A Brand that Matters
I was once told that building a company was as much as an entrepreneurial journey as a personal growth one.
Get to know the story of ORIAKU.
How it all started
I am Celia, born and raised in Paris, France, from West African parents. I was always a creative and curious kid.
As adult life sometimes has it, I have put this side of myself on hold for many years. I moved to Norway and pursued a career as an IT consultant in a big tech company.
Only to learn years later that it is not possible to escape who you truly are.
The Breaking Point
After many years of working hard to climb the corporate ladder, I went through a too-well-known difficult time: a burn-out. I had worked myself to the point of not being able to get out of bed.
Back to the source
Life pushing me to change ways, I started thinking about my next step. And that is when I started remembering an amazing to Senegal.
And particularly the feeling I had when met with the exceptional craftsmen there. I realized I had kept the phone number of one of them: Abdou.
The collaboration
Abdou is an artist jeweler based in Dakar, Senegal. He was born in a family of craftsmen, and quickly learnt the ins-and-out of the profession.
He responded positively to my call, and we immediately started working on a few pieces together.
THREE MAIN PILLARS
I am so glad to have you
Together, we are building a community, a strong Tribe. I am so grateful for each and every one of you believing in this vision.
Stick around!
More magic is on the way
Blog posts
Cultural appropriation?
You don’t have to be African to wear African-inspired jewelry.
You just need to value beauty with meaning.
Why I created Glowing Jewels (Now ORIAKU)
Who said African craft could not be minimalist? Discover the story behind the creation of Glowing Jewels.
From Currency to Crown: The Journey of the Cowrie Shell
Once used as currency across West Africa, the cowrie shell carried wealth, status, and sacred energy.
