The Design Files: Safari Fusion

African beaded handcraft from Safari Fusion

Safari Fusion also sells those amaaazing Bamileke Feather Headdress' - often seen hanging in contemporary interiors these days...

Oooh la la... just look at these fabulous vibrant pieces from Melbourne-based online store Safari Fusion! Safari Fusion was launched just last year by Melbournian Kellie Shearwood, whose many years in the travel industry finally inspired her to launch her own business specialising in contemporary African design pieces for the home.

Kellie has always had a passion for travel, and has spent 17 years working in various travel industry jobs. Much of this time was spent with the luxury safari company Abercrombie & Kent - where she eventually took on the role of Product Manager for Africa, designing safari itineraries, brochure writing, and regularly visiting Africa to research new destinations and experience stays in beautiful lodges and camps. Kellie's travels with A&K took her to some of the most amazing places in Africa - Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

These business trips inevitably inspired lots of shopping(!!), and of course Kellie would always return home with beautiful African pieces for her own home. During these trips, as well as doing what was required for her work, Kellie would often find herself asking the lodge manager ‘where is this piece from?’, or ‘do you know where I can buy this?’... she was nicknamed ‘shopper’ by African travel industry friends, as she had a habit of going home from work trips with bags and bags full of shopping! "It is amazing how some fast talking can get you out of excess luggage charges!" she says!

Gradually Kellie's love and appreciation for Africa grew in another direction - from travel to the beautiful world of arts and crafts. After years of shopping in Africa and building up a file full of scribbled notes on stores, studios and suppliers, in 2007 Kellie finally took the plunge, leaving her dream job at A&K to start her own business. After 18 months spent planning her business, Safari Fusion was launched in April 2009! Nice one!

Do pop over and check out Kellie's lovely things... such a gorgeous colourful collection!