• Located in Southern Africa, Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with over 70 percent of the population living below the poverty line earning less than $1.90 per day
• Poverty is mainly concentrated in rural areas, where many families are unable to meet their basic needs simply due to a lack of socio-economic opportunities
• Deforestation is one of the biggest environmental challenges in Malawi. As forests disappear, mass erosion contributes to flooding and draught, creating an even greater disparity

• We work to address inequalities and improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities in Northern Malawi through a holistic model using socio-economic and environmental opportunities.
• By providing skillset training, dignified employment, social benefits, and reforestation efforts, we work to holistically end intergenerational poverty in rural Malawi to create an equitable, more sustainable future for all

Our vision is to intentionally design and sustainably craft handmade jewelry and home goods utilizing a holistic approach that improves rural Malawi communities through greater economic, environmental, and social opportunities—creating a ripple effect that encourages other businesses, industries, and individuals to embrace environmentally conscious and socially responsible practices—encouraging a more equitable future for all.

At YEWO, we believe in creating a conscious community that recognizes human impact and the interconnectedness between us all. We value building relationships and fostering a sense of community not just within our team but also with our partners, customers, and the wider community.

Everything we do is with the deepest respect for our team, the environment, and one another, upholding a socially and environmentally responsible ethos. Our process is designed to minimize our environmental impact, promote sustainable practices, and prioritize the well-being of our team members.

We have a deep understanding and connection to our supply-chain, materials, and the experience of everyone involved in the process from start to finish. We collaborate closely with our team and partners, fostering open communication, embracing accountability, and consistently sharing information to ensure responsible practices, materials, and production.

Each item is crafted with the highest level of care and integrity, merging style and functionality in everything we create. We use only high-quality, eco-friendly materials and prioritize careful craftsmanship to ensure that our products are not only beautiful but made to last.

We design pieces that effortlessly complement your wardrobe or home. From your favorite necklace to your daily coffee mug, our creations are ones you'll reach for again and again. Our designs are minimal and timeless—offering versatility that never goes out of style.

YEWO Collective started in a small village in the mountains of Northern Malawi. 

With a background in International Development, YEWO Founder Maddy McAllister first traveled to Northern Malawi in 2012 for an eco-tourism initiative.

As she spent time in the community, she realized that although this isolated area was geographically stunning, many families were struggling to make ends meet or send their children to school simply due to a lack of jobs.

With this, Maddy decided to move to Manchewe Village full time to learn from and invest in this community, hoping to create homegrown, meaningful employment opportunities.

Along the way, Maddy met Kyle, a problem-solving sound engineer with a desire to create social change through a grassroots approach.

Together, with three local founders Wakisa, Petros, and Kennedy, Maddy and Kyle launched YEWO in 2018 with the vision of developing a training workshop and job creation initiative where individuals could learn to make beautiful jewelry and earn a fair wage.

The only obstacle—none of them knew how to make jewelry. 

Through a combination of broken English and Tumbuka (the language of Northern Malawi), the group would meet under a mango tree five days a week to watch countless YouTube videos and read online resources to learn how to make jewelry from scratch. 

At that point, they did not have access to electricity, tools, or materials—but what they did have was perseverance, a whole lot of it. 

Since then, their skills have developed, and their team has grown in size.

YEWO built their own solar-powered workshop, where they work with an incredible team of metalsmith jewelers and onsite staff—all trained in house, earning sustainable salaries, working in a supportive environment, and with access to holistic social benefits.

And they still have a whole lot of perseverance.