Our First Kiosk — Uganda Bookshop Crafts Village, 2008

In 2008, two years after selling at street markets, LizArtworks reached an exciting milestone — our very first permanent kiosk at the Uganda Bookshop Crafts Village in Kampala. The Crafts Village was a vibrant community of artisans and small-scale traders, each kiosk overflowing with handmade goods. Leather bags hung from doorways, beaded jewelry sparkled on display boards, carved wooden figures lined the shelves, and colourful fabrics draped across every surface. It was a place where creativity was currency and craftsmanship was a way of life. Having a fixed kiosk was a turning point. It meant moving beyond the uncertainty of street markets and building something more permanent. Customers — both locals and tourists — could now find us in the same spot, browse at their own pace, and return for more. Our kiosk became known for its unique mix of handmade beaded jewelry, African print accessories, and textile creations. We sourced materials from across Uganda and neighbouring countries, always prioritising authentic, handcrafted quality. But the Crafts Village offered more than just a retail space. It was a school of entrepreneurship. Surrounded by experienced traders and fellow artisans, we learned the rhythms of business — how to present products, connect with customers from around the world, and keep the creative spirit alive even on slow days. The relationships built during those years — with fellow vendors, with loyal customers, with the broader crafts community — became the foundation of everything LizArtworks would grow into. From that small kiosk in Kampala to a creative platform spanning Uganda, Åland, and Turku, the journey has been shaped by the same values we learned at the Crafts Village: authenticity, community, and a deep love for handmade work.