Doreen Mashika
(Dar es salaam)

Doreen Mashika was born and raised in Tanzania, studied and worked in Switzerland, and is now part of a growing homeward bound African diaspora. While in Switzerland she began a career in the financial industry, specializing in luxury goods fund management. This is where she had her first contact with the fashion industry and designers, providing her a unique insight and appreciation of the sector. Inspired by a deep sense of affection for the cultural heritage and wealth of design possibilities in Africa, she returned to Tanzania and settled in Zanzibar to pursue her passion of design while building a successful company. To date, Mashika has launched a successful retail store supported by a vertical supply chain, with her brand attracting international attention and demand. She has created a brand with a unique mix of contemporary western styling and quality with traditional African materials and techniques: pieces to admire and treasure.