Darsy’s Perspective – A Journey Through Scent
From as early as I can remember, scent has been woven into the fabric of my life. Growing up in Sudan and Chad, I watched in awe as the women in my community gathered in circles, crafting perfumes with care and precision. The air would fill with rich aromas, sandalwood, musk, and amber, turning each gathering into a symphony of scent and laughter. But despite my love for perfume, I could never wear it. Synthetic fragrances always gave me headaches, leaving me longing for a scent that felt like home.
Fast forward to college, where I majored in chemistry and business, and the idea of creating my own natural fragrance brand took root. In my junior year, I traveled back to my roots, where my aunts and grandmother taught me the intricate art of perfume-making. Their traditional knowledge, combined with my scientific background, became the foundation of Oud Al Salam; a brand that blends culture, science, and sustainability.
But Oud Al Salam was more than just a perfume brand to me. It was my way of reshaping the narrative around Sudan and Chad—countries that, too often, are only associated with hardship. I wanted people to recognize their rich traditions, artistry, and beauty. I spent my free hours rushing to open markets, setting up vendor tables, and sharing my story with anyone who would listen.
It was during this journey that I met Shiru, and little did I know, our shared dreams would lead to something even bigger.
Shiru’s Perspective – A Journey Through Craft
Jambo! I am Shiru, and I was born and raised in Kenya. My journey to the U.S. was one of self-discovery, learning to embrace my nappy curls, my African roots, and the rich traditions of my homeland. Growing up, I always admired the skill and creativity of Kenyan artisans, especially those who crafted jewelry from sustainable, recycled materials like cow bone, brass, and cowrie shells.
Before coming to the U.S., I started a small jewelry business, working closely with local artisans to bring our cultural craftsmanship to life. Each piece carried a story, of tradition, resilience, and artistry. But once I moved abroad, I realized how little the world knew about the beauty of African craftsmanship. I wanted to change that.
Then I met Darsy, and our friendship became a bond rooted in a shared vision. We both dreamed of shifting the global perception of Africa—not as a place of struggle but as a continent filled with creativity, heritage, and innovation. She had her perfumes, I had my jewelry, and together, we knew we could create something powerful.
The Birth of Mrembo & Co. – Where Scent Meets Craft
Our late-night conversations about culture and tradition slowly turned into plans, sketches, and dreams of a brand that honored both our backgrounds. That’s how Mrembo & Co. was born—a place where fragrance and jewelry come together to tell a story of African heritage.
With Oud Al Salam, we bring the rich perfume traditions of Sudan and Chad to the world, using natural ingredients like sandalwood and oniya shell.
With Mrembo & Co., we celebrate Kenyan craftsmanship, creating handmade jewelry from ethically sourced, recycled materials like cow bone, brass, and cowrie shells.
Together, we are building more than a brand—we are crafting a legacy of scent, art, and identity.
More Than a Brand – A Celebration of Identity
For both of us, this journey is deeply personal. It is about embracing who we are, sharing our heritage, and creating pieces that carry meaning.
We hope that when you wear our jewelry or experience our fragrances, you feel the love, passion, and history that we pour into every creation.
Welcome to Mrembo & Co. & Oud Al Salam – Where African art becomes a Cultural Connection.