Tissia

Sustainability...

is central to Tissia’s mission. The cooperative nurtures and trains artisans, encouraging them to apply their ancient skills to create modern, fresh designs that appeal to global markets. This approach provides a stable and reliable income for local families, ensuring that traditional crafts remain economically viable.

Innovation...

is another pillar of Tissia's philosophy. While the art of weaving is deeply rooted in Burkina Faso’s history, the cooperative marries these age-old techniques with new fibers and modern tastes. Tissia stays true to its cultural heritage while remaining agile enough to adapt to contemporary market demands.

Care for others...

is reflected in every aspect of Tissia's operations. The cooperative prioritizes creating positive employment opportunities for women, offering fair wages and dignified, sustainable work. In a country where informal labor dominates and artisans often struggle to secure stable jobs, Tissia provides a haven where traditional craftsmanship is not only valued but celebrated.

Preserving an ancient art

Hand-spinning and weaving are centuries-old skills in Burkina Faso, once revered but now at risk of disappearing due to the influx of mass-produced textiles. Tissia stands as a guardian of this craft, believing that the beauty of their handwoven fabrics lies not just in the material, but in the culture and creativity that are woven into every unique piece. More than 18 pairs of hands touch each product, from spinning the cotton on drop spindles to hand-dyeing the fibers using eco-friendly dyes and weaving them on traditional looms.

By preserving these traditions, Tissia aims to revive the rich textile heritage of Burkina Faso and introduce its stunning craftsmanship to the global market. They produce fabrics in various widths, up to 130 cm, and lengths up to 50 meters, catering to both large-scale orders and bespoke commissions.

Women and community empowerment

The heart of Tissia, however, lies in its people. Many of the cooperative’s artisans have been with the organization since its inception in 2007. These women are the backbone of the operation, and Tissia invests in them through continuous training—helping them not only hone their craft but also improve their financial literacy, health, and household management skills.

A distinctive feature of Tissia's approach is its commitment to the well-being of its artisans and their families. Understanding the challenges faced by working mothers, Tissia has created a child-friendly environment where artisans can bring their young children to work. In this safe and nurturing space, children are free to play, while their mothers can focus on their craft. This policy not only supports work-life balance but also creates a positive and harmonious atmosphere, contributing to the overall well-being of both the mothers and their children.

In addition to providing a stable income, Tissia empowers its artisans by offering access to community gardens. These gardens allow the women to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for their families, reducing household food costs and promoting healthier diets. This initiative fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance, giving the women control over their food sources and reducing dependence on chemically treated produce from external markets.

Over time, Tissia has become much more than just a workplace for its artisans. It has evolved into a tight-knit community where social status and gender differences dissolve. All the artisans are actively involved in important decisions, whether they pertain to design or strategy. It is a space where life’s milestones are celebrated together, and where every woman feels at home.

Tissia is not just preserving Burkina Faso’s textile heritage; it is cultivating a culture of empowerment, sustainability, and community. By supporting this cooperative, Ayzoh! is helping to protect a dying art, while also fostering a brighter future for the women and families whose lives are deeply interwoven with the threads of Tissia’s beautiful fabrics.