The Mediterranean island we call home is overflowing with talent; some less known than others. Kikkra Malta is an online shop that brings to you utterly unique products, authentically made on Malta’s shores in the most sustainable ways possible. This virtual haven has given local artisans a space to share their creations with us, building a more supportive and sustainable environment one purchase at a time.
Kikkra’s Roots
Anthea Maria Ellul and Becky Dalli are two bright young women, both graduated in the health care sector. Their love for helping people transferred into the creation of Kikkra Malta back in 2019 when they realised that local artisans were struggling to find their footing launching a small business. Anthea and Becky had been searching for the right entrepreneurial idea for a while, and providing marketing, promotional and website services for this niche sector of creators seemed to light that bulb.
The journey was not easy… even recent addition to the Kikkra team, Sarah Jane admitted that her faith in the whole idea was quite low at the start. Why do you think that is?
Anthea, co-founder of Kikkra Malta told The Third Eye;
“Many were sceptical about the idea and after a while I became sceptical too. There was support, but it was mostly because they were friends and family. Underlying this, there were elements of uncertainty. Mostly because people around me didn’t believe there was much talent on the island. Maybe only 10-15 artisans at best ”
When the going gets tough, keep going!
Anthea was on the verge of giving up on Kikkra. The website was not taking off, sales were incredibly low and when the Covid-19 pandemic came around, it just felt like another hit. But with some re-strategising, Kikkra Malta experienced an uplifting turn-around.
“We decided to start offering our services for free when we noticed that a bunch of new artisans and small local businesses were popping up on Instagram. We started reaching out to people, asking if they wanted to join our platform for free and slowly, slowly- we started building our Kikkra Community. Artisans kept joining the community and it just started growing.” -Anthea (Kikkra Malta)
Embrace Local, Support Creativity
Anthea shared her mission for Kikkra Malta with The Third Eye;
“Our mission is to profusely support local and to avoid fast buying, because Malta is a tiny island that’s exploding with talent. We want to become the main channel for all these people, to be their helping hand and maybe in the future, Kikkra Malta will also start launching products of its own!”
Anthea carried on telling The Third Eye about the importance of supporting local creators:
“This all started as a hobby for many of these artisans, partially because they were made redundant due to COVID-19. So, the main reason why you should shop locally is to encourage and support these artists. It is the one thing that is currently striving for them. I think that is its main focus- to safeguard their mental health, support positivity and at the end of the day, their talent. Because there is a lot.”
Introducing…the Kikkra Community!
Anthea describes the Kikkra Community-made entirely of the artisans featured on the website, as ‘Bubbly extroverts, who are all there to support one another.’ To date, there are 39 members on the site. Have a look Kikkra’s talent featured below in a carefully categorised list:
Art and Paintings
Anna Dalli
“My current work has given me ample time and practice in perfecting what I love doing the most-creating pieces.”
Cetty Parisi
“Skylines, sunsets and characteristic landmarks, I am experimenting with my vision of the Maltese culture and sights.”
Ciliberti
“Art is an expression which might allure you into becoming a better version of yourself.”
Parjos Zammit Arts
“Art can have such a tremendous effect on our emotional well-being, and I am passionate about how it can uplift and inspire.”
Pretty in Pastel
“I felt I wanted to find a style that is fun and makes me happy every step of the way. This is how ‘Pretty in Pastel’ was created, with bright colours and original subjects.”
Accessories
Bows Made Pretty
“I started making bows for my pet rabbit, and at that moment I decided to open up a small business with handmade hair accessories and other creations.”
Studio 107
“I wanted to share these products with the public to show how beautiful sustainable products can be made.”
Candles
Dragonfly Dreams
“The various unique and original creations are produced locally and can be tailor-made to the requirements to suit the occasion as well the aroma required.”
Mazina Candles
“My candles are a reflection of my creativity and character.”
Clay
Penda Clay
“I needed to do something about my anxiety, so you could say I tapped into my creative side and decided to try out something new which turned out to be making earrings from polymer clay.”
Tikka Tafal
“I love eccentric fashion and accessories, so I made some earrings for myself that I always wanted to have but never bought because either I couldn’t find any, or they were too expensive.”
Clothing
Gaia and Nina
“You can be sure that you are purchasing only the finest fabrics, made of pure natural fibres, hand sewn at a boutique atelier with talented hands who put their care and expertise on each piece to ensure the highest quality.”
