A bit about Wakuda
Welcome! I’m Nathaniel, co-founder of Wakuda.
We’re a marketplace to discover and shop cultural gifts and lifestyle products from talented independent African and Caribbean brands. Products range from Candles to handmade jewellery and greeting cards that you won’t find on the high street.
We believe everyone should be able to access culture no matter where they are. We launched Wakuda to be that bridge of connection.
The story so far..
Growing up as childhood friends, Albert (right) and myself (left) struggled to find products that represented us and our cultures in mainstream retail. From Albert trying buy a father’s day card featuring a Black dad, to me buying some statement pieces. It was frustrating and time consuming.
We made the connection between the lack of diversity in products to the lack of diversity in the creators of the products in these stores. There were creators producing these products but accessing them was nowhere near as easy as it should be.
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement 2020 and the global shift in awareness that surrounded it for supporting Black-owned independents and creators, we launched Wakuda.
Marketplace aside, Wakuda, at its core is a space for connection. We’re bringing the human connection back to your shopping experience. Whether you want to personalise a product or go directly to creators profiles to learn their amazing stories and why they do what they do.
Culture is integral to what makes us human. We’re passionate about building a shopping experience that centres it.
Follow us up on insta to stay in the loop @wakuda_uk
