After working as a communication specialist for 10 years with a growing passion for environmental conservation and advocacy, Wangari Kamanga founded Bloomline Creations — an eco-conscious initiative under her agency, Bloomline Communications — to tackle one of Kenya’s fastest-growing waste streams: textile waste.
Every year, Kenya produces an estimated 180,000 tonnes of textile waste, much of which ends up in dumpsites or clogs our drainage systems. Many of these fabrics are synthetic, taking centuries to decompose. Add to that the flood of second-hand clothing imports, where not all items find new homes, and the challenge only deepens.
According to Wangari, Bloomline Creations was born from a simple yet powerful idea — to transform what is often dismissed as waste into something beautiful, useful, and meaningful.
Her current collection includes tote bags, laptop sleeves, sling bags, and utility pouches, all made from discarded materials sourced locally. These items appeal to individuals and organizations who care about the planet — eco-conscious consumers, corporates with sustainability goals, and NGOs seeking purposeful gifts or branded products.
“At Bloomline Creations, we upcycle textile waste — from factory offcuts to rejected garments — into durable, stylish bags and lifestyle accessories. Each item is unique, handcrafted, and carries a story of renewal,” she says.
“Each bag purchased supports environmental conservation and creates income opportunities for local artisans,” Wangari adds.
Textile waste, though often overshadowed by plastic, poses a serious environmental threat. When dumped, it leaches toxic dyes into soil and water; when burnt, it releases harmful gases. Through upcycling, Bloomline Creations not only diverts waste from landfills but also sparks conversations about sustainable consumption and climate action.
“We believe that waste is a resource waiting for creativity. Through circular design, we give fabrics a second life while reducing our carbon footprint,” she says.
The handcrafted upcycled tote bags retail between Sh1,000 and Sh1,800, depending on size and type. Each is unique, locally made, and directly contributes to conservation and community empowerment.
One of the most exciting upcoming initiatives is the Bag for Hope Project, a community empowerment drive where every bag purchased funds the creation of another for a woman or youth in need. The project will train and equip women in informal settlements to make upcycled products, offering them income and a sense of purpose.
“Beyond economic empowerment, the Bag for Hope Project aims to tell powerful stories of hope, renewal, and resilience — showing that, just like discarded fabric, people too can find new purpose and bloom again,” Wangari says.
Her vision is to scale Bloomline Creations into a leading Kenyan brand for eco-conscious lifestyle products, expand the Bag for Hope Project across counties, and partner with textile industries to establish fabric waste collection points.
“We also aim to build a training and innovation hub for sustainable design — nurturing young creatives to think circular and build a greener future,” she adds.
Through innovation, community empowerment, and creative conservation, Bloomline Creations embodies the spirit of Big3Africa’s pillars — Climate, Conservation, and Community — proving that sustainability can be both stylish and deeply impactful.
