Hope Art Africa is a living testament to how art, entrepreneurship, and compassion can ripple change across continents. Founded in 2009 by Marinette Van Coller in Mongu, Western Zambia, this remarkable initiative began with a single vision: uplift vulnerable children by empowering women through handcrafted art.
🎯 Mission & Model: “Guilt‑Free Shopping That Makes a Difference”
Empower women artisans in Zambia and South Africa, giving them dignified work and enabling them to become primary breadwinners for their families.
100% of profits are reinvested into a holistic care program for Western Zambian children—providing essentials like clean water, food, shelter, education, and healthcare. To date, over R5.6 million has been directed to these community projects.
Guilt-free shopping is more than a tagline—it’s a lifestyle: every purchase promotes ethical craft and social impact.
🛍️ From Paper-Beaded Jewelry to Sock Animals & Beyond
Hope Art’s artisans perfectly blend creativity with sustainability.
Crafted from paper beads, recycled materials, and new socks, their product line includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bags, scrunchies, pot-holders—and the ever-loved sock animals: bunnies, giraffes, zebras, sharks, and more.
🙋 Celebrating the People Behind the Craft
Hope Art brings real stories and real transformation.
Marinette Van Coller, the founder, shared that the artisans “remain dedicated to helping children in need… allowing everyone to be part of Hope Art’s story”.
Rosemary Lubonga, a Mongu team leader for 16 years, says Hope Art helped her manage chronic illness, support her children’s education, and grow spiritually.
Sombo Chilefwe, working for 13 years, reflects how Hope Art “lightened my burden… providing food and ensuring my grandchildren can attend school,” adding, “it’s more than a project—it’s purpose, community, and hope”.
The South African branch, launched in 2016, provides jobs for even more women—many of whom are now the main family earners.
💬 What Customers Are Saying
“Every Hope Art purchase is about something so much bigger than us and we get to look good while making a difference.” – Dayna Hempel
“Hope Art is guilt-free shopping! And they're gorgeous products. I wear my beaded necklace almost everyday.” – Jacqui Van Den Heuvel
🌟 Final Reflection
Hope Art Africa is more than a brand—it is a bridge between communities. It weaves sustainable livelihoods for women, vital care for children, and beautiful artisanal products into one powerful tapestry of hope. Through every bead and stitch, its artisans are crafting lasting change—empowering women, raising communities, and creating futures.
Whether you're looking for meaningful gifts or ways to support global development, Hope Art offers a tangible way to uplift lives. It’s a reminder that true transformation happens when opportunity meets creativity—and when shoppers and artisans share a vision of brighter horizons.
Get involved. Shop with intention. And be part of something extraordinary.
