Our Story

What’s our story?

Qashti, an Oromo term meaning 'luxurious.' With our brand, we strive to weave the rich tapestry of stories from the African continent while making positive contributions to our communities.

We want to subtly accentuate the daily beauty of every woman with refined, delicate, and minimalist African Jewellery. Our collection features unique and affordable pieces, ranging from pendants to earrings and bracelets. Embracing African designs, our jewellery allows you to express your roots and celebrate the strength and determination inherent in individuals from diverse backgrounds.

At Qashti, our aim is to empower you, fostering a sense of strength and pride in your identity through jewellery that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also evokes your inner power. Each meticulously crafted piece narrates a story of our cosmic connection as humans—a testament to our resilience, capacity for transformation, and triumph over challenges. 

From the founder

 

I guess you can say Qashti has been in the making since I was a refugee in Djibouti. It was there that I first experienced intense blind hatred because of my ethnic background. A neighbour tried to set me on fire simply because the majority tribe considered my ethnic group as subhuman. Luckily, at the age of five, my family received humanitarian visas to Australia, however, I faced challenges due to religious fundamentalism and the disempowerment of women within my own family. So, like any sane person, I chose to leave home at the age of 15 to create my own path.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when many people were engrossed in their phones, I observed a surge of online conflicts within East African communities regarding the origins of their tribal jewellery. Accusations of appropriation flew around without proper research, leading to daily fights. Motivated to get to the root of this blind hatred between tribes, I immersed myself in research and jewellery journals to comprehend the roots of these conflict and discovered that much of the disputed jewellery originates from gold/silver markets in Dubai or Oman

I wanted to create unique collections with stories and purpose, contributing to community empowerment through culturally significant jewellery - by preserving cultures and redefining how jewellery is worn based on indigenous concepts, I aimed to make a meaningful impact. I believe that jewellery should be unique and meaningful, telling a personal story that one cherishes for a lifetime

Qashti embodies the belief that everyone has their own battles and a unique journey worth celebrating. This philosophy is encapsulated in the tagline: "Own a piece that resonates with purpose." “Jewellery With Purpose’’ “We’re not just in the business of making Jewellery’’. Our brand is dedicated to embracing inner strength, perseverance, and empowerment. Whether overcoming adversity, celebrating achievements, or aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the world we share, I hope Qashti jewellery serves as an inspiration and daily reminder of your inner strength.