Our Story
The Origin
The vision for ALUNAYA emerged when founder Sabrina discovered the power of local craftsmanship during her studies in sustainable tourism.
For her bachelor's thesis on Community-Based Tourism, she spent time with a Mayan community in the rainforest of Toledo in southern Belize, getting a close-up view of their daily lives. She realized that for the Maya, craftsmanship is much more than a product: it is part of their way of life – an expression of identity, symbolism, and connection to nature.
Craft as a Living Connection
Each handcrafted piece reflects the local ecosystem and ancient knowledge. Sabrina saw that in Mayan culture, there is a deep understanding that humans, nature, and what we create are interconnected. Sustainability here was not a concept, but a lived practice – and an invitation for Sabrina to look at old knowledge systems with new appreciation.
The Encounter with Kutch
This appreciation deepened during a trip to Kutch in India. Between the vastness of the desert and colorful villages, Sabrina encountered masterful craft traditions – from the expressive embroideries of the Marwada and Rabari to the centuries-old art of Ajrakh block printing.
There, she fell in love not only with the beauty of the fabrics but with what they carry within them: stories of origin, landscape, and memory. Each piece became a living archive for her – created by people who preserve knowledge with their hands and whose work is an act of dedication.
The Birth of ALUNAYA
From these experiences grew the desire to create fashion that respects traditional craftsmanship and highlights the connection between people, material, and origin. Sabrina is accompanied by her long-time friend Liss, who, through her work in the social sector, many years of travel, and her own experience in making macrame jewelry, brings an open mind to different ways of life, people, and craft processes.