Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alima KOITE. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alima, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As part of an associative project, my friends and I have decided to support the socio-cultural development of our home country, Mali, a West African country rich in history and traditions. Witnessing the challenging situation of Malian artisans, particularly traditional bogolan dyers, we took action to showcase their talent to the world.

The project began with the creation of captivating mini-documentaries, unveiling the inspiring journeys of these cultural actors. These documentaries have allowed us to share their rich artistic heritage and raise awareness about their precarious situation. However, we recognized that online visibility was crucial for the success of the artisans. Thus, we provided courses on managing their online presence, empowering them to better showcase their unique creations and explore new opportunities for online sales, especially among an international audience.

But I wanted to go even further and work directly with the artisans, helping them market their products abroad and offering them a unique opportunity to make a living from their art. With my personal savings, I purchased a small stock of bogolan fabrics (oh, how delighted they were to receive those funds!). and started buying it in Dakar, Senegal. And so, Badaala Home Decor was born.

Alima, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Alima KOITE, founder of Badaala Home Decor, a small business specializing in the manufacturing and marketing of trendy items made from bogolan (muthcloth farbic), a traditional fabric originating from Mali (a West African country). I was born and raised in Mali, and from a young age, I have always had a deep passion for the arts, including music, particularly traditional Mandingue instruments, painting, and everything related to traditional craftsmanship. After spending a decade in France, I made the decision to return to the African continent and settled in Dakar, which is now one of the most vibrant capitals in West Africa, with an immense cultural wealth.

While abroad, I realized the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of a country like Mali for its development. Beyond the economic potential it represents, including tourism, the recognition of art or craftsmanship allows for the valorization of a civilization in the eyes of the rest of the world. With a group of friends, we launched a project to promote Malian culture, creating content about Malian artists and artisans to showcase their work and help them better market their products through social media.

It was within this framework that I met the bogolan artisans. I was already familiar with this fabric, which is now a symbol of Malian identity. They shared their stories with me, emphasizing the importance of preserving this ancestral know-how, and most importantly, the daily challenges they face. The majority of their income relied on tourism, but due to armed conflicts in parts of Mali, tourism has significantly declined, and these artisans have lost a significant portion of their market.

Being based in Dakar, one of the most attractive destinations on the West African coast, I decided to start this business in collaboration with the Malian bogolan dyers. I purchase a portion of their productions, which I bring to Dakar. I collaborate with Senegalese tailors to create the products, and I sell them through social media. Our products are also available in concept stores in Dakar.

My clients are often passionate about high-quality traditional African fabrics, and our fabrics are 100% Malian cotton, spun and woven by hand, and dyed with natural plant-based dyes using ancestral techniques.
What makes Badala Home Decor truly special is its deep commitment to the artisans. The brand exclusively works with artisans in precarious situations, enabling them to fully valorize their work and improve their living conditions. Every purchase directly supports these artisans, preserving their unique know-how and fostering a positive impact in their community.

Choosing a Badala Home Decor product means embracing a piece of Mali’s soul. It means bringing an authentic work of art, brimming with history, into your home while making a real difference in the lives of artisans. Each piece acquired helps preserve traditions, support socio-economic development, and perpetuate the beauty of Malian craftsmanship. And today, I am proud to say that my artisans are able to make a living from their work. I have also established an aid fund to assist those in urgent situations

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Facebook ads have been the best way for me to reach a new customer base! It’s through this approach that I have been able to gain visibility and connect with partner stores that now sell my products.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Punctuality in deliveries and customer service are key priorities for me. I strive to adhere to the timelines I provide to my customers and always send a satisfaction survey regarding the service and product quality. If any issues are reported regarding my services, I implement an action plan to resolve them, and most importantly, I offer a discount code or a gift to the customer as compensation. This approach has been very successful, as I consistently receive positive feedback from my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://badaalahome.afrikrea.com/fr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badaala_home/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087202112761

Image Credits
David Crookes / anansevillage.com (https://valeriebarkowski.com/bogolan-malian-fabric/) https://www.aindeco.com/post/tout-savoir-sur-le-bogolan