African Queen helps both men and women, to attain self-sufficiency, by working from their homes and community centres, producing the beautiful handmade goods.

Functional Wearable Art

“One of my main aims in producing functional wearable art is to create employment to empower women and men. It is fundamentally based on the principle of sharing skills and knowledge of creativity, style, design, and beadwork. Once one person has mastered the art, the Mamas pass on the baton to another and so it goes on …" says Nicola Leitch. 

"The Mamas who do the beading are people who I respect so much. They are the mothers of our nation. They are coping with poverty and underdevelopment; trying to educate their children and take care of families,” she explains.  "I admire these woman so much.  They bring a true joy to my heart."

Always cheerful and positive, these beaders, who work from home and in community centers have a real genuine joy in their souls and hope for a better future for their country.

Decorative African Beadwork

Decorative African beadwork is sold at many outlets throughout South Africa in many shapes and forms. Each of the traditional tribes has its own variations of color and design.

To appreciate the true significance of traditional beadwork, however, one has to understand how effectively, for instance the Zulu women have integrated social values into their arts and crafts. Traditional colours, colour combinations, and patterns are still found in modern Zulu beadwork

African Queen has found a way to segue the traditional African beadwork, made with fine glass beads, in and array of patterns and designs - in squares and circles - into the handmade leather bags, hats, purses and other goods.