Udiri Q+A: Crafting Impact with Sustainability and Social Change

Udiri on Crafting Impact with Sustainability and Social Change

Anthony Nsofor is the Founder and Creative Director at Udiri, a socially conscious brand based in Lagos, Nigeria, dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable craftsmanship. Anthony shares his vision for Udiri, explaining how circular principles and social impact are woven into the business to empower internally displaced and refugee communities through meaningful design.

ESGmark®: What inspired you to found Udiri? 

Anthony Nsofor: Udiri was born from a desire to create meaningful products that carry stories of resilience and sustainability. Having seen the impact of displacement on communities and the loss of opportunities for many artisans, I wanted to create a brand that empowers these individuals while also promoting eco-friendly craftsmanship. Udiri combines my passion for art, sustainability, and social impact, creating a platform where every piece tells a story and has a purpose.
 

ESGmark®: Can you tell us about Udiri’s social impact and the artisans that you partner with?

Anthony: At Udiri, we’re proud to partner with artisans, many of whom are women from internally displaced and refugee communities. Through this work, they gain sustainable income and a sense of empowerment by creating beautiful, meaningful pieces from upcycled materials. Each item they craft, from hand-rolled beads to unique bags, carries a story of resilience and creativity, reflecting the strength of these communities.
 

ESGmark®:  How does your buyback program work?

Anthony: Our buyback program is an essential part of Udiri’s sustainable approach. After customers have enjoyed their Udiri pieces, they can return the items to us, and we’ll repurpose the materials into new products. This not only reduces waste but also keeps our artisans engaged in the circular journey of each product. By involving our artisans in this program, they see the impact of sustainability first-hand, as materials they crafted are given new life. 

ESGmark®:  How do you embed sustainable principles into your work?  

Anthony: Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Udiri. We use upcycled and eco-friendly materials, such as hand-rolled paper beads and cellulose fiber, and incorporate a buyback program to encourage circular use. Our packaging reflects these values as well—our boxes are recyclable, we use papier-mâché for protective jewelry inserts, and our gift cards are plantable, growing into flowers when planted. Every step, from sourcing materials to product lifecycle, is carefully considered to minimize our environmental footprint and maximize social impact.
 

ESGmark®:  What has been your greatest learning since founding the business?

Anthony:  The biggest lesson has been the power of resilience—not just within our team, but within the communities we work with. Each artisan brings a unique story of overcoming challenges, and their strength inspires me daily. I’ve also learned that building a socially conscious brand requires patience and flexibility, but the impact on lives and the environment makes every challenge worthwhile.   

ESGmark®: What are you focusing on in the next 12 months?   

Anthony: Over the next year, we’re focused on expanding our reach while staying true to Udiri’s core values. This includes collaborating with more artisans, enhancing our buyback program, and exploring new sustainable materials. We also want to build partnerships with other socially responsible brands and bring more awareness to the stories behind our products, showing that beauty and purpose can go hand in hand.

ESGmark®: What is your dream for Udiri’s future?

Anthony:  My dream for Udiri is to become a symbol of resilience and sustainability worldwide. I envision a brand that not only creates beautiful, meaningful products but also leaves a lasting impact on the communities and artisans involved. I hope Udiri will inspire others to see value in sustainable craftsmanship and to prioritize ethical choices in the products they purchase.

ESGmark®: What are you reading / listening to at the moment?

Anthony: At the moment, I’m reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. It’s an inspiring exploration of creativity, encouraging a mindset of openness and discovery. This book resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with Udiri’s journey of creativity and purpose-driven work. I also enjoy listening to podcasts that feature social impact stories and the journeys of founders committed to making a positive difference.
  

For more on Udiri, head over to their website.

Speaking to our founders is central to keeping the ESGmark® community connected - read our other interviews with The Green Accountants on guiding and inspiring ESG best practice, Ada Dakin on slow fashion and building a meaningful brand, and EKÓ Botanicals on sustainable skincare inspired by nature.