Meet Emily & Mel
Emmela
Tell us a little about you and your brand
Emmela is a collaboration between two friends living on different continents, Emily in Oxfordshire and Mel in Ghana. We have a shared passion for sourcing “one of a kind’ items from artisans in West Africa. All with interesting stories to tell; women-led enterprises, preserving & promoting traditional skills, creative reuse of discarded materials.
We have uniquely shaped baskets from Senegal trimmed with soft leather tassels and sturdy handles. There are storage baskets for all uses ranging from lidded baskets, small open baskets for playrooms and desks to planters, wall-art and trugs. Not forgetting our statement baskets that will wow anyone with their size or unusual shape. We have sourced gorgeous beaded jewellery from Ghana. All sustainably handmade from eco-friendly materials and all one-off pieces.
Emmela is the first to bring the small African brand Tisserand and DIAMA to the UK. DIAMA with their organic spun cotton cushions and throws, naturally dyed with plant extracts and Tisserand with their handwoven homewares from Dakar and Mali. These are one of a kind, handmade in small batches with limited quantities.
Who or what inspires you?
We take a lot of inspiration from our homes in the UK and Africa. Combining the lively spirit and talents of West African artisans with the timeless charm and honey-toned palette of the Cotswolds, we can curate a special collection of homeware and accessories that not only have a story to tell but also make a positive impact on the communities we support.
We draw great inspiration from women-led enterprises in West Africa, like Fatou Jobe from Imadi World. Fatou's approach involves directly employing weavers, ensuring fair wages, reviving traditional weaving techniques, finding creative ways to reuse materials, and even constructing schools.
In addition to this, we proudly work with other remarkable women entrepreneurs from Tisserand Dakar, DIAMA, and Mkreat. These brands are passionate about preserving and promoting cultural art forms that are vanishing, while also embracing fair and sustainable development.
Which other brands do you love?
We love following small brands or designers that prioritise ethical sourcing, sustainability and those that promote the talents of African artisans. @ondine_csao @darleonelondon @mallyskok @justinvanbreda.