Jeweller, Aicha Ladi of Dear Katiopae
From its roots in ancient African history to its handcrafted pieces landing on doorsteps around the world, Dear Katiopae is a jewellery company with a story worth telling. We sat down with the founder, Aicha Ladi to find out more about this exciting brand.
1. You founded Dear Katiopae in 2016. Why did you start a jewellery company?
I started Dear Katiopae because I am deeply connected to my African culture and I wanted to bring the beauty and richness of that heritage to the world through jewellery.
I also wanted to change the narrative. So much of the story told about Africa has been filtered through the lens of colonisation. I wanted to push back against that - to celebrate what was there before, and to honour the craftsmanship, symbolism, and elegance that has always existed across the continent.
2. What does 'Dear Katiopae' actually mean?
The name is intentional. 'Katiopae' was the name of Africa in the Kongo Kingdom before colonisation. By naming the brand Dear Katiopae, I’m amplifying that history and celebrating its origins. It's a name that carries not just history but also pride.
3. How did the company get off the ground?
Having come up with the vision, I started to look for African artisans who could use traditional African jewellery-making techniques and also reference African motifs to produce contemporary designs. I wanted pieces that were rooted in my culture but were effortlessly wearable in the modern world.
I launched with a few designs and they quickly attracted customers from all round the world. Now I sell both online and in person through events and selected independent shops, like Diverse.
4. How would you describe the brand's aesthetic?
Afrominimalist - that's the term that best captures it. Dear Katiopae sits at the intersection of African tradition and contemporary minimalism. It's jewellery that makes a statement without shouting.
5. How do you select your designs?
The designs are drawn from the rich visual language of African culture - from Adinkra symbols used by the Akan people of Ghana, to motifs inspired by ancient kingdoms and art. For example, each Adinkra symbol we incorporate carries a story: 'Sankofa' speaks to the wisdom of learning from the past, 'Nyame Dua' represents the presence of God, and the 'Adinkrahene' symbol reflects charisma and leadership. A design earns its place in each collection by carrying cultural weight and translating beautifully into a wearable form.
6. What materials do you use, and why?
The pieces are crafted in gold-plated brass, a material that reflects the ancestral tradition of gold being central to African regalia and identity, while remaining accessible and durable for everyday wear. The choice reflects the brand's core philosophy: honouring heritage without compromise, but making it wearable for modern everyday life.
7. Who wears Dear Katiopae?
People of all backgrounds and genders. They might be someone who wants to express their African roots through jewellery or they might simply be someone drawn to the artistry, meaning, and beauty of African design; someone who loves a well-crafted piece with a story.
8. Dear Katiopae sells more than jewellery. Tell us about the home décor range.
Yes! The brand has expanded beyond jewellery to include beautiful home décor pieces, such as candle holders and napkin rings. The design philosophy is the same: African-inspired, minimalist in form, meaningful in detail. It's about bringing that same sense of cultural style into every aspect of your life, not just the jewellery box.
9. So what does the future look like for Dear Katiopae?
That's the question we're most excited about. We're already capturing the imagination of customers worldwide and we don't intend to slow down. We’re looking for new ways to grow. Maybe through collaborations, possibly working with stylists and interior designers? We’re open to ideas!
Maybe your readers can make some suggestions for where they’d like to see Dear Katiopae in the future.
10. Ok, let’s end with some quick-fire personal questions that are less about the business and more about you....
- Early bird or night owl? Night owl.
- Coffee or tea - what fuels your hustle? Definitely tea - chai latte in particular.
- Podcasts or music playlists - what's playing while you're creating? Hmmmm....it depends on my mood.
- Designing new pieces or fulfilling orders - which part of the business excites you more? Designing. I love the process!
- Instagram or TikTok - where does your brand live? Insta.
- Mum first or boss first - or is there even a difference for you? Muuuuum - to both my sons and my business!
Explore the Dear Katiopae collection here and follow @dear_katiopae on Instagram for the latest arrivals.