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origins

AL·CHE·MIST·A

The dictionary defines alchemy as a seemingly magical process of transformation and creation. The term originated from the Ancient Greek word khumeía and the Arabic al-kīmiyā. The word itself describes a mysterious power or magic that can transform things for the better.

Alchemista is the female version of an alchemist. Many of the artisans we work with are women. They create something magical and precious out of seemingly basic materials. Seagrass transforms into beautiful woven baskets, zinc and copper turn into polished brass jewellery and alpaca fibres transmute into soft and silky blankets. Nature provides, Alchemistas create. Join us on the journey and see for yourself.

Once upon a time...

...in a far away country called Denmark, the foundations were laid for what is now Alchemista. During her graduate degree in International Development, founder Toni focussed her major on the cooperation between multinational organisations, nonprofits and the private sector in the quest to alleviate poverty, improve livelihoods and connect developing country businesses to global markets. In her final thesis she explored the growth of social enterprises in developing countries.

Spending her 20s globetrotting, one thing always stood out to her, the beauty and uniqueness of handmade homeware, accessories and jewellery from artisan makers she encountered during her travels. How was it possible that these beautifully handmade products weren't sold over here? Beaded earrings from Tanzania, Alpaca scarfs from Peru or table mats from South Africa - with every purchase brought back to the UK, the idea of an online business selling ethically sourced products made by artisans in developing countries started to take shape. Accelerated by the pandemic, which drastically increased the number of people in need, Alchemista was born in 2021.

Alchemista wants to bring the heart and soul of the artisan makers and their countries into your home. Each traditionally handmade product comes with a story.