About Us
Celebrating women’s unique stories.
Bili Beadwear is an empowering beaded-accessories brand run by women in Cape Town. Every product is a representation of its creator, with beading patterns and colours holding deep significance in South African cultures. Bili is a celebration of the uniqueness of every woman beader, expressed through the wearer of each item.
Every range is designed with the imprint of South African art, fashion, craft and culture. In the intricate weaving process of hand-stitching each glass bead twice, Bili Beadwear’s beautiful offerings become time stamps of this careful, individual attention to every detail.
The previously disadvantaged women who form part of Bili Beadwear’s artisan community are given the freedom to explore their talent while working from home, often raising their children on their own. This work gives them the opportunity for a better life, and a chance to share their stories – be it through a pattern that describes life’s ups and downs, or colours that illustrate family members or significant moments in their history.
Bili Beadwear is made with love and deep meaning – from our hands to your heart.
African beading as an artform.
Every bead that we use is part of Bili Beadwear’s purposeful narrative, with materials carefully sourced to complement our highly skilled handcrafting techniques. Glass seed beads have been chosen for their durability, making your piece of Bili Beadwear an item to take with you wherever you go, for many years to come.
In South Africa, beading is a form of art that is highly respected. Some of the earliest beaded items found in the country were made from ostrich-egg or sea shells, demonstrating the inherent creativity of ancient African cultures. By the mid-16th century, trade between southern Africa and Europe introduced glass beads to our country, and our ancestors began experimenting with the type of glass seed beads we use at Bili Beadwear today, applying their artistry to embellished adornments. This brought a new material culture to South African communities.
The beadwork of the Ndebele and Zulu cultures is particularly prized, and has become a great symbol of pride. Such beadwork is not simply an exercise in personal beautification; each piece holds significance, communicating social and cultural messages about the wearer’s marital status, age or regional origin (and sometimes even carrying hidden messages to loved ones).
Be part of this age-old story by selecting a beaded product that speaks to you through its design.
Then and now.
Then and now.
Bili’s story begins in Cape Town, in 2017, when Lindsay Fisher founded the social enterprise. Spurred by her love of African beading traditions and a passion for social upliftment, she trained equally enthusiastic women from the impoverished township of Wallacedene to produce Bili Beadwear’s iconic beaded bra straps.
Over the years, the product range has developed to include hat straps, camera straps, belts, suspenders, bookmarks, earrings and so much more. Bili Beadwear has expanded into international markets and is sold through world-class museum stores.
Our wish is to offer global audiences the chance to celebrate South African artistry, while supporting the livelihood of women who would otherwise not have work.
Bili’s story begins in Cape Town, in 2017, when Lindsay Fisher founded the social enterprise. Spurred by her love of African beading traditions and a passion for social upliftment, she trained equally enthusiastic women from the impoverished township of Wallacedene to produce Bili Beadwear’s iconic beaded bra straps.
Over the years, the product range has developed to include hat straps, camera straps, belts, suspenders, bookmarks, earrings and so much more. Bili Beadwear has expanded into international markets and is sold through world-class museum stores.
Our wish is to offer global audiences the chance to celebrate South African artistry, while supporting the livelihood of women who would otherwise not have work.
The Women of Bili Beadwear
With a nod to South Africa's Rainbow Nation, this team of 6 women celebrate this nation's colourful diversity and unique character by crafting products to match. The team has embarked on a meaningful and significant journey to discover, appreciate and grow together.
NOSIPHIWO NZOLWANE
Nosi and her husband Nikelo are the proud parents of 4 children. She grew up in Willowvale, Eastern Cape and treasures her relationship with her mum, Novoti. Nosiphiwo wants to share her love of God and also educate her children so they may learn to think well. She loves expressing her creativity through beadwork and looks to grow with the business.
NOSINTU MAGQABAZA
Nosintu is mum to 3 children and her husband is a carpenter. She has a big heart for family coming from one of 8 siblings who grew up in Ngcobo. She has a love of music, Malibongwe Hlengiwe is a favourite and her graceful beading skills make doing the craft look so easy.
ESI HOPI
PHILISWA SIYOYO
Philiswa is one of Nosintu's sisters and is mum to 2 children, a 4 year old and a 1 year old. Philiswa prays for the opportunity to send her children to school, to buy a home and to live in decent rooms. She loves attending Church, she stands on a strong faith and seeks God's direction to help her achieve her goals. She enjoys working and as can be seen in her straps, colour is important in this lady's life
SINDISIWA MADELISA
