ABOUT | Izinahair

The founders

Co. founder

Diana

I am Diana, a beauty enthusiast, and my journey with Izina was born from a deep connection to my roots and my creativity. In 2012, I made the bold decision to cut my hair and go natural, learning to love my hair as it is. I started sharing my hairstyles on Instagram under the name NaturallyDidi, a space where I could express my creativity and passion for hair. In 2021, after the challenging period of COVID, I felt a strong desire to create something that truly resonated with me and to build a brand that would honor both the beauty of hair and my African roots. I was ready to prove to myself that I could realize this dream, tired of being confined to jobs that didn’t suit me. That’s how Izina was born. This brand reflects my determination to highlight made-in-Africa products and the beauty of locs. Since 2023, I have returned to Burundi to fully focus on Izina, with the ambition of making this brand a true success. I am proud of what we have accomplished with Jordane and of the beautiful human adventure we are experiencing together. Izina is much more than just a brand; it is a project that celebrates our roots, our creativity, and our commitment to authentic beauty. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

Co. founder

Jordane

I am Jordane, originally from Belgium with deep roots in Burundi and Congo. As a mother of an adorable 4-year-old girl, I embarked on this exciting adventure with my cousin Diana during a trip to Burundi in 2021. We have always dreamed of creating our own business to fully experience the freedom it offers. In 2022, our dream became a reality with the birth of Izina. Izina is not just a brand; it is a project that embodies beauty, elegance, and self-confidence. As a mother, it is essential for me to pass these values on to my daughter and provide her with an inspiring example in a world where beauty standards do not always reflect our diversity. Our brand is also a return to our roots, a connection to Africa, a goal dear to my heart. We are fortunate to work with a passionate team in Africa that puts all its expertise into creating your extensions. This is my way of staying connected to my motherland, even from a distance. Like many, I had my own prejudices about locs, associating them with a negative image of neglect. With Izina, we are committed to transforming this perception and revealing the charm and unique character of locs. We want to offer everyone a new vision of this ancestral hairstyle. Thank you for your trust and continued support. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside you!

Why the name "IZINA"?

IZINA, “The power of being and existing” Burundian literature shows us how names in the Rundi language are full of meaning. In this tradition, where words are sacred, a name is not just a word; it is a true symbol of life and existence. In the past, a child did not receive a name immediately after birth. The Burundians would wait for the child to grow a bit, until around the age of two, to give them a name. This moment marked their integration into society. At that time, there were no first names; each person had a unique name, different from that of their father or clan, chosen to reflect the circumstances of their birth. Our ancestors believed that names had extraordinary powers. In Kirundi, "Izina" is not just a name; it is what gives someone the power to exist fully. We chose the name "IZINA" for our brand because our name is our identity. It is what defines us in society. Without this name, one does not truly exist. Our hair, which is part of our identity, distinguishes and defines us. With our IZINA lock extensions, you have the power to feel unique and assert who you are.

A woman sits on a bicycle in a lush green field, wearing a vibrant red dress and holding a woven basket. A man in a matching outfit stands beside her, creating a scene that radiates warmth and harmony with the natural surroundings.

ENGAGEMENT

Our commitment is to promote African roots and share our heritage with the whole world while offering products that inspire trust and pride.

We value African craftsmanship. Too often, hair extensions are made in Asia, even though they are predominantly worn by our community. We are proud to produce our extensions in Africa to support the local economy and celebrate our cultural heritage.

QUALITY

We are committed to providing quality customer service. Every interaction is important to us, and we ensure that our customers feel heard, understood, and satisfied. Your trust is our priority, and we strive to earn it at every step.

AUTHENTICITY

At Izina Hair, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in natural beauty and celebrate the true essence of handmade locs and hair extensions.

COMMUNITY

We also value community by creating job opportunities and supporting local artisans.