FAQ

What does Udada Mean?

Udada [$u-dada]$ is Swahili for "sisterhood." At Udada, we aim to exemplify the meaning of sisterhood by fostering a deep sense of unity, support, and collaboration among women, regardless of geography or circumstance. Sisterhood is about uplifting one another, sharing goals, and collective empowerment.

Who makes the products?

Udada works directly with KraftArt Designs, a small, women-run business in Kenya. KraftArt Designs assists in establishing contact between Udada and villages in Eastern Kenya. By helping us connect with local artisans, our partners at KraftArt Designs enable us to build relationships with the individual women and their communities.

You can learn more about the specific artisan who made your bag by finding their name sewn into the product's tag. Visit our Artisan page to learn more about your weaver.

What are material is used to make the products?

All of our products use natural sisal fibers grown in Eastern Africa. Once woven, the bag is then embellished by local leather makers who produce their own leather, from drying to stitching it onto the woven bag.

What is Sisal?

Sisal fibers are made from the Agave sisalana plant. The sisal plant has a 7-10 year lifespan and typically produces 200–250 commercially usable leaves. Each leaf contains around 1,000 fibers. Fiber is extracted through a process known as decortication, in which the leaves are crushed, separating the fibers from the residual parts of the plant. The resulting pulp is scraped from the fiber, then washed and dried.

Sisal is known for its strength, durability, stretchability, affinity for certain dyes, and resistance to deterioration in saltwater.

How do I care for my product?

To ensure the longevity of the sisal’s color, please refrain from exposing it to excessive moisture. We recommend spot cleaning your product if maintenance is needed.

Do you ship internationally?

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accommodate international orders. We appreciate your patience as we continue to grow and work to expand Udada to our sisters outside of the continental United States.

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