Zulu Mien is built around the women we work with, and we exist to serve them to the very best of our ability.
We are a social enterprise founded to support rural women artisans and crafters across South Africa. Operating on a market intermediary model, we help small-scale producers access broader markets. Our clients are small production groups of women artisans, and our role is to provide the services they need to succeed.
We add value to their handmade products through product development, production and marketing support, costing and pricing guidance, quality control, and more. We purchase their finished goods outright and sell them across different markets.
For us, the social program is the business. Our mission is to strengthen market opportunities and support our clients’ financial security by helping them develop their products and bring them to market.
The Sirhuluphele Craft Group
Based in Vaalbank, Mpumalanga, the Sirhuluphele craft group is made up of incredibly talented master beaders... most of whom have been beading since childhood. The group was founded by Elsie Bahlezi Mahlangu, and together with her sister Rosina Mapholi Ntuli, they keep the team busy with a steady flow of orders.
The Sirhuluphele craft group holds a special place as the first to collaborate with Zulu Mien. As we grow, our goal is to bring more production groups like them into our journey.
Zulu
Among the Nguni tribes of Southern Africa, the Zulu are the most widely recognized. While our jewelry draws on the full range of styles and techniques from all the Nguni peoples, we chose to name our brand after the Zulu. It’s a word that speaks to global recognition and one that resonates far and wide.
Mien (pronounced meen)
The word mien (pronounced “meen”) refers to a person’s bearing, manner, or appearance... the way they carry themselves with grace, confidence, and character. It’s the quiet expression of inner strength and poise.
Unique Features
Every piece of beadwork is handcrafted, with each bead sewn individually into place. We use only the highest quality glass beads, along with premium beading thread that resists fraying and stands the test of time.
Zulu
Among the Nguni tribes of Southern Africa, the Zulu are the most widely recognized. While our jewelry draws on the full range of styles and techniques from all the Nguni peoples, we chose to name our brand after the Zulu. It’s a word that speaks to global recognition and one that resonates far and wide.
Mien (pronounced meen)
The word mien (pronounced “meen”) refers to a person’s bearing, manner, or appearance... the way they carry themselves with grace, confidence, and character. It’s the quiet expression of inner strength and poise.
Unique Features
Every piece of beadwork is handcrafted, with each bead sewn individually into place. We use only the highest quality glass beads, along with premium beading thread that resists fraying and stands the test of time.
Location
Visit Us In Cape Town
Stand 692 A
17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
