We are
Our Story
Meet our founder
Dada Duka is a fair trade accessories brand founded in 2015
by Hampshire-born Chloe Bartron.
What began as a small initiative quickly grew in demand, thanks to the beauty and craftsmanship of their vibrant, handwoven African bags and baskets. Within just five years, Dada Duka expanded to employ over 150 women across Kenya.
The name Dada Duka, meaning “sister shop” in Swahili, reflects Chloe’s vision: to empower women while fostering hope, confidence, and independence.
The Impact
Each artisan is paid fairly in stages, at the beginning, middle, and completion of their work with all costs of the materials paid for by Chloe. This approach provides financial stability, enabling women to support their families with essentials such as food, shelter, clean water, and education.
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Every Dada Duka piece is handwoven by skilled women artisans, not mass-produced in factories. These traditional weaving techniques are passed down through generations, preserving cultural heritage and craftsmanship while creating meaningful, contemporary designs.
By purchasing a Dada Duka bag or basket, you are directly supporting these women and contributing to a more sustainable and empowered future for them and their families.
The Inspiration
The Story behind our logo
The Dada Duka logo is inspired by a moment of stillness, connection, and memory.
During a visit to Kenya, where Chloe’s sister was living at the time, the two travelled together
on safari. It was there, surrounded by vast open landscapes, that Chloe noticed a striking
lone tree standing quietly against the horizon.
There was something deeply grounding about it, strong yet graceful, rooted yet expansive.
A symbol of resilience, growth, and connection to the land. As she observed more closely,
the tree was alive with weaver birds, carefully crafting their intricate nests among its
branches. In that moment, Chloe instinctively felt that this tree was meant to represent
the weavers behind the accessories, each one contributing their skill, care, and artistry
to something greater.
That tree stayed with her.
Over time, it became a natural reflection of everything Dada Duka stands for: strength
in community, beauty in simplicity, and the power of something deeply rooted to grow
and support others. Today, it lives on as the inspiration behind the Dada Duka logo,
a reminder of where the story began, and the women at the heart of it.
