OUR ORIGINS & HERITAGETABAKA, KISII, KENYA

About House Of Soapstone

How a humble passion for carving soapstone figurines in western Kenya evolved into one of East Africa’s premier artisanal studios.

“We do not impose our will on the stone. We listen to the natural mineral veins, carving away only what hides the piece within.”

-Tabaka Artisan Master Carver

From Village Markets to Worldwide Living Spaces

House of Soapstone Designers is a business that has been crafting beautiful, high-quality soapstone products with dedication and pride. Our journey began in the heart of Kenya’s Kisii region, where artisans first carved delicate figurines and paperweights, selling them at local roadside markets and county gatherings.

With time, our passion for soapstone carving grew into a full-time business. We expanded from pocket-sized carvings into larger, functional, architectural pieces: intricate spiral cone tealight holders, star aromatherapy oil burners, fluted floor vases, heavy monolithic bookends, and handcrafted countertops.

Today, House of Soapstone Designers stands as one of the leading producers of authentic soapstone creations in East Africa, serving a loyal customer base that spans private homes, boutique eco-lodges, interior design firms, and global collectors across Kenya, Europe, and the Americas.

What truly sets us apart is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Each piece is carved by hand by master carvers who have honed their skills over decades. Our raw steatite is hand-selected from vetted quarries in Tabaka to guarantee uniform density, radiant warmth, and exceptional longevity.

Uncompromised Craft

No industrial CNC machines or synthetic resin substitutes. Every edge is formed by chisel, water-sanded by hand, and sealed with pure beeswax.

Community First

We work directly with local families in Tabaka, paying living wages and funding vocational apprenticeships for youth and women carvers.

Eco-Conscious Mining

Quarry offcuts are recycled into agricultural soil amendments and chalk, preventing landfill waste and preserving the Tabaka hillside ecosystem.

OFFICIAL COMPANY TAGLINE

“Empowering Together, Creating Change”

Uniting artisan communities, ethical material sourcing, and mindful buyers in a sustainable cycle of dignity and creativity.

 

OUR FOUNDATION

Mission, Vision & Core Values

The principles that steer every chisel strike, quarry partnership, and customer interaction at House of Soapstone Designers.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality, handcrafted soapstone products that are both beautiful and functional. We strive to preserve the traditional artistry of soapstone craftsmanship while also incorporating modern designs and techniques.

Our Vision Statement

Our vision is to become the leading provider of handcrafted soapstone products in the industry through our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We aspire to promote sustainable business practices by sourcing our materials from responsible suppliers and supporting local communities in which we operate.

ARTISAN CODE

Our Core Mindsets

Quality Services and Products Control

Rigorous manual inspection of every soapstone piece for structural density, vein clarity, and smooth water-sanded touch.

Delivery on Time & Cost-Efficient Manner

Reliable express logistics across Kenya and worldwide DHL air freight with protective shock-absorbent packaging.

Long-Term Satisfaction with Customers

Transparent customer support via WhatsApp, Paystack secure guarantees, and ongoing care advice for collectors.

Work is Worth

Honoring the labor of human hands through fair wages, dignity, and intergenerational craft transmission.

MATERIAL SCIENCE & SOUL

Why Kisii Steatite is Unique in the World

Soapstone is a talc-schist rock known geologically for its high heat capacity and silky tactile feel. When used in aromatherapy oil burners, the stone absorbs and diffuses heat gently and evenly, vaporizing essential oils and wax melts without scorching them or releasing toxic chemical fumes.

Thermal Diffusive

100% Non-Toxic