YEWO Collective is a handcrafted jewelry and lifestyle brand rooted in intentional living, ethical craftsmanship, and meaningful impact. Inspired by organic forms, natural rhythms, and everyday rituals, our collections are designed in Asheville, North Carolina and handcrafted at our artisan studio in Northern Malawi.
Our Story
After living in Malawi, Africa for many years, husband-and-wife duo Maddy and Kyle — self-taught metalsmith jewelers — founded YEWO in 2018 with a simple vision: to create meaningful employment through handcrafted design in rural Malawi.
What began with a small group gathering under a mango tree to learn jewelry making has since grown into a vertically integrated artisan brand employing 30 full-time team members across Malawi and the United States.
Today, YEWO includes an Asheville-based Design Studio, a Production Studio in Northern Malawi, a growing wholesale platform, and three flagship shops — two in Malawi and one in Asheville.
Now back in the mountains of Western North Carolina with their daughter Maisey, Maddy and Kyle continue to lead YEWO alongside a thriving, 100% Malawian-led team managing daily operations and production in Malawi.
Crafted with Intention
Every piece begins in Asheville, North Carolina — designed and prototyped in-house before being handcrafted at our production studio in Northern Malawi using traditional lost wax casting and responsibly sourced materials.
Inspired by organic forms and natural rhythms, we create timeless pieces made to be worn, loved, and lived in. Our jewelry is crafted using recycled metals and certified recycled, conflict-free 14k gold sourced through Responsible Jewellery Council certified suppliers.
From sustainable packaging to thoughtful small-batch production, we are continually working toward a more responsible way of creating.
Human-Centered Production
At the heart of YEWO is our team of skilled artisans, makers, and creatives. We believe ethical craftsmanship begins with people — creating living wages, long-term employment, artisan training, and holistic social benefits within our community.
All production is done entirely in-house between our Asheville-based design studio and Malawi-based production studio, allowing us to maintain quality craftsmanship while supporting long-term, ethical employment.
Beyond jewelry, YEWO also operates three flagship shops — two in Malawi and one in Asheville — thoughtfully curated spaces centered around craftsmanship, intentional living, and community.
Regenerative Impact
Beyond jewelry, YEWO is committed to regenerative impact through reforestation iniatives.
Every piece of jewelry sold plants a tree in Northern Malawi through our women-led tree planting partnership, helping invest in a greener future for people and planet.
YEWO — An Ode to Gratitude
YEWO (pronounced yay-woh) means “thank you” in Chitumbuka, the language of Northern Malawi.
More than a name, it is our daily reminder to live with intention, gratitude, and connection.
We believe the objects we wear and live with should carry a story — one rooted in craftsmanship, community, and the simple rituals that shape our everyday lives. Through thoughtful design and ethical production, we hope our pieces inspire a slower, more grateful way of living.