Jaded Art
“Although I paint on canvas and paper as well, my passion has led me to painting on clothes and fabric.”
Crafts
Chantelle Butters Creates
“My mottos for all my dearest clients is; “In the end we created this together, you shared your idea with me and I created your vision.”
Illaħwa Arti
“We are three sisters, currently shuffling our way through university. We have always enjoyed creating craftly projects, ever since we were little kids.”
Little Blue Whale
“The things I create will always have one singular objective: to bring joy to people who see them and the spaces they make their home in.”
Face Masks
AntMasksMt
“My grandmother taught me how to put a thread through a needle and the rest I learnt by myself from trial and error, till finally I can say that I achieved my goal.”
Greeting Cards
Bil-Malti
“Started in 2016, Bil-Malti offers a range of Birthday greeting cards in Maltese. Each greeting has a unique design and short and sweet poem to send your wishes.”
Flint Innovations
“Augmented Reality cards for every occasion. Designed, developed, and printed in Malta.”
Peachez Studio
“We love good design and at the time being we are focusing on designing greeting cards. Our work is original, digitally created, printed and dispatched to you.”
Paloma Handmade Creations
“Although I’ve been making cards for a long time, I always try to learn and experiment with new techniques to keep my creations one of a kind.”
Handbags
Bits n Denim
“The inspiration for my creations for Bits n Denim is to make a range of Tote Bags by up-cycling denim and other materials.”
Gabe Bags
“I’m an avid environmentalist working towards creating a sustainable brand that is not only tackling one of the biggest problems the human race is facing but also trying to inspire change.”
Handmade Teddies
Cuddlesome Critters by Cynthia Darmanin
“My creations are each painstakingly made with much love, passion and care to every detail, using only the finest teddy-making materials.”
Health and Beauty
Omoils Botanicals
“I kept working at developing new products and immersing myself in the amazing physical and therapeutic benefits of essential oils and botanical extracts provided by nature.”
Jewellery
Ana Estelle
“All the hours spent designing, searching for materials and finally making my jewellery are the ones I can calm myself down and can steep myself in what I love doing.”
BerrySass
“I quickly found myself becoming obsessed with the creative pieces that were made using resin, from jewellery to home décor-the ideas were endless.”
Blooms & Bees- Creative Beekeeping
“Denise makes a unique line of natural jewellery based on bees and local flowers. Ray is involved in the development of a medical device based on honey used for wound treatment.”
Dangles and Hoops by Anita
“As humans we have such great creativity if we let our inner self lead us.”
Dazzled by JojoAngels Creations
“Our aim is to always provide quality handmade crafts.”
Firecrafted
“I love infusing my work with bits of nature, like pressed flowers in resin or beach pebbles, while also utilizing delicate Maltese lace for texture, or wine crochet elements.”
Janine Jewellery
“I make my own handmade jewellery bearing my French name, with the aim of creating various styles for women giving that French chic and delicate look.”
Moonstone Creations by Eliza
“I started creating handmade jewellery from a young age thanks to my grandma, who taught me all the basics and how to use crafted wire to make jewellery.”
Sterling Silver Jeweller
“Our staff members aim to ensure all customer touch points reflect a vision of confidence and self-belief.”
The Blossom Queen
“We look to positively change the lives of people as it isn’t just jewellery, it’s giving people the feeling of beauty.”
Macrame
Knots and Feathers
“Being creative and turning thoughts into beautiful pieces, is not only deeply satisifying for me, it also helps me cope with whatever the day, or life even, throws my way.
Woodworks
Anne Marie Abela
“We strive to produce products mainly out of recycled materials as much as possible. “
Wood & Tassel
“Wood & Tassel allows me to transmit emotion to anyone wearing these pieces and also to experiment into a world of colours, styles and textures.”
Purses
Fransina
“I once read that life is tough but so are we, I refuse to give up on life. On my dreams.”
Are You a Budding Artisan?
After chatting with Kikkra Malta, The Third Eye was blown away by the amount of hidden talent that is out there!
If you are a budding local creator of handmade goods and need a platform to sell your work- Kikkra has got your back. They are constantly looking to grow their loving and welcoming artisan community- so if you’ve got a hidden talent, reach out here!
Read more on local artisans here
This article is sponsored by Kikkra Malta