Meet the Makers
The Mwani Zanzibar Mamas
Aquaculturalists and Product Artisans.
Farming in rhythm with the moon and tides of the Indian Ocean and artfully handcrafting skincare
We first came together as a collective of women in Paje, Zanzibar, seeking to support ourselves and our families in a place where opportunities for employment are scarce, and incomes are low. What began as a grassroots initiative soon gained momentum. As word spread and demand for our products grew beyond our shores, we saw an opportunity: to transform our age-old knowledge into something greater. Mwani Zanzibar was born.
For generations, we have farmed in rhythm with the tides, guided by the cycles of the moon and the wisdom passed down through generations. The ocean provides, renews, and restores—just as it always has. Our community has long relied on nature’s remedies—recipes for skin salves and treatments that have never been written down yet always work. Today, as the Mwani Zanzibar Mamas, we continue this legacy while blending it with modern expertise. Years of dedicated training have refined our artisanal craft, allowing us to complement ancestral knowledge with modern blue technology and scientific expertise.

At the heart of our skincare is MW Macroalgae Extract™, our proprietary, clinically tested formula that harnesses the regenerative power of the ocean. Every product is handcrafted in micro batches using 100% natural, indigenous, and wild-harvested ingredients, sourced from pristine environments. We are committed to protecting these ecosystems—because the purity of our ingredients defines the quality of our skincare.
Innovation is woven into every detail. Each bottle is handmade—an object of art in itself—crafted with the same patience and precision as nature’s own cycles. Like the moon pulling the tides, our process is one of balance, renewal, and timeless craftsmanship. Each bottle is made from recycled glass to minimize environmental impact, with subtle embossing replacing excess labels and our signature chalk pigment coloring eliminating the need for chemical coatings. This level of craftsmanship, developed in collaboration with an esteemed luxury glassmaker, is a first in the beauty industry.

As the first women seaweed farmers in East Africa to gain formal employment, we have mastered the art of transforming ocean botanicals into high-performance skincare. Our work is not just about what we create—it’s about redefining what beauty can be.
We believe that beauty is found in harmony—where a high-quality product is woven into the well-being of the community, the integrity of the landscapes that sustain it, and the trust we build with those who use it.
At Mwani Zanzibar, we go beyond sustainability—we commit to a deeper practice of harmony and integrity. The balance we cultivate extends from the ocean to our hands, ensuring that what we create reflects our values and purpose.
