Angela Wanjiku
Angela Wanjiku is a pioneering Kenyan fashion designer and founder of Hisi Studio, a brand rooted in empathy and creative innovation for visually impaired individuals. Hisi—derived from the Swahili verb “kuhisi,” meaning “to feel”—was born from Wanjiku’s senior design project at the University of Nairobi in 2018, inspired by her childhood environment near the Thika School for the Blind.
Wanjiku’s inclusive designs feature tactile prints, braille phrases, and QR code tags that enable audio descriptions of size, color, and care instructions—empowering visually impaired users to shop independently. She hand-embosses braille herself after becoming proficient in the system, ensuring her garments resonate both emotionally and functionally.
Her brand, launched in Thika in 2019, has evolved beyond clothing. Wanjiku now facilitates inclusive design consultancy and continues to amplify accessibility in spaces and fashion. Beyond aesthetics, Hisi Studio donates portions of its proceeds to braille literacy programs and engages directly with the visually impaired community to co-create and refine products.
Angela Wanjiku’s work is not just about fashion—it’s a powerful statement on inclusion, independence, and reimagining design for all. Her vision continues to redefine how style and accessibility can beautifully intersect.