Indaba is a Zulu word that means a gathering of people . 

A lifelong lover of beautiful things, Irene Held started Indaba in 1990. A new South African immigrant to Vancouver Island, Canada with two small children, and no support network, she was driven to bring her belief—that life is better when you surround yourself with meaningful things that provide comfort, pleasure, and beauty—to reality. 

Inspired by her South African roots, she has always had a passion for handicrafts and sought to share her love of handmade design with North Americans. Irene and her daughter Ali travel the world in search of beautiful people, products, and purpose. They have a particular focus on India, with their rich textile heritage and artisanal traditions. They love working with the artisans who handmake each item and bring their vision to life.