Lorraine Mari on Why Every Enkaya Piece Is a Story Worth Wearing

There are jewellers who make things to be worn, and then there are those who make things to be felt, pieces that do not simply sit on the body but speak from it. Lorraine Mari is the latter. As the founder of Enkaya Designs, a contemporary African jewellery brand rooted in storytelling, cultural identity, and sustainability, she has built a practice around a conviction that adornment has never really been decorative. Long before fashion made heritage cool, communities across the continent already knew what a cowrie shell carried: protection, femininity, spiritual grounding, and generations of meaning worn close to the skin.

Enkaya Designs blends organic elements and earthy textures with the kind of intentional craftsmanship that takes patience, precision, and deep respect for the artisans who hold ancestral knowledge in their hands. In this conversation with FAB L’Style, Lorraine Mari traces her journey from a childhood shaped by African artistry to the brand she has built as an extension of her own identity, revealing what it truly means to create jewellery.

FAB: What first sparked your personal connection to jewellery and adornments, and how did that moment shape Enkaya Designs?

Lorraine Mari: My connection to jewellery began with a deep appreciation for adornment as identity—how something worn on the body can carry history, emotion, and meaning. Growing up around African artistry, I saw jewellery not just as decoration but as expression and heritage. That understanding shaped Enkaya Designs into a brand rooted in storytelling, where every piece is intentional and soulful.

“Your identity is your strength. Create boldly, honour your roots, and never feel the need to dilute who you are for acceptance.”

FAB: What has been the most challenging moment in building Enkaya Designs, and what did it teach you?

Lorraine Mari: One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with sustainability and business realities. There are moments when growth feels slow, but those moments taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to the brand’s values. I’ve learned that authenticity is more powerful than speed.

FAB: In what ways does Enkaya Designs reflect who you are?

Lorraine Mari: Enkaya Designs is an extension of my identity,it reflects my love for culture, storytelling, and meaningful beauty. It embodies my belief in intentional living, sustainability, and creating pieces that connect emotionally, not just visually.

FAB: What does adornment mean in the modern world?

Lorraine Mari: Adornment today is still deeply symbolic,it has simply evolved. It remains a way for people to express identity, confidence, and belonging. In a modern context, it’s also about individuality and self-definition.

FAB: Can you share a design with a meaningful narrative?

Lorraine Mari: Many of our pieces are inspired by protection, grounding, and ancestral connection. For example, designs incorporating cowrie shells often represent prosperity, femininity, and spiritual protection—carrying both cultural and emotional significance.

FAB: How does Enkaya Designs celebrate African identity globally?

Lorraine Mari: We celebrate African identity by staying rooted in its authenticity while designing in a way that feels timeless and globally relatable. The goal is not to dilute culture, but to present it in a way that invites appreciation across different audiences.

FAB: How does Enkaya Designs support artisans?

Lorraine Mari: We collaborate with artisans by valuing their skills, preserving traditional techniques, and ensuring fair and respectful working relationships. Their craftsmanship is at the heart of every piece. I’ve learned patience, precision, and respect for the process. Their knowledge carries generations of wisdom, and working with them has deepened my appreciation for intentional craftsmanship.

FAB: Is your brand a bridge between tradition and modern fashion?

Lorraine Mari: Yes, absolutely. Enkaya Designs exists at that intersection—honouring tradition while reimagining it for contemporary expression.

FAB: Do you design for emotional connection?

Lorraine Mari: Yes. Every piece is designed to evoke feeling and allow personal interpretation. Jewellery becomes most powerful when it means something to the wearer.

FAB: Are there symbols or elements that are significant?

Lorraine Mari: Yes—cowrie shells, organic textures, and earthy tones often appear in our designs. They represent nature, heritage, femininity, and spiritual grounding.

FAB: Do customers share meaningful stories?

Lorraine Mari: Yes, and those moments are incredibly special. Hearing how a piece makes someone feel confident, protected, or connected reminds us why we create.

FAB: What does layering and stacking say about personal style today?

Lorraine Mari: It reflects freedom and individuality. People are no longer confined to rules—they’re expressing themselves boldly and intuitively.

FAB: Can jewellery transform how someone feels?

Lorraine Mari: Absolutely. Jewellery has the power to shift confidence, presence, and energy. It’s a subtle but powerful form of self-expression.

FAB: Advice for someone hesitant about bold jewellery?

Lorraine Mari: Start small and build confidence. Choose pieces that resonate emotionally, and let your style evolve naturally—there are no rules.

FAB: How does Enkaya Designs approach sustainability?

Lorraine Mari: We focus on intentional production, responsible sourcing, and creating timeless pieces rather than fast trends. Sustainability for us is about longevity and mindful creation. African designers have a powerful role to play by leading with authenticity, preserving craftsmanship, and showing that sustainability can be rooted in tradition.

FAB: What feeling should an Enkaya piece communicate decades from now?

Lorraine Mari: A sense of connection—something timeless, soulful, and deeply human. Even without context, the piece should feel meaningful.

FAB: What legacy do you hope to leave?

Lorraine Mari: A legacy of storytelling, empowerment, and cultural pride. I want Enkaya Designs to stand as proof that African creativity is powerful, relevant, and enduring.

FAB: What lessons would you share with the younger generation?

Lorraine Mari: Stay authentic, be patient, and trust your vision. Growth takes time, but consistency and belief in your purpose will carry you through. Your identity is your strength. Create boldly, honour your roots, and never feel the need to dilute who you are for acceptance.