Empowering possibilities
Maisha // by nisria
Maisha by nisria is a sustainable fashion and design studio based in Gilgil, Kenya. We create one-of-a-kind, handmade clothing and accessories using upcycled materials, giving new life to textiles that would otherwise go to waste.
Our approach to fashion is simple but powerful: we turn secondhand fabrics and discarded clothing into beautiful, contemporary fashion pieces. Every design is made with care, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.
Recognized by Vogue Business, The Guardian and Al Jazeera English, Maisha is proud to be part of the growing movement for ethical fashion in Africa. Beyond clothing, we create impact by training and employing youth and women in our community, helping them build skills, earn income, and create brighter futures.
At Maisha, we believe in Fashion with Purpose - fashion that cares for people and the planet.
Our Philosophy
Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Create it.
Our Mission
To empower possibilities for vulnerable people in our community by equipping them with skills in fashion and design to enable them to make their way out of care as independent adults.
Our Location
Our growing community is currently based in Kikopey - Gilgil Kenya with our products currently distributed in several stores across Nairobi.
Impact Work
Maisha by nisria is rooted in community impact. Through our nisria programmes, we train youth, persons with disabilities and women in tailoring, high-end upcycling, and creative design, giving them the tools to build sustainable livelihoods and become financially independent.
We teach our students to see upcycling not just as a skill but as a mindset: to look at what’s around them, find potential in overlooked materials, and use creativity to design the lives they dream of.
Our name, Maisha — Swahili for “alive and well” — reflects the vitality at the heart of our work. Every product we create carries the story of hope, turning fashion into a powerful tool for change.
Maisha is a movement for sustainable fashion in Africa, where creativity meets impact and every stitch builds a brighter, more inclusive future.
We are Training a New Generation Tailoring and Upcycling
Through the Sanara Programme, Maisha by Nisria is committed to training 100 participants by December 2026 including women, men, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
We offer a six-month, immersive, tuition-free course designed to teach participants the skills of tailoring, upcycling, and creative entrepreneurship. Beyond the classroom, we work to connect graduates to income opportunities whether through employment, contract work, or starting their own businesses.
We are also open to collaborations with partners who share our vision for sustainable fashion and community empowerment, helping us grow the programme and create even more pathways to dignified work.
Randah Taher: A Champion of Change
Our journey has been filled with stories of friendship, and the unwavering support of incredible individuals. Every day, we pay tribute to a remarkable woman, Randah Taher, whose impact on our project transcended time and echoes in our creations.
Randah's connection with nisria dates back to 2016 when she first became a friend to our founder, Nur Mnasria. Her initial support took a profound form – she sponsored the education of several kids under nisria, setting the stage for a lasting partnership. In 2019, Randah reached out with a desire to contribute even more to the causes she held dear. As we explored potential projects, the idea of an upcycling workshop resonated with her deeply. Without hesitation, Randah graciously backed the initiation of Project Maisha, becoming the cornerstone of our sustainable venture.
Her generosity and foresight breathed life into Maisha, fortifying our mission and giving rise to a project that not only creates beautiful pieces but stands as a symbol of positive change and empowerment.
Beyond her philanthropy, Randah was a beacon of creativity, a nurturing mother, and an ever-present source of support. Her belief in the impact of positive change, especially for the youth, is mirrored in the values we hold dear at Maisha by nisria.
As we carry on in the spirit of her enduring legacy, we remain eternally grateful to Randah Taher. She was not just a supporter; she was our number-one champion. Though she is no longer with us, Randah's spirit lives on in every thread, every stitch, and every life touched by the transformative power of Maisha. In our hearts, she remains a cherished friend, a guiding light, and a catalyst for lasting change.