Our journey began in 2005 when our founder, Lucy, was captivated by the exquisite craftsmanship of hand-beaded sandals, belts, and vibrant jewellery during her holiday in Kenya.

Inspired by the artistry and dedication of the local artisans, Lucy spent the next year designing and developing a unique collection of sandals and belts in collaboration with a talented supplier she met there. Overwhelmed by the positive response, Lucy decided to dedicate herself full-time to building Aspiga, bringing these beautiful creations to a wider audience.

From the very beginning, our Kenyan suppliers have been integral to our journey. We wouldn't be where we are today without their support.

Our Kenyan family consists of five family-run workshops that employ skilled artisans to craft our sandals, belts, and kikoys. We share our values of sustainability and fair trade with them, fostering a collaborative and ethical partnership. The income they earn from Aspiga plays a crucial role in supporting their families, often funding education and covering living expenses.

Our sandals are handcrafted in Kenya, adorned with sustainable, fully recyclable glass beads coloured with natural dyes. Each pair features a leather upper on a heeled recycled rubber sole and takes up to three hours to bead. The intricate beadwork involves artisans meticulously sorting, threading, and sewing the beads directly onto the leather.

The leather, sourced from a tannery in Nairobi, is dyed and sun-dried for a unique finish. We support local craftsmanship by financing the cutting machines used. The sandal bags are created by the Heri Girls, part of the Elimu Sewing Project, which trains young women from vulnerable backgrounds in sewing and income-generating skills.

We also run a monthly Beach Clean-Up Campaign in Malindi, Kenya, pledging to collect a basket of waste for every pair of Kenyan sandals sold. We sponsor twelve child volunteers, helping them attend school and secure an education they couldn't previously afford.