The Publishers The Editors at Susinsight collectively use 'The Publishers' as a pseudonym for their collaborative contributions to special columns, including Event Focus, Expert Opinions, Fictional Stories, and Founder's Corner.

How Betty Wandia Githinji is Shaping Eco-Conscious Living Through Design in Kenya

9 min read

In this third edition of our Founder’s Corner series, we are excited to feature and interview Betty Wandia Githinji, the innovative founder and creative director of DIADOTA. Since launching in January 2022, Betty has seamlessly blended sustainable design with African heritage, building a brand that empowers women artisans across Kenya. Through DIADOTA, she is not only redefining the homeware industry but also championing a movement toward eco-conscious living—while celebrating Africa’s rich cultural legacy.


Betty, thank you for joining us. Your work with DIADOTA empowers women through sustainable design, but many people might be surprised to learn that you’ve only been in the game for a few years. How did you go from a concept to making such a significant impact in such a short time?

Betty: DIADOTA started as a childhood dream, inspired by my upbringing in Kenya—steeped in African music, literature, and the rich history of our kingdoms. My love for interiors was sparked by my father, who introduced me to Architectural Digest when I was just eight. Those pages ignited an appreciation for interior design and storytelling, and over the years, that passion evolved into a vision of celebrating African elegance and sustainable design.

The transition from dream to reality came through my studies in Development Studies and Social Work, where I learned the importance of empowering communities. DIADOTA was born from the desire to merge those lessons with my love for African artistry and sustainable living, creating a brand that reflects both empowerment and purpose.

That’s such a unique fusion—your academic background blending seamlessly with your creative vision. Was there a specific moment when you knew DIADOTA was no longer just an idea but something real, something tangible?

Betty: To see DIADOTA come to life has been a deeply fulfilling journey. From its inception, my goal was not just to create beautiful products but to champion a way of living that celebrates African principles of design—rooted in function, community, and storytelling. Each step of the way, I’ve drawn on the lessons my father imparted and the enduring beauty of African culture, transforming those inspirations into tangible pieces that connect people globally.


Dhalia Napkin Rings by DIADOTA

And that blend of heritage and sustainability is at the heart of your work. DIADOTA’s designs are both beautiful and purposeful. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind your product designs and how they reflect both tradition and modernity?

Betty: DIADOTA’s designs are rooted in African heritage, blending cultural motifs with contemporary aesthetics. Every piece starts with a story—whether it’s the movement of a Nola Table Runner or the sweeping curves of the Bakuli Wooden Bowl. I draw inspiration from nature, like the sunlight filtering through jacaranda trees in Nairobi, and from my sketches that merge traditional patterns with modern design principles. This balance ensures our products honor the past while appealing to today’s global audience.

That’s such a thoughtful approach. You’re not just designing objects; you’re preserving history. How do you ensure that modernity enhances tradition rather than overshadowing it?

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Betty: African design is inherently layered—every curve or line has meaning, and that’s something I strive to bring forward. Our products don’t just serve practical purposes; they evoke emotions and carry with them the essence of our history. Modernity doesn’t dilute tradition in our work—it enhances it, allowing us to share the beauty of African living spaces and structures with a global audience that seeks authenticity and artistry.

“Every piece starts with a story—whether it’s the movement of a Nola Table Runner or the sweeping curves of the Bakuli Wooden Bowl.”


And that commitment to heritage extends beyond design—it’s also about sustainability and social impact. What specific challenges did you face when trying to create a brand that prioritizes both eco-friendliness and the empowerment of marginalized women?

Betty: The biggest challenge has been finding a balance—between ethical sourcing, affordability, and ensuring the artisans we work with are fairly compensated. Many artisans I collaborate with face systemic barriers to accessing markets and educating stakeholders about the value of slow, sustainable design has been an uphill climb. But the rewards of creating a wasteless, impactful brand outweigh the challenges.

That must have required a lot of patience and persistence. What did overcoming those hurdles teach you?

Betty: It taught me patience and the power of collaboration. It’s not just about creating products but about building an ecosystem where people and the planet are prioritized. Each challenge has reinforced my belief in DIADOTA’s mission—to show that design can be ethical, sustainable, and luxurious, without compromising on any of those values.


