About Us

Craft with a Story. Art with a Purpose.

Care Studios is a fair trade store rooted in the rich artisan traditions of South Africa. Every piece in our collection is handcrafted by skilled makers whose work carries generations of cultural knowledge, creativity, and pride.

Meet the Makers

Thenjiwe Pretty Nkogatsi

Thenjiwe Pretty Nkogatsi is a celebrated South African artisan whose beadwork has earned recognition on the world stage — through collaborations with renowned fashion designer David Tlale and global brand Nike. Her jewelry, baskets, ornaments, and accessories draw on the beadwork traditions of South Africa's Ndebele, Zulu, and Xhosa cultures, transforming them into wearable and functional art that is unlike anything mass-produced. Thenjiwe works exclusively with Preciosa beads — premium Czech-made beads renowned for their exceptional quality, consistency, and vibrant color range.

The Afrika-47 Collective

The Afrika-47 Collective is a group of Zimbabwean artists based in South Africa who specialize in hand-beaded wire sculpture. Using wire and thousands of tiny Preciosa beads, they craft intricate animals, dinosaurs, and sculptural pieces that are as much art as they are conversation starters. Every sculpture is shaped entirely by hand — no two are exactly alike.

Why Fair Trade?

At Care Studios, fair trade is not a marketing term — it is a commitment. Every purchase you make directly supports the artisans who created it, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable livelihoods. When you buy from Care Studios, you are not just acquiring a beautiful object — you are investing in a maker's future.

Giving Back Through Every Purchase

All proceeds from Care Studios are donated to DTCare, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to funding education programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. When you shop with us, your purchase does double good — it supports the artisan who made your piece and helps fund access to education for children and communities across the region. Every item you buy is a small act with a lasting impact.

Our Memberships & Affiliations

Care Studios is proud to be a member of two organizations that reflect our core values:

  • Museum Store Association (MSA) — We are an active member of the Museum Store Association, connecting us with cultural institutions and museum retail buyers who share our commitment to meaningful, story-driven products.
  • Fair Trade Federation — As a Fair Trade Federation member, we uphold the highest standards of fair trade practice — ensuring transparency, equitable pay, and ethical working conditions throughout our supply chain.

Our Mission

We believe that authentic craft deserves a global audience. Our mission is to connect conscious shoppers and retail buyers around the world with the extraordinary artisans of South Africa — bringing their stories, skills, and culture into homes, museums, and boutiques everywhere.

Thank you for being part of that story.