Aishat Mustapha makes handcrafted beaded bags that highlight Nigerian artistry and give African fashion a modern, sustainable touch.
When Aishat Mustapha launched Mairachamp in 2019, she wasn’t planning to become one of Nigeria’s most promising accessory designers. At the time, she had just completed her nursing degree with top honours and was balancing hospital shifts with a small clothing business. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she found herself rethinking her path, and with the global lockdown, Mustapha began experimenting with beads.
What started as a hobby soon turned into Mairachamp – an African accessory brand that produces handcrafted beaded handbags designed to celebrate Nigerian artistry with a modern, contemporary flair. Each piece is made with patience and precision, using locally sourced beads and fish lines to create durable, high-quality bags that tell stories through texture and colour.
From her earliest designs to her most recent collections, the creative designer has remained committed to ethical craftsmanship, ensuring her brand supports local artisans and sustainable production practices.
The brand’s creative breakthrough came with the launch of the Asha Bag, one of Mairachamp’s most popular designs. Initially, Mustapha was hesitant to produce it because of its spiky bead design and high material costs. But the risk paid off as the Asha Bag became a bestseller, recognised for its bold style and emotional meaning.
The spikes, she explains, symbolise the ups and downs of life, reflecting her belief that both beauty and hardship can coexist. This design philosophy set the tone for Mairachamp’s identity: a brand built on creativity and symbolism.
Over the years, Mairachamp has expanded its reach and established a strong reputation. The brand now offers a range of statement pieces, including the Wild Mosaic and Bloom Bags, both inspired by nature and everyday artistry. These collections showcase her ability to transform traditional Nigerian beadwork into modern, wearable art.
The company has grown beyond its small beginnings into a business with expanded retail and production facilities, celebrating more than five years in operation. Aishat Mustapha has also used her platform to create jobs, provide a positive work environment for her team, and empower other young Nigerians to see possibilities in their ideas.
