Our story
The heart behind Adorned Roots Africa
Suzie Johnson-Baker, M.S. | Founder & Owner
Adorned Roots Africa began with my son’s generous heart.
Through his small cake sale business, my autistic son saved his own money to buy toys and school supplies for children in Africa. His simple desire to give led our family to Kenya, where we delivered those gifts, met local families, and experienced the joy of connecting with communities far from home.
That journey changed all of us, but it changed me in a particularly profound way. As I witnessed Kenya’s vibrant culture, extraordinary craftsmanship, and deep sense of community, I felt an unexpected sense of belonging. The handmade pieces I discovered carried beauty, tradition, and stories that deserved to be shared.
When I brought a few treasures home and introduced them to friends and family, they quickly became my first sales. What began as my son’s act of kindness grew into the foundation of Adorned Roots Africa: a brand rooted in generosity, inspired by culture, and created to connect people through meaningful adornment.
I’ve never been one to follow trends. I have always believed that personal style should tell a story. I love pieces that are distinctive, meaningful, and unapologetically different. For me, adornment has never been simply about looking beautiful. It is about expressing who I am, celebrating individuality, and wearing something that carries meaning.
My son, however, had one thing on his mind.
He wanted to return. He wanted to keep giving.
His desire to continue helping others inspired me to think beyond that first trip. With the help of my niece in Kenya, we began sourcing unique, handcrafted pieces and introducing them to our community in South Florida.
Our story, continued
And just like that, Adorned Roots Africa began to take shape.
What I treasure most is not simply the beauty of the pieces themselves. It is the pride of the hands that create them, the stories woven into them, and the expressions on people’s faces when they discover something they have never seen before.
I love watching someone pick up a piece, admire its details, ask about its origins, and suddenly feel connected to a culture and an artist miles away.
That moment is priceless to me.
Adorned Roots Africa is more than a collection of beautiful adornments. It is a connection between people, a celebration of African creativity, and a reminder that something meaningful can grow from the smallest act of kindness.
My son’s compassion planted the seed. Our love for art and culture gave it roots. And every person who connects with our story helps it continue to grow.
We are not here to follow trends. We are here to celebrate identity, honor craftsmanship, and share culture with the world.
Rooted in culture. Worn with purpose.
Mission
To connect customers with meaningful, handcrafted African jewelry and crafts while honoring Kenyan artistry, preserving cultural expression and creating opportunities for African makers and communities.
Vision
To become a trusted destination for authentic African adornment recognized for cultural integrity, distinctive craftsmanship and a lasting connection between Africa and the global community.
Our core values
Cultural Respect
We honor the meaning, traditions and creative heritage represented in the pieces we carry.
Authenticity
We proudly identify our products as made in Kenya and communicate their materials and origins honestly.
Craftsmanship
We value the skill, patience and human touch behind handcrafted jewelry and crafts.
Purpose
We choose pieces intentionally and believe what we wear can express identity, confidence and meaning.
Connection
We create a bridge between Kenyan makers, African culture and customers in the United States.
Community
We seek to grow in a way that creates opportunity, supports education and gives back to communities.
