The Founder

A note from
Zaquia Kadra.

Zaquia Kadra, founder of Zaquia Official, carrying the house raffia tote

Zaquia Official did not start as a fashion project. It started from a personal desire to create something meaningful.

Growing up in Senegal, I was surrounded by strong artistic energy — textures, handmade work, colours, stories, and incredibly talented people creating beautiful things with very little visibility outside of their communities. At the same time, I was influenced by modern fashion, minimal design, photography and contemporary aesthetics.

Over time, I realised there was space for a brand that could merge those two worlds: a house that feels modern and internationally relevant while remaining deeply connected to African craftsmanship and heritage.

That vision became Zaquia Official.

More than just bags

For me, the bags are only one part of the story. What truly matters is what they represent. Each piece carries hours of handmade work, attention to detail, and collaboration with artisans whose technical knowledge deserves to be seen globally.

The objective has never been to produce hundreds of trendy products as quickly as possible. The goal is to create pieces that feel intentional, timeless, elegant and personal — pieces you stay connected to, made by real hands with real stories behind them.

About me

My name is Zaquia Kadra. I am originally from Senegal and currently based in Toronto, Canada, where I recently completed my studies in Urban Studies and Environmental Urbanism.

My background in storytelling, photography, design, content creation and urban studies strongly influences the way I approach branding and creativity. Zaquia Official reflects many parts of who I am — my culture, my creativity, my love for aesthetics, and my desire to create projects that have both meaning and impact.

— Zaquia Kadra, Toronto / Dakar