Pearl To Coast

01/03/2026

Pearl to Coast is officially closing. It’s been a year since my official diagnosis of a brain tumour. A year of battling physical challenges and letting go of what once inspired me.

I won’t go into a long speech, but I want to acknowledge the slow decline that has led me to this decision. It’s time to release my mind from the shackles of what ‘should have been’ and focus fully on my next steps: surgery and recovery.

This page will remain as an archive of the incredible work our artisans have achieved with your support and all the amazing memories we’ve created together.

Thank you for everything. God bless you all for your support.

Isabella ☦️

29/11/2024

Jose Hendo Honoured with the Prestigious Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda National Heritage Award for her Innovative work with Ugandan Barkcloth
DATE: 03/10/2024
 
Multi-award-winning eco-fashion designer, Jose Hendo adds another accolade to her collection.
 
Ugandan-born British fashion designer Jose Hendo has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to preserving Ugandan barkcloth heritage and culture. She receives the award from the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU).
 
‘‘I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award, which also belongs to the many people behind the scenes:
 
-my husband and children
-my team Jose’ Hendo, in London
-team Bark To The Roots UK & Uganda
-the growers and the mastercraftsman Paul Bukenya Katamiira and sons amongst others.
 
And all those who are supporting us or working with us to preserve our ancient traditional cultural heritage of barkcloth making’.
 
I accept this award in the memory of Mother and Father, who instilled in me the values I uphold in my work. Most importantly I thank God for the gift and grace he has bestowed on me  throughout my career
 
A huge thank you to the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda.  To receive this award justifies the time and effort I have put in over many years and gives me great encouragement  to keep going.  For that I am grateful and I hope to visit Uganda and your team in person very soon”.
 
Jose has set up both the NGO and CIC ‘Bark To The Roots’ (B2TR) to increase the knowledge and usage of barkcloth nationally and internationally. She said: ‘Our NGO is connected to local rural communities, who in turn are deeply connected to the land and the Mutuba trees. These communities have kept the barkcloth tradition alive. We need to support more communities by encouraging the planting of Mutuba trees and training more young men in the making of barkcloth’.org_ug

04/11/2024

28/10/2024

Read the full blog?

28/10/2024

How long do you reckon it took Oliva to create each piece?

28/10/2024

Have you read her blog post on our website?

23/09/2024

🌍✨ Today, we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages! Let’s honor the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of over 70 million deaf individuals worldwide. Sign languages are unique and fully developed languages, essential for communication and expression.

In Uganda, deaf individuals face significant challenges, including limited access to education and employment. However, the community shows remarkable resilience and creativity. Organisations like are making a difference by providing vital skills training in crafts and tailoring, empowering deaf individuals to thrive.

Join us in raising awareness for deaf creatives in Uganda and advocating for a more inclusive society! Together, we can recognise and celebrate the rights and contributions of the deaf community. 💬🤟🏾

04/05/2024

Learn about Olivia’s BananArt 🍌

Unveiling the Craftsmanship of Ugandan Artisan Olivia Namala In a world where sustainability and creativity intertwine, one Ugandan artisan stands out for her remarkable craftsmanship with banana fibre. Meet Olivia, a talented artisan whose hands bring to life intricate animal figures, woven with ca...

16/03/2024

Check out our March blog!

https://www.pearltocoast.com/blogs/events/change-a-girls-life?_pos=1&_sid=37e0f0745&_ss=r

As we celebrate International Women's Day in 2024, it's essential to reflect on the progress we've made in empowering women and the work that still lies ahead to inspire inclusion. Recently, I was invited to attend the "Change a Girl's Life" event, a gathering that exemplified the spirit of female e...