And your impact is undeniable. You’ve worked with over 40 women’s enterprise groups in Kenya—how do you build relationships with these local artisans, and what has been the most powerful outcome from these collaborations so far?

Betty: Trust is foundational. I spend time with the women’s groups, learning their crafts, understanding their stories, and ensuring our collaborations are mutually beneficial. The most powerful outcome has been seeing these artisans become confident entrepreneurs, using their earnings to educate their children and uplift their communities. DIADOTA isn’t just a business; it’s a bridge to opportunity.

That must be so rewarding to witness. Do you have a particular story that stands out—perhaps an artisan whose life changed significantly through this work?

Betty: These relationships are about more than work; they’re partnerships built on mutual respect and shared goals. Hearing stories of artisans who have reinvested their earnings into their communities or expanded their craft beyond DIADOTA is what drives me. We’ve created not just products but ripple effects of empowerment that extend far beyond our initial intentions.


That philosophy of intentionality ties into your commitment to ‘slow design.’ What does that term mean to you, and how do you ensure that each product is not only sustainable but also meaningful?

Betty: Slow design is about intention—honoring the process, the materials, and the artisans behind every piece. It’s creating with purpose rather than haste. At DIADOTA, we achieve this by sourcing locally and ethically, using sustainable materials like jute, jacaranda wood, and wild olive wood, and designing products that tell a story of Africa’s elegance and resilience.

So in a way, slow design is more than just sustainability—it’s a philosophy?

Betty: Exactly. It embodies the African way of life—where everything has its place and its moment. By adopting this principle, we celebrate the uniqueness of each piece, ensuring it holds value not just as an object but as part of a greater narrative. Slow design is a reminder to cherish the process and respect the people and planet involved in creation.


And the impact speaks for itself—DIADOTA has helped over 100 households in under three years. But how do you measure success beyond the numbers? What’s the human side of your impact that excites you most?

Betty: Success is seeing the artisans’ pride when they see their work featured globally, hearing a customer share how a DIADOTA product transformed their home, or knowing that a family now has a consistent income. It’s about creating ripples of positive change that go beyond profit margins.

It sounds like the essence of DIADOTA is connection—between artisans and buyers, between heritage and modernity.

Betty: That’s exactly it. What excites me most is the connection between these stories—the shared joy of an artisan in Kenya and a homeowner across the world who feels the warmth of their work. That human connection is the heart of DIADOTA’s mission: to create a world where every product carries a piece of Africa’s spirit into homes around the globe.

“Success is seeing the artisans’ pride when they see their work featured globally, hearing a customer share how a DIADOTA product transformed their home, or knowing that a family now has consistent income.”

The BAO Charcuterie Board by DIADOTA

Your company is a perfect example of how local innovation can contribute to global sustainability. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs in Africa looking to merge business with the mission of preserving our planet?

Betty: Start with authenticity. Understand your roots and the unique value you can bring. Build relationships with your community and prioritize sustainability from day one. Lastly, don’t shy away from sharing your story—it’s what connects people to your mission.

That’s such a powerful point—storytelling as a bridge between business and impact. Do you think African entrepreneurs sometimes hesitate to showcase their heritage in a global marketplace?

Betty: Absolutely. But authenticity is Africa’s greatest strength. By staying true to our heritage and principles, we can offer the world a way of living that’s not just sustainable but deeply meaningful. Our ancestors thrived by living in harmony with the environment, and that wisdom is something we should proudly share and emulate.


And you’ve done that while scaling DIADOTA internationally, all while keeping its values intact. What has been the most rewarding moment of your journey so far, and what did it teach you about the business world?

Betty: Being recognized by Powered by People and having DIADOTA showcased globally were surreal moments. The Powered by People recognition was more than just a milestone; it was a validation of the values DIADOTA holds dear. Participating in the Transform Initiative, where like-minded businesses are highlighted as champions of sustainability and ethical practices, reinforced my belief that DIADOTA is part of a larger movement redefining design and entrepreneurship in Africa. Being nominated as Small Business of the Year by the People’s Choice Awards (Kenya) in our first year was humbling—it’s a testament to the impact we’re making, both locally and internationally.

Those are incredible achievements, especially so early in DIADOTA’s journey. Did these milestones shift your perspective on what success looks like?

