AWA KAMARA is a Sierra Leonean jewellery designer who uses wood, shell, camel bone, vinyl records, recycled glass, clay, gemstones, brass, silver, hypoallergenic 14K gold-filled metals and leather in her jewellery designs. Each piece is sophisticated and delicately handmade is signature of her own cultural heritage and a fusion of her; “…African grace, Austrian conservatism and a twist of New York eclecticism — and a fresh indie chic vibe…”
Awa was born in Vienna and then lived in her ancestral home of Sierra Leone till the age of 5, when she returned to Austria. Growing up in Salzburg, she was exposed to the cultural legacy of the city and developed a love for art and craft work at an early age. She went on to earn a BA in fashion design and business management in Austria, followed by colour theory courses at Parsons, The New School for Design in New York. She worked for companies such as Cotton Inc., The Color Association of the United States, Here & There and Material ConneXion.
Awa launched Awa Jewelry in 2010. Awa Jewelry will be donating a portion of web sales to the following organizations:
Shine On Sierra Leone (A foundation focused on creating sustainable development, healthcare, literacy, education, technology and microcredit programs to promote thriving self-sufficient communities in Sierra Leone)
The New Hope Movement (A campaign aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone)
On her brand she says; “I have always loved the art of fashion and am fascinated by how, historically, the power and beauty of queens and goddesses have been expressed through symbols, colours and jewellery.”
DON OSMAN is the Executive Director of LEAD Global, an organization that exists to identify, encourage and empower godly leaders of character to be agents of change and influence. In recent years, the organization has conducted several leadership campaigns and supply drives across the country, positively impacting hundreds of children.
ROYAUME
Royaume [rwajom] nm French for kingdom; (fig) realm; eg le Royaume-Uni the United Kingdom
French say [rwajom]. We say [royom]
…a ‘kingdom’… a revolutionary realm of reasoning… a land of literary liberties … a paradise of peace and positivity… the crown of creativity…
ELLEN THOMAS is an actress who hails from Sierra Leone and is best known for her recurring role in the Channel 4 Bristol-based comedy, Teachers. She played Liz Webbe, the school secretary, and was one of the few characters who appeared in all four series, from 2001 to 2004.She is also known for her work with Lenny Henry and has guest starred in Doctor Who, Casualty, The Bill, Eastenders and Holby City. Films include Basic Instinct 2, South West 9, Wonderland and The Secret Laughter of Women.
