Craft futures
Empower Women.
Buy Local.
Socially Driven Business
About Us | Our Story | Our Beginning
House of Basadi was founded on April 18, 2010, when Lynette Johnson supported a designer friend at an exhibition in Johannesburg. Inspired, she envisioned a platform to empower women and girls in disadvantaged communities. Although initially met with scepticism, Lynette put the idea on hold.
In 2013, after relocating to Abuja, Nigeria, she established her home-based sewing business, House of Mosadi, and later served as coordinator for the Internally Displaced Persons Skills Acquisition Centre (IDP-SAC) from 2016 to 2018. Launched in honour of Nelson Mandela Day 2016, IDP-SAC focused on teaching handicraft skills to victims of Boko Haram, resulting in 75 women graduating and starting their own businesses. Since returning to South Africa in 2018, Lynette has continued to mentor women and girls in underprivileged communities, sharing her skills and experiences.
Creating Sustainable Impact
Story of Transformation
House of Basadi (Pty) Ltd is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering underprivileged women through vocational training. Our mission is to develop their talents, foster entrepreneurship, and promote self-reliance, offering opportunities for self-employment and integration into our workforce.
A group of unemployed mothers from Kliptown, Soweto, faced financial and employment challenges, relying mostly on child grants and occasional piece jobs.
Through House of Basadi’s transformative 6-month skills development program, they received training in handicrafts, sewing, pricing, packaging, sales, and customer service.
They also had the opportunity to showcase their talents to local and international corporate organizations, as well as at major conferences. After completing the program, these resilient women came together to launch a craft and sewing group, selling their unique products to tourists visiting Soweto.
Their business is gaining recognition, empowering them to support their families, and contributing to the economic growth of their community.
Beloved Community Builder
Ubuntu
At House of Basadi, we are dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities, particularly women and young girls, through skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial initiatives. As a cherished community builder, we equip young people with practical skills that instil a strong sense of social responsibility, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods and make positive contributions to society. Together, we strive to inspire and uplift the next generation, fostering a brighter future for all.
Thoughtfully Made With 
Our Handmade Products & Specialized Services
We cater to socially conscious consumers who value community upliftment and want to support meaningful change. By choosing House of Basadi, customers contribute to a cycle of empowerment and transformation, aligning with a commitment to social responsibility.
We offer unique, African print-inspired custom clothing, home décor pieces, fashion accessories, and corporate gifts. Our services include vocational training in handicrafts and sewing for disadvantaged communities, kids’ craft activities, girl-child mentoring, and township youth entrepreneurship coaching.
I Am Because We Are
Lynette’s Story
Lynette Johnson is the Founder of House of Basadi (Pty) Ltd, a women’s economic empowerment organization. As a social impact entrepreneur, Lynette is dedicated to teaching handicraft and sewing skills to women and youth from disadvantaged communities.
Her journey began in Abuja, Nigeria, where she led a skills acquisition centre, empowering internally displaced people through skill-building.
Since returning to South Africa, Lynette has continued her mission to uplift local communities, earning recognition as a finalist in the Standard Bank Top Women National Awards for her contributions to job creation and community development.
She mentors youth through the Sizanani Mentorship Program and collaborates with the Ripples of Hope Fellowship as a coach and Legotla partner. Lynette also participates in global initiatives that support women and youth in business.