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List of products by manufacturer Nkuku


Ali and Alex met in London 2002. Ali was working in Corporate Finance and Alex had just completed some voluntary work in Kenya when we decided to head off on around the world trip.


First stop east Africa. From the outset were inspired and humbled by the artisans we met and felt there was something we could do to work and support the artisans as well as providing a business opportunity for ourselves. Our passion for the environment and fair-trade practices as well as an interest in traditional crafts and interiors, combined to form the basis for Nkuku. The original business plan was jotted down on the back of a paperback on a beach, and the name Nkuku was borrowed from a village we passed through in Zambia. The plan focused on the same core values that are maintained to this day: Ethical, Eco-Friendly and Handmade. Our travels took us from Africa onto India where we explored more traditional crafts and met with more small businesses. Over the year we were away, we sent numerous purchases home on ‘slow boats from Africa and India with a view to selling them on their return. 


The first container of products was delivered. Nkuku started out life as a wholesale business selling to independent stores throughout the UK before developing into a retail brand. Over the years, our dream of creating pieces for the home has become a reality and the collections now included a variety of homewares from tableware and storage, to lighting and furniture.