Born and raised in a small village in Kenya Alice grew up surrounded by rich cultural traditions, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of community. With a passion for making the world a better place, Alice later moved to Canada and pursued her education in International Development Studies where she gained a deeper understanding of global inequalities and sustainable solutions.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Alice witnessed how Kenyan artisans—who relied heavily on tourism—struggled to sustain their craft and livelihood. Their remarkable talent and cultural heritage deserved a wider audience, and Alice knew there had to be a way to bridge the gap. That’s how Tobmarc was born. Tobmarc is more than a business—it’s a mission. We ethically collaborate with artisans, bringing their handcrafted pieces to North America while sharing the rich stories behind their work. Every item we offer is a reflection of tradition, skill, and resilience. By supporting Tobmarc, customers don’t just buy a product; they become part of a movement that empowers artisans and preserves cultural heritage for generations to come.

The story begins in the remote rural villages of Kenya, where skilled artisans have been weaving, carving and handcrafting for generations. Women and their families grow and harvest sustainable plants such as sisal, an abundant local cactus.

The women practice traditional spinning and weaving techniques passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Weaving is a vital tradition for the women in these farming communities. Each one-of-a-kind, beautiful basket, handmade with love, empowers women to support their families while keeping their craft traditions alive for future generations.

Traditional wood carving is another primary source of livelihood in Kenya and an integral form of artistic expression. To this day, woodworkers make items for daily household use, including bowls, cooking utensils, and furniture. All of our hand-carved items are made by skilled artisans using locally sourced, sustainable resources, such as olive wood, mahogany, Jacaranda, and African sustainable Ebony. 

Many woodworkers belong to cooperatives, such as the Nairobi Handicraft Industrial  Cooperative Society in Nairobi, promoting free trade between artisans and consumers. The cooperative allows them to receive a sustainable income and focus on their art.