Betty: They did. These moments have taught me the power of staying true to a vision. The business world is often portrayed as transactional, but I’ve found it to be deeply relational. Building a brand is not just about products; it’s about people—our artisans, partners, and customers. Each connection adds another layer of meaning to our work, reminding me that success is not measured by accolades alone but by the ripples of change we create. DIADOTA’s journey is proof that when you lead with purpose, the rewards are not just professional but profoundly personal. These milestones inspire me to dream even bigger for the brand and for the artisans and communities we represent.

The Zahara Wooden Tray by DIADOTA

Looking ahead, DIADOTA’s mission is clearly about much more than profits. How do you see the role of small businesses like DIADOTA in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in terms of women’s empowerment and sustainable consumption?

Betty: Small businesses are critical to achieving the SDGs. At DIADOTA, we contribute by empowering women (SDG 5), promoting sustainable consumption (SDG 12), and reducing poverty (SDG 1). We prove that local innovation can drive global sustainability, and we aim to inspire others to do the same.

That’s a big responsibility, but also an exciting one. Do you see other small businesses in Africa stepping up similarly?

Betty: Absolutely. Through intentional practices, we demonstrate that businesses can thrive while prioritizing ethical sourcing, fair trade, and environmental stewardship. Small businesses across Africa have the potential to lead a global movement toward a more sustainable future, one step at a time.


If you had to choose one piece from DIADOTA’s collection as the ‘signature piece’ of your life, which would it be and why?

Betty: The Marura Vase—a celebration of nature’s beauty and growth. It represents blossoming against all odds, much like DIADOTA itself. It’s a piece that captures elegance, heritage, and the promise of sustainability.

That’s a beautiful metaphor. Does the name Marura hold a special meaning for you?

Betty: It does. The name is inspired by the Kikuyu word for “blossom,” mirroring how God nurtures us to grow and flourish in His perfect timing. Just as the vase is shaped from raw materials into something beautiful, I see my journey and DIADOTA’s story as evidence of His craftsmanship—turning dreams into reality and challenges into opportunities.

That’s such a powerful perspective. It sounds like faith plays a major role in your journey.

Betty: It does. Every step in building DIADOTA has been a testament to God’s provision and guidance. The artisans we work with, the recognition we’ve received, and the joy our products bring to homes across the world are all blessings I attribute to Him. The Marura Vase is a daily reminder to give all glory back to God, who is the ultimate designer of our lives and the source of every inspiration.


Lastly, any final words you’d like to leave with our readers about sustainability or entrepreneurship?

Betty: Sustainability is not just about preserving the planet; it’s about building relationships, honoring tradition, and creating a better future for all. As entrepreneurs, let’s prioritize impact over profit and remember that the stories behind our products are just as important as the products themselves.

That’s such an important takeaway—sustainability isn’t just a business model, it’s a mindset.

Betty: Exactly. Sustainability, to me, is a philosophy—a way of seeing the world and understanding our role in it. It’s about finding harmony between growth and preservation and ensuring that every step we take forward doesn’t come at the expense of our communities or environment. In Africa, sustainability is deeply ingrained in our way of life; it’s seen in how we reuse materials, respect nature, and create with intention.

And that ties into entrepreneurship, too.

Betty: Entrepreneurship is an act of courage. It’s about daring to dream and turning those dreams into solutions that impact lives. But as entrepreneurs, we have a unique opportunity to redefine success—not just as profit but as the positive change we bring to those around us. At DIADOTA, every product we create carries a piece of Africa’s story, connecting cultures, and celebrating the beauty of thoughtful, ethical design.

That’s such an inspiring way to look at it.

Betty: I believe the future of business lies in collaboration, authenticity, and purpose. Let’s continue to inspire each other by sharing our stories, championing our cultures, and working together to make the world a more beautiful, sustainable place for generations to come.

“Entrepreneurship is an act of courage. It’s about daring to dream and turning those dreams into solutions that impact lives.”


Your dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and community empowerment is truly inspiring. This conversation highlights the power of thoughtful design in preserving culture and creating meaningful opportunities. Through DIADOTA, you are celebrating African heritage and supporting artisans in a way that makes a real difference.

Thank you, Betty, for sharing your journey and the impact of your work with us.

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The Publishers The Editors at Susinsight collectively use 'The Publishers' as a pseudonym for their collaborative contributions to special columns, including Event Focus, Expert Opinions, Fictional Stories, and Founder's Corner.