BARIKISU ALI TELFER, founder of the SAHARA lifestyle store, which sells beautiful handmade items for the home and person, was born in Ghana’s Upper West region and raised in Bolgatanga in the Upper East. Now living in Ireland with her husband and son, she is also a skilled artisan who creates some of the handcrafted pieces sold in her shop in Dublin’s Dun Laoghaire.

Barikisu Ali Telfer, owner of SAHARA, sells beautifully crafted items for the home including exquisite handmade baskets, colourful lampshades, sculptural items, wallhangings, Bogolan cushions from Mali and wooden serveware. Barikisu Ali Telfer. Barikisu Ali Telfer.

What inspired you to start your business?

When I started the business, my goal was to create opportunities for the local community in Ghana, where I come from—a place renowned for its basket weaving. After a trip to Ghana, I brought back some baskets as souvenirs and was surprised by the strong interest they sparked in Ireland. As the business grew, I recognised a much larger opportunity: showcasing unique, handcrafted interior and fashion pieces from artisans across Africa and beyond.

What have you learned so far in business?

Given the nature of my business, a hands-on approach and strict quality control are essential in the procurement process. Effectively communicating my vision and ensuring it is accurately translated into a final product can sometimes be challenging. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAHARA.IE (@sahara.ie)

What sets your products apart from other home/ interiors items in the Irish market?

At SAHARA, our products are handmade by skilled artisans who have spent decades perfecting their craft. These time-honored techniques, passed down through generations, reflect the rich heritage and stories of the people behind each piece. Additionally, we are committed to giving back by reinvesting profits into the local communities where our products are sourced.

How has the Irish consumer responded to what you do?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers from across Ireland appreciate having access to these unique products within the local market. Interestingly, many have indirect connections to African craftsmanship, often through relatives working with NGOs, which adds a personal and meaningful touch to their purchases.

What has been the most challenging time for your business? 

As a small business, finding quality staff on a temporary basis is a constant challenge, so I need to be a jack of all trades. During my first Christmas after opening my Dun Laoghaire shop, I was also running a pop-up on Grafton Street and a stall at Gifted in the RDS, and it was nearly impossible to find and train enough staff.

The range of products at SAHARA includes beautiful cushions and hand dyed fabrics.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I find inspiration in many places, from the rich culture and traditions of the artisans we work with, to the vibrant colors and textures around us. Travel, nature, and even the stories shared by our customers often spark new ideas. I’m also deeply inspired by the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into each handmade piece, and I love discovering new ways to incorporate these elements into our collections. Inspiration is everywhere, and I’m always looking for ways to bring fresh, meaningful designs into the shop.

Describe your workspace.

My work space is a vibrant and inspiring environment. I’m surrounded by the wonderful and creative work of the talented artisans, with their craftsmanship bringing warmth and authenticity to our space. The vibrant colors of our collections add energy and creativity to my daily work, making it a truly special place. Every corner reflects the passion and dedication that go into the products, creating an atmosphere that is both dynamic and welcoming.

Baskets at SAHARA come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours and can be used to store anything from fruit to wool to toys.

Do you take your work home?

Yes, I do take my work home. I create some of the pieces I sell in the shop, and sometimes, when customers place special orders that I can’t finish in the shop, I take them home to complete. Crafting is a passion for me, so my work naturally blends into my daily life. It’s always rewarding to put in the extra effort to ensure every piece is made with care and meets my customers’ expectations.

Why are you passionate about ethics and sustainability in your work? 

 I’m  passionate about ethics and sustainability in my work because I believe it’s our responsibility to help protect the environment. Every choice we make, from sourcing materials to creating our products, is guided by a commitment to sustainability. By supporting ethical craftsmanship and using eco-friendly practices, we not only create beautiful pieces but also contribute to a better future for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us—it’s a way of life.

Coloour handwoven baskets make perfect planters.

Describe a typical working day for you.

A typical working day at SAHARA is always busy and filled with creativity. Some days, I spend all day on the phone with artisans, ensuring that every piece is made exactly the way I envision it. Between managing the shop, assisting customers, and overseeing new designs, no two days are ever the same. There’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s unpacking new stock, helping customers find the perfect pieces, or working on custom orders. It’s a dynamic and fulfilling process that keeps me connected to both my craft and my customers.

How important is collaboration to what you do?

Collaboration is very important to what I do at SAHARA. Working closely with artisans ensures that each piece is crafted with care and reflects the unique style and quality we stand for. It also allows us to bring fresh ideas to life while supporting traditional craftsmanship. Whether it’s collaborating with suppliers, artisans, or even customers to create custom pieces, teamwork plays a vital role in everything i do.

Barikisu's range includes lively lampshades made from Ankara African wax print fabrics and sculptural baskets that make for statement light fittings.

Are you or your customers interested in trends?

Yes, we are definitely interested in trends. It’s another way of connecting with our customers and sending messages about what we do. Trends help us stay relevant and showcase how our unique pieces can fit into current styles, while still maintaining the authenticity and quality our customers love. It’s about blending the timeless with the contemporary to offer something fresh and exciting.

If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing? 

If I wasn’t doing this, I would still be in the retail space. I’ve always loved working in this environment, and I’m sure I would be doing something that allows me to showcase my talents and creativity. Whether it’s in a different capacity within retail or exploring other avenues where I can bring unique products to people, I’d still be passionate about connecting with customers and sharing the beauty of craftsmanship.

Barikisu Ali Telfer, owner of SAHARA, recently delivered 500 reusable sanitary pads to 165 young women in northern Ghana empowering them to continue to attend school whilst menstruating. Barikisu Ali Telfer. Barikisu Ali Telfer.

What has been your proudest moment or favourite project so far?

My proudest moment and favourite project so far has been providing sanitary pads to girls in basic schools. It’s a huge challenge for many girls to afford sanitary pads, and in some cases, they miss school during their menstrual cycle because they can’t buy them. This project has always been close to my heart, and I’m so happy to have started it. With the help of our wonderful customers, I was able to distribute over 500 sanitary pads to 165 girls, along with clothes for our artisans. It’s a cause I want to continue supporting, aiming to provide help at least two to three times a year. It’s truly a rewarding project that makes a difference.

What’s next for you and your business  in 2025?

In 2025, the goal for SAHARA is to grow bigger and expand our reach. I plan to work with more artisans, both here in Ireland and around the world, to bring even more unique and beautiful pieces to our customers. I’m excited about creating new collaborations, supporting talented artisans, and continuing to offer high-quality, handcrafted products that reflect creativity and authenticity. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m looking forward to all the opportunities ahead!

SAHARA, 69C George’s Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. sahara.ie.