About

A woman sits on a stone patio beside a pool, smiling next to a large woven basket. The setting features a brick wall, potted plants, and tropical foliage in the background.

Xenia von Poser | Founder

I founded „Based upon a true story“ out of a deep love for crafts and fascination for humankind's creative force. 
I feel that in today's world, many of us long for ethical, authentic products with true stories, connecting us with far away villages and their highly skilled artisan communities.

While everything seems available overnight in the digital economy, it remains rare to access and experience the vibrance of exceptional handmade objects from Africa. 

The hidden world of artisans from remote rural areas needs us as much as we need it - with its infused liveliness and the soft presence of its works.
To every room it offers layers of artisanal tradition, of landscapes and transmission, culture and identity - and singular beauty.

On a mission

This platform's purpose is to present the amazing talent of craftspeople from Sub-Saharan Africa to Interior Designers, Architects and Design lovers. 

To those of you who resonate with the cultural and human dimension of the works presented, with their unique artistry, expressiveness and beautiful finishings, you will also engage with the makers' stories and the impact they generate.

Transparency, traceability, ethics and the protection of cultural Heritage are at the heart of our commitment and we deeply thank our customers and partners for sharing these values.

FOUNDATIONS OF A HEALTHY BUSINESS MODEL

What matters to us:

A minimalist black line drawing of a two-leaf sprout or plant on a plain white background.

Origin, always named

We share who made it. Each piece carries the imprint of an artisan's hand, of the region, community and the technique behind it, making the object a distinct vessel of culture and shared values.

Two intersecting black outlined circles centered on a plain white background.

Slow Craft network

We work side by side with artisan groups, with no layers in between. Many of the groups are fair trade certified, all work ethically. Bespoke pieces are shaped together, in conversation, from first idea to finished object allowing both sides to truly co-create.

A minimalist black line pattern on a white background, resembling a geometric grid or abstract basketweave design.

Material, reconsidered

Newspaper waste becomes paper pulp design objects, bottles are upcycled to powder beads, brass pipes are cast to jewellery, grain sacks make for gorgeous basket decors. 
Materials get a second life, with a texture and character of their own.

A minimalist black line icon depicting a generic person silhouette inside an arch, centered on a solid white background.

Heritage

Our goal is to protect and nourish the diversity in skills of the artisans, from the traditional Ashanti lost wax casting to the iconic kenyan beadworks and Bolgatanga weaving, translating them into forms that add a soul to contemporary homes.

CURATORIAL WORK

Paris Design Week 24: L' Afrique, c'est chic!

In September 2024, we exhibited 9 artisans groups and 3 artists from Sub-Saharan Africa in two Parisian galleries.
Scenography: Nelson Sepulveda
Photographies: Anne Laure Camilleri

A square art print mounted on a beige stone wall next to a dark blue door. The print features a woman in traditional clothing sitting next to a large beige jute vase, with bold yellow and red vertical stripes in the background.

Entrance of Gallery 'Atelier Gustave'

Seven handwoven baskets in various shapes, sizes, and vibrant patterns arranged on a wooden herringbone floor.

Basketry by The Baba Tree, Ghana

A framed art print depicting a person from behind wearing a vibrant blue, red, and white patterned traditional outfit with a beaded headpiece, displayed on a white wall next to a red, white, green, and blue striped conical hat on a clear acrylic stand.

Photography by Corina Gertz
Jewellery made by Samburu Star beaders with Diana MacLean

Two abstract metal wall hangings with black, gold, brown, and white organic shapes suspended against a white wall, with a decorative bowl on a shelf to the right.

Bespoke mobiles from FLOC, made in Kenya
Lamp by Womencraft x Emmanuel Babled, Tanzania

A highly detailed, hand-beaded wide-brimmed hat with intricate geometric patterns in red, white, yellow, blue, black, and green, adorned with hanging silver coin charms, shown on a clear display stand against a neutral gray background.

Olekiripa Collar made by Samburu Star beaders with Diana MacLean

Four people posing together in a sunny outdoor colonnade, with one person holding a framed portrait of a young child. The group is smiling and waving, with the framed artwork serving as the central product being showcased.

with Jane Taylor, Marie De Decker and Badara Ndiaye in front of our Gallery on Palais Royal

Two women standing in a bright, modern craft studio filled with woven baskets and pottery. The woman on the left wears a long, wide-striped brown and cream dress, while the woman on the right wears a black top and blue jeans.
DÜSSELDORF SHOWROOM

2024, Düsseldorf Design Exhibit

3 days of Design: Bringing the vibes of 'L'Afrique, c'est chic' to Germany with the huge support of my friend Paula Bescansa