In a captivating conversation with Sylvia Omina Otsieno, the 35th Episode of Afrika Design Podcast explores her creative journey and the cultural influences that have shaped her unique brand Omina Otsieno. Sylvia, a Luhya from the western part of Kenya, shares the fascinating tradition of naming children after ancestors and the significance of names in the Marachi culture.

Inspired by her upbringing and surrounded by traditional crafts, Sylvia's creative path was paved by her cultural heritage. Today, she uses her brand to preserve ancient practices and empower communities, while also incorporating sustainable materials like banana fiber and papyrus as examples into her designs.

She goes into great detail about the things in her culture and way of life give her inspiration, demonstrating how old methods may still be employed in place of contemporary innovations like a refrigerator. She also imparts knowledge that her grandmother taught her and that she has used in both her personal and professional endeavors.

This is the fifth episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones