CRAFTED BY WOMEN, CONNECTED BY VISION
THE STORY BEHIND THE SISTERHOOD
Lola - the founder
The essence of House of Papaya was guided by a powerful question from a mentor: "What kind of world do you want to live in?"
My answer became the seed of everything that followed:
"A world where women are empowered to weave their dreams into reality. A world that supports nature with a balanced ecosystem of creation, rooted in exploration, connection, passion, and play."
House of Papaya was born from this dream — to live with intention, honor the earth, and create beauty that uplifts both people and the planet. I wanted to slow down, celebrate craft, and restore meaning to how we create, consume, and live.
This vision of global sisterhood — where women support each other and reconnect with their feminine wisdom — continues to guide every piece, partnership, and story we share.
2020-2021
From shared root to solo vision
Two girls, Shakira and Lola, meet in fashion school and quickly become best friends. Bound by their love for fashion, they did everything together — even working as makers for the Dutch made-to-order brand Atelier Félie.
They soon embarked on a sparkly creative journey. The road to what would become House of Papaya was far from linear — but never, ever dull.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN ...
Festival workshops, art installations and stage building
Together with friends from the Valparaiso collective, we had much fun co-creating experiences at like-minded festivals such as Château Perché (France), Hedoné (Poland), and Landjuweel (Netherlands).
Styling and Photoshoots
From improvised shoots with friends on the streets of Paris to showcasing our pieces with professional photographers — we loved the creative process of styling and directing. That time was our playground to explore every facets of what fashion can be.
Upcycled and hand-crafted pieces
In collaboration with Goldie Pawns, we created a mini collection for Amsterdam Gay Pride’s gender-fluid fair at Volkshotel. Like little nomadic makers, we boarded the bus — arms full of handmade magical creations, last-minute stitches and hearts full of dreams.
Where it's going:
Our sisterhood helped us grow, and from that bond came invaluable experiences — and many creations. After some years, it became clear that we were each being called in different directions. I felt a deep urge to shape something more lasting, something with real impact.
Though our creative collaboration continues on projects like SHÕKI— an immersive art experience at Sisi’s Amsterdam, co-created with two other empowered women and funded by Voor de Kunst— I chose to fully step into the vision I had long carried.
This path taught me the power of using creativity to amplify voices. I felt called to drive change in the fashion industry. Passionate about textiles, I realized that by weaving indigenous craft practices into fashion, we could preserve cultural heritage and empower women throughout the value chain.
And so, House of Papaya was re-born, now led by one woman and rooted in the belief that women, when supported by one another, can shape their futures and transform the world through creativity.
HOUSE OF PAPAYA AND FRIENDS ♥
