About Us

Who Am I?

Hi there, my name is Lisa, and first and foremost, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit my website, learn about Ahmandla, and most importantly, care about conservation.

I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. My father is Portuguese and my mother is Zimbabwean. When I was 14, I moved to the United States, which has been my home ever since. I feel incredibly fortunate to say that my heart belongs to three places: Zimbabwe, Portugal, and the United States.

I am married to the love of my life, and together we have three beautiful children. Before becoming a mom, I was a kindergarten teacher, a job I truly loved and still miss to this day. But watching my children grow into the amazing little humans they are has been the greatest blessing of my life.

Why Ahmandla?

Although I left Zimbabwe at 14, I never really left Africa. A piece of my soul stayed there.

Africa has a way of doing that. Once it gets into you, it never really lets go. There is a quote by Bridget Dore that has always captured this feeling for me:

“You cannot leave Africa,” Africa said. “It is always with you...”

I have always wanted to find a way to give back to the place that gave me so much and continues to shape who I am.

While researching ways to support conservation, I discovered that there were companies around the world supporting conservation organizations across Africa, but I wasn’t seeing that same support directed toward my beloved Zimbabwe. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to change that.

I also realized there were very few jewelry brands dedicated specifically to conservation, and even fewer creating beautiful, meaningful animal pieces at an accessible price point while giving directly back to Zimbabwe.

I knew about Imire Rhino and Conservation Lodge, a very special place in Zimbabwe dedicated to wildlife and conservation, and I wanted to do whatever I could to support the incredible work being done there.

And so, Ahmandla was born.

Why Jewelry?

I chose jewelry because it was something I was constantly searching for myself.

I wanted an elephant necklace. A giraffe ring. Something beautiful and elevated that allowed me to express my love for animals and Africa. But I found it surprisingly difficult to find high-quality, beautiful animal inspired jewelry.

I believe jewelry is one of the most personal ways we express ourselves. It can quietly tell people who we are, what we love, and what we believe in. Sometimes, it’s simply a beautiful piece that catches your eye. Other times, it carries a much deeper meaning.

So I thought: why can’t it be both?

Why not create jewelry that is beautiful enough to love, meaningful enough to start a conversation, and purposeful enough to make a difference?

Every Ahmandla piece gives you an opportunity to wear something you love while helping bring awareness and support to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

What’s in a Name?

After many name changes, I finally chose Ahmandla, inspired by the Zulu word Amandla, meaning “power.”

I want Ahmandla to represent strength, power, and love three things I believe we need if we are going to protect our planet and the incredible wildlife that depends on it.

Ahmandla is my way of giving back to a place that will always be a part of me.

Thank you for being here, for supporting my dream, and for caring about the wild.

I hope you’ll join me in making a difference.