning a livelihood for them and their families.

"I believe women are key to fighting poverty in Rwanda."

Our principal objective is to promote and sell Rwandan crafts.

Our company 's aim is to promote socio-economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups in Rwanda.
By selling these products, we will economically uplift poverty-stricken men, women and their families through the making of handcrafts that include basket making and bead work. This enables the products access to international markets, other than those at home. The purpose of what these handcrafts are for will take them from being not only decorative and ornamental but utility-based and functional when applied in a modern context.

We are here to preserve, restore, develop and enrich the Rwandan traditional heritage for the next generation.

Meet The Team:

Salha is also the Owner and Executive-Editor of ElleAfrique Magazine, a blog magazine that celebrates and unites African women. Salha was listed as one of the 20 Inspirational Women of African Diaspora in Europe and was the winner of the first African Diaspora at work Awards. She has also has been nominated in 3 categories (UK Social Humanitarian of The Year, Role Model of The Year and Inspirational Woman of The Year) for the Women4Africa Awards - 2013 and listed amongst '100 Women Who Inspire Us in The World Today' - 2013. Salha resides in Newcastle, United Kingdom and can be found on Twitter - @SalhaKaitesi.

Vivienne Amijee

Vivienne Amijee is an Economist, Gender Advocate and Blogger. Vivienne is a Kenyan citizen and a Rwandan resident. Vivienne is a lover of nature and good book. Vivienne can be found on Twitter - @amijeevivienne.

Ciru Maina

Ciru is a Kenyan fashion model, humanitarian and Beauty of Rwanda's  Only One Basket Campaign ambassador. Ciru is an ardent activist for women's and children rights and a passionate fighter against poverty and homelessness and can be found on Twitter - @CiruMaina.

11.11.2010 (D Day)

Beauty of Rwanda launched its website. The site is live and taking orders.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our facebook and twitter fans who have been patiently waiting for this day. You can all finally have a piece of Rwanda!

Thankful to the Rwandese women who inspired me to start Beauty of Rwanda. I hope I can enrich your lives in one way or another ... Much love :-)

A massive thank you also goes out to Jill Markwell and jonathan Dowden (FIN Enterprise Support), Mark Jose, Tosh, Sarah, ranjeet, Dhillon (Quantum Warrior Ltd), to my friends who have helped me in making this possible, last and by no means least, to my family for the love and support that you have and continue to give me.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart

Salha L Kaitesi.