Meet the Makers

Shashi was born in Kenya and migrated to India when she was young. She lived there until she was 17 and learned the art of cooking with spices from her family. When she moved to the UK, she brought this knowledge with her, and the business is built on her foundation and expertise in spice blending.

"Being a proud father of an amazing 11-year-old daughter I have always sort to provide her with toys, games, books, films and TV shows that are not just entertaining but are also reflective of her heritage and to bring her up to be proud of who she is." 

Patrick Adom, the founder of 'Very Puzzled'

"Hi, I'm Nicole Tan; Nico for short. Graphic Designer, Art Director and Illustrator from London. Born and raised in UK, by my Malaysian Chinese Papa Tan and Hong Kong Chinese Mama Tan, mostly through all the delicious home cooking. I love sharing...

"My work is typography based and focuses on social justice, representation and inclusivity."

Nadina Ali 

I have grown up with a strong sense of pride in my Jamaica heritage and equally, I hold the same sense of pride when talking about being from South London - a true melting pot of many cultures and traditions from around the world. When choosing locations to draw, I always aim for the location to have local sentimental value.

 

Our family culinary history runs deep. My father comes from a long line of chefs. Somewhere in the long distant past is a many times great grandfather who was chef to an emperor. Another many times great grandfather effectively invented...

PLAYFUL JEWELLERY TO MAKE YOU FEEL MAGICAL! Kam Creates is a fun and playful jewellery brand by me, Kam. The brand fuses my creative addition with my passion for illustration. Each piece starts with a drawing and is then produced...

" As a French-Moroccan artist and illustrator based in London, my work dives into themes of gender equality, mental health, and community. Illustration is a way to bring people together through shared values."

Sakina Saidi, the founder of Hey, I'm Sakina'

 

Hokolo is a London based design-led brand founded by Jen Taylor, an architect turned surface pattern designer with a love of bold colours, patterns and beautifully designed everyday objects.

Zaytoun is a social enterprise inspired by a love of Palestinian culture, communities and cuisine. We exist to support Palestinian farmers through fair trade – 100% of our profits are reinvested towards delivering this mission.

Pat was taught the art of cooking wonderful Guyanese dishes by his late mum, Pinky.

The Steam Room is a story of innovation and reinvention. In 1976, a Hong Kong gentleman opened a Chinese Takeaway at 230 Kingsland Road. On retirement, his son Tony took over the shop space and opened a dry cleaning store called The Steam Room.

Sarah Kwan is an award-winning freelance artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh who specialises in illustration, design, fine art commissions, murals, painted window displays and signwriting.

Little Omo is an inclusive award-winning brand create by first-time mother Desriee (Founder & CEO) with the intention of providing educational materials and toys for children, that include and teach them about diverse cultural representation. It was a priority for...

Beltyukova is a Russian born, London based award-winning illustrator, animation director & artist.  Anastasia has collaborated with the museum for many years now and has produced animations including directing and animating the film for Heart of the Nation. Artist statement...

Dorcas Magbadelo has been illustrating as DorcasCreates for 6 years but was always creative growing up - sewing, knitting, baking, painting, printmaking.