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In today’s episode, we head to the magical kingdom of Lesotho, where we meet Moliehi Mafantiri, the co-founder of the fast-growing sustainable homeware brand, Barali. 

Moliehi co-founded the company with her high school friend, Mookho Ntho, with the aim of sharing Basotho culture through storytelling, preserving local traditions and contributing to the Lesotho textile industry in a sustainable way.  

The two women also run a design studio, which funds their homeware brand, while amplifying their fellow Basotho’s voices, and they have started a digital story archive called Bonesa, which means to illuminate … 

In between all of this Moliehi is pursuing her Masters in Environment and Society at the University of Pretoria.  

We had this conversation just as she finished her mid-years, and we had the chance to explore topics like the challenges of finding local interest in sustainable design, the joys of reflecting traditions they treasure in their work with Barali and paying homage to other trailblazers who are choosing the road less traveled. 

Mentions and Links in this episode

Fair Trade - this links to an article that cites the pros and cons of Fair Trade. In the context of this episode of Shades and Layers this topic is discussed with Barali's working environment in mind. They source directly from mohair producers in rural Lesotho and South Africa,  with the intention of bringing fair, equitable and sustainable manufacturing practices to the Lesotho Textile industry.  Could the Fair Trade model be one to copy?

Dianamarena (pl.)/Seanamarena (sing.) - Lesotho traditional blanket
Here is more about Mookho's art:
Mokorotlo Hat - Traditional Basotho hat made from grass.
Bonesa - A Sesotho word meaning 'to shine a light on or illuminate'. Follow the link to read the story 'Mapei' by author Moso Sematlane
Mohair Industry - for a deep dive. A good read if you're interested in some facts an figures about this fine textile. 

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