About us

Hi, I’m Akiko. I’m half Japanese, half Kenyan, born in Chiba, Japan and raised in Nairobi, Kenya.

After getting our first dog, I noticed how differently the two places treat dogs. In Japan, they’re part of everyday life, loved, dressed up, included in everything. In Kenya, that’s still new.

I named the brand Malaika, which means “angel” in Swahili, which I found fitting for something made with love for dogs. I started Malaika because I wanted our dog to have that same soft life and to share a bit of Kenya with dogs everywhere. We make small-batch pieces, everything by hand,  from African wax print cotton, made to be simple, colourful and full of care.

Across many African communities, these fabrics are chosen with care and often gifted for special occasions. They’re full of meaning and personality, designed to celebrate life’s big moments.

For your dog, whose time with us is shorter than we wish, every day is a special occasion. That’s why I believe they deserve something thoughtful, joyful and made with love.

with love
- Akiko