An Italian traveler in Kenya: Inspirations, crafts and encounters

Félicie
Apr 13
2 min read

Updated: Jul 17

I know… this March Travel Journal is a little late. But I have a good excuse: a trip to Argentina, and I'm already looking forward to sharing all my favorite spots and discoveries with you very soon. That's what being your own boss is all about—it's easy to make excuses…

So here it is at last, with the portrait of Rosa whose creations I hope you will appreciate as much as I do.

Portrait of a Traveler: Rosa and her passion for Kenya crafts

Born in Milan, Rosa studied in Italy, France, and the United States. Travel was an integral part of her life from a very young age. Her mother, an architect, regularly worked in Kenya and often took her there, introducing her to a culture whose passion she instilled in her. This profound influence shaped her relationship with kenya crafts, colors, and craftsmanship, which would later blend with Milanese elegance.

For nearly twenty years, Rosa lived in Casablanca, Stockholm and then Paris, working in human resources, where she supported career paths with particular attention to the human element.

Then she created MiniRosa .

MiniRosa Travelers Paris
MiniRosa belt making, Paris travelers
MiniRosa story Kenya Travelers Paris

A brand conceived as a link between cultures, artisans and stories. Each piece extends what has always guided Rosa: encounters, journeys, and the desire, in her own way, to support this country she loves so much by highlighting its know-how.

Among her creations, the bag straps and belts embroidered with beads are my favorites. Depending on the patterns, they add a more or less ethnic touch to my outfits: the sun-patterned strap brightens up my vintage Hermès satchel, while those with geometric patterns, punctuated with mother-of-pearl beads, are more sophisticated.

MiniRosa Travelers Paris
MiniRosa Travelers Paris Shoulder Bag
MiniRosa belt, Paris Travelers
MiniRosa belt, Paris Travelers

I want it!

Rosa and Nairobi:

"A city of all contrasts, very green with the Karura forest in particular, and with infernal traffic, it is the true economic heart of Kenya...", she shares her favorites with us.

hotel in Nairobi
cafe in Nairobi
Kenya forests

Rosa's tips in Nairobi

My suggestions for the month

An exhibition :

The Matisse 1941-1954 exhibition at the Grand Palais for its vibrant colours.

A new bag for spring:

The new Girls like to travel tote bag, of course! I didn't leave home without it in Argentina, and good news, it's doing just as well without a plane ticket! After all, traveling is mostly a state of mind.

In a different style, brought back straight from Argentina, is the Chismosas by Voyageuses . There, these are the bags you take to the market for shopping, and “Chismosas” means “chatterboxes” or “gossips,” like those who use them!

A book: The Hummingbird by Sandro Veronesi, a magnificent novel about love, family, life... and the balances we try to maintain.