Itara Artisans
Betty Uwizeyimana – Legacy Artisan
Betty has been a part of ITARA’s journey since graduating from the sewing program in 2016. She suffered a leg amputation as a result of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As a single mother, Betty once faced limited
opportunities to provide for her five children. Joining Itara was an answered prayer.
For six years, Betty powered her trundle sewing machine by hand, which was modified to her physical needs and
limitations. In 2022, she received an electronic machine and mastered it in just two days! Known for her speed,
precision, and quiet determination, Betty takes special pride in crafting the Ubwiza Box Pouch and the Signature Bag. Her steadfast resilience and constant smiles continue to inspire every new mother who walks through ITARA Studio’s doors.
Claudine Uwingabire – Legacy Artisan
Claudine is one of ITARA’s Legacy Artisans. Known for her joyful spirit and quick sense of humor, she brings warmth and laughter to the workshop. Her strong technical skills help troubleshoot production challenges, and her welcoming nature makes new artisan moms feel accepted and at home.
In 2022, Claudine also served as a bridge between teams, translating from English to Kinyarwanda during a U.S.
team visit to Rwanda. A mother of three, she supports her family through her craft and has mastered ITARA Studio’s full product line — though she especially loves sewing the Eshatu Pouch Set and the Ubwiza Box Pouch.
Libelee Nyirabagwiza – Artisan
Libelee has been part of the Itara family since graduating in 2017. Quiet and humble at first, her joyful love of song
and worship quickly reveals her bright smile and warm spirit.
A mother of three, Libelee plays a key role in uniting Legacy and apprentice artisans, serving as a steady bridge
between teams. She has mastered ITARA Studio’s full product line, and especially enjoys sewing one of ITARA’s
most intricate designs — the Eshatu Pouch Set.
Odette Mukamuseruka – Legacy Artisan
Odette is one of ITARA’s Legacy Artisans. She carries scars from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi — wounds that healed on the outside but left deep pain and years of hopelessness. Providing for her two children as a single mother was a constant struggle.
Through ITARA’s sewing program, Odette found community, dignity, and renewed joy. Today, she is one of the
studio’s most dedicated artisans and holds the record for sewing the most Guheka Knapsacks — her favorite piece to create. Her quiet strength continues to inspire every new mother who joins the ITARA Studio workshop.
Florence Mukamuhire – Artisan
Florence joined the ITARA family at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Initially accepted as an apprentice, the team quickly discovered that her sewing skills were stronger than expected. With one toddler swaddled to her back and another playing nearby, she rapidly mastered Itara’s foundational product lines.
By 2022, Florence was confidently crafting two of Itara’s more intricate designs — the Eshatu Pouch Set and the Guheka Knapsack, now her favorite pieces to sew. As she continues to refine her craft, Florence is steadily building a more secure future for her three children through her work at ITARA Studio.
Yankurije Tuyisenge – Artisan
Yankurije joined the Itara family at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She quickly showed strong potential and grew her skills by learning alongside Itara’s experienced artisans.
Today, she focuses on crafting the Hope Bag from ITARA’s original collection while continuing to strengthen her technique. As a mother of three, Yankurije is steadily building a more secure future for her family through her work at ITARA Studio.
Clarisse Umutesi – Artisan
Clarisse joined ITARA as an apprentice at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due to national restrictions,
her training was delayed, putting her plans to support her three children on hold.
When the workshop fully reopened, Clarisse returned with strong dedication and consistency. Today, she is steadily mastering the Hope Bag and growing in confidence alongside the ITARA Studio’s Artisan team.
Esther Mukeshimana– Artisan
Esther graduated from the ITARA Sewing Academy in 2024 and quickly proved herself a focused and fast learner. She shows strong promise as she grows in developing her craft and mastering Itara Studio’s product line.
Outside the workshop, Esther is known for her hospitality and love of cooking. Her beloved Pilau --- a fragrant rice dish made with beef or chicken, is often requested by friends and family.
Mwubaha (Patience) Nyirarukundo – Artisan
Mwubaha, known as Patience to the Artisan moms, graduated from the ITARA Sewing Academy in 2024. A mother of 6 and a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo; she fled conflict more than a decade ago and later reunited with her family in Rwanda.
Through ITARA, she gained skills to support her family and even started a small neighborhood grocery business. She delights in crafting ITARA Studio’s ornaments and continues learning new designs. A gifted speaker, singer, and devoted prayer warrior, her prayers bring warmth and strength to the workshop each day.
Marcella Nyirarukundo– Artisan
Marcella is one of the eldest ITARA Artisans. Though naturally quiet, she surprises everyone with her humor and storytelling.
In addition to learning how to sew ITARA’s product line, Marcella brings unique talents, including experience in brick construction — reflecting her enterprise and versatility.
Valentine Vuguziga – Artisan
Valentine is one of Itara’s newest Artisans and among the most experienced in life. She has embraced sewing with dedication and diligence, contributing to custom bags for ITARA Studio’s corporate clients.
Beyond the workshop, she has a passion for gardening and led the renewal of ITARA Studio’s beautiful and lush garden — an inviting space for our many visitors to enjoy and admire.
Patricie Mukasekuru– Artisan
Patricie recently joined ITARA in 2026 in full-time capacity. As a new Artisan, she is a natural leader with remarkable sewing speed. Her efficiency is matched only by her contagious smile and joyful disposition.
She expresses her faith through worship, as a choir leader at her local church. Patricie is also a devoted prayer warrior, who encourages and uplifts her fellow Artisans during difficult times.
Christine Tuyishimire – Artisan
Christine is a single mother of three and a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. For many years she faced deep instability and hardship. After joining Itara Studio in 2026, she quickly received inspiration and encouragement through the other Artisans.
Through her work at the studio, Patricie has found renewed hope, sisterhood, and the ability to provide food and education for her children. Her bright smile reflects the strength she carries as her confidence builds each day.
Therese Nyirandimubenshi – Artisan
Therese graduated top of her ITARA Academy class in 2024, standing out for her speed and careful attention to detail. Though she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, she struggled for years to find stable employment.
At ITARA, she discovered a new passion in craftsmanship. She is determined to grow in her sewing career and contribute meaningfully to her family’s economic future.
Sandrine Mutoni – Artisan
Sandrine is a young mother of two who recently joined ITARA and quickly mastered the product line. Though quiet at first, she is a thoughtful listener and strong team player.
She is confident in her craft and enjoys experimenting with new designs, bringing fresh creativity to the workshop.
Jacqueline Mukandahiro– Artisan and Head Instructor for ITARA Sewing Academy
Jacqueline began working with ITARA in 2015 and became a full-time team member in 2024. As Head Teacher of the Sewing Academy, she has trained most of ITARA’s Artisans and has also mastered the entire product line.
Her creativity extends beyond bags — she has designed custom clothing pieces for visiting partners and gala events, earning wide praise. She is currently developing the souvenir collection and signature clothing styles for ITARA Studio’s future Artisan Experience Tours at our workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.