Skip to content
  • Jewelry
    • Earrings
    • Rings
    • Necklaces
    • Bracelets & Cuffs
  • Home and Office Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Table Tops
    • Bath
    • Office
    • Decor
  • Vegan Gift Collection
  • Log in
  • instagram Instagram
  • Facebook
Cart
Subtotal
$0.00
Shipping, taxes, and discount codes calculated at checkout.
Your cart is currently empty.
  • instagram Instagram
  • Facebook
harkissdesigns
  • Jewelry
    • Earrings
    • Rings
    • Necklaces
    • Bracelets & Cuffs
  • Home and Office Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Table Tops
    • Bath
    • Office
    • Decor
  • Vegan Gift Collection
account Log in icon-search Search icon-bag-minimalCart
Free shippingOn all orders over $100
Hassle-free returns30-day postage paid returns
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

About Us

Transforming Lives Through Beauty

At Harkiss Designs, we bring the rich artistry of East African craftsmanship into your home. Every handcrafted piece tells a story—of tradition, skill, and empowerment. By choosing Harkiss, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re becoming part of a movement that uplifts artisans and communities, one stunning item at a time.

Our Story

Founded in 2011 by CEO Harriet Zaffoni, a native Ugandan, Harkiss Designs works directly with artisan-led workshops in Uganda and Kenya. These talented men and women, employing hundreds of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, create high-end, one-of-a-kind pieces that are sold online and through select retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

Each item is meticulously handcrafted, using skills passed down through generations, ensuring that every product is not just beautiful but deeply meaningful.

Shop Local, Support Global

Growing up in Uganda, Harriet witnessed firsthand the challenges of poverty and the struggles faced by women in her community. These experiences shaped her mission to create sustainable economic opportunities for artisans.

Every purchase at Harkiss Designs directly supports Lend A Hand Uganda – USA (LAHU-USA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Ugandan children and their communities. Your support fuels education, healthcare, and brighter futures.

Ethically Made, Sustainably Sourced

We are proud to be Fairtrade-certified, ensuring that every artisan we work with earns fair wages and operates in safe, supportive environments. Our commitment to sustainability extends to the materials we use—whether it's fabric woven from the pulp of the kukui nut, ethically sourced cow horn, or other natural elements, we prioritize eco-conscious craftsmanship.

Partner With Us

Are you a retailer or wholesaler looking to offer unique, handcrafted pieces with a purpose? We’d love to collaborate! While each of our items is one-of-a-kind, our growing and evolving business model allows us to produce collections of 100 or more of any given design.

Join us in sharing the beauty of East African artistry with the world. Contact us today to become a Harkiss Designs retail or wholesale partner.

PHONE: 347-224-7821

EMAIL: hzaffoni@harkissdesigns.com

 

About Harriet Zaffoni, Founder & CEO

Harriet was destined to be a humanitarian, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Born and raised in East Africa, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty and the systemic subordination of women. It was the unwavering wisdom and strength of her grandmother who instilled in her the values of independence, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others. As Harriet’s passion for making a difference grew, she pursued higher education in England before eventually settling in New York City, where she continues her mission today. Yet, it was always the beauty, culture, and spirit of Africa that shaped her soul, inspiring her deep appreciation for fashion, artistry, and social impact.

In 2011, Harriet founded Harkiss Designs with a vision that extended far beyond fashion. Her goal was twofold: to introduce exquisitely handcrafted African jewelry and home goods to the U.S. market while also empowering the artisans in her native country—many of whom are women serving as the backbone of their families. Through her leadership, Harkiss Designs has grown into a thriving enterprise that directly collaborates with 11 East African artisan groups, employing over 300 individuals who bring her designs to life through meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story, bridging cultures and celebrating the talent and heritage of African artisans.

As her business flourished, so did her commitment to humanitarian work. She founded Lend a Hand Uganda USA (LAHU-USA), a nonprofit dedicated to providing vulnerable Ugandan children with safe housing, nutritious meals, education, and long-term stability. Harriet’s business philosophy remains deeply intertwined with her philanthropic vision—a portion of every Harkiss Designs sale goes directly to supporting LAHU-USA’s mission. To date, nearly $450,000 has been raised through product sales and generous donations, directly impacting the lives of countless children and families.

Harriet’s story is one of determination, purpose, and an unyielding dedication to creating a more equitable world. Through Harkiss Designs and LAHU-USA, she continues to uplift communities, preserve African artistry, and pave the way for future generations of empowered women and children.

To learn more about how you can support LAHU-USA or contribute to this transformative mission, visit: www.lahu-usa.org.

 

 

 

Invalid password
Enter

Lend A Hand Uganda

For every $10 raised, $2 goes towards administrative and managerial costs unless otherwise requested by the donor. Please note that all members of the LAHU-USA team based in the United States and the four Directors based in Uganda are unpaid volunteers. Additionally, there are four support team members that are salaried employees of the organization in Uganda.

Proud members of the Fair Trade Federation!

Our FTF membership means we go further than the fair trade basics. The 360° method is about building a true partnership with our makers and artisans, most of whom are women who run their homes singly. We have joined forces where we work together towards a positive future. Please join our mission - be part of Global Change! 

Become A Wholesaler

Find out how you can become a wholesaler.

Apply For Wholesale
  • Search
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund policy
  • Shipping Policy
  • About Us
  • Press
  • Blog
  • FAQ's
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Wholesale

Sign up and save

Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals.

  • instagram Instagram
  • Facebook

Powered by Shopify

About Us