The idea for the project Sakiba came up in 2009 when the founder Susanne Schaub persuaded her good friend Patrick Atta, whose family comes from Togo, to help her teach women without any professional training or prospects the sophisticated handicraft of bead crocheting. It took only a few months until the first 5 women were practicing in Lomé. Most of the women turned out to be extremely skilled and showed great enthusiasm for this beautiful craft. In the meantime, Patrick has become an indispensable part of our project through his personal commitment.

I am the founder of sakiba, a jewellery project rooted in sustainability, creativity, and women’s empowerment. Born and raised in Vienna, I was educated at the Lycée Français de Vienne, which instilled in me a strong international outlook and a lifelong curiosity for languages and cultures. 

After studying law — alongside completing a goldsmith apprenticeship — with theintention of working for an international organization, life took me in adifferent, more colourful direction: to one of the most beautiful Greek islands.There, I spent twenty years working in tourism and raising my two sons, gaining invaluable experience in communication, intercultural exchange, and adaptability.

Upon returning to Vienna, I worked as an art educator in a renowned Viennese museum. During this time, I also pursued several semesters of art history, which deepened my understanding of artistic expression and material culture. However, I soon realized that I needed to follow my own creative path — one that combined design with meaningful impact.

Guided by my passion for sustainability and women’s empowerment, I founded sakiba, a jewellery collaboration with women in Togo.

For the past fifteen years, we have been creating handcrafted pieces that tell stories of connection, creativity, and shared strength.