Our Story

Weaving Roots, Crafting Dreams

Babatan is born from the fusion of cultures, stories, and the timeless allure of craft. The name itself is a reflection of founder Audrey Baba’s rich heritage, connecting the vibrant traditions of her mother’s homeland in Cameroon with the resilient spirit of her father’s Polish roots.

As a child, Audrey wandered through bustling markets in Cameroon, enchanted by the vivid textiles and intricate jewelry that seemed to hum with the energy of their makers. These early memories became seeds of inspiration, planting a deep love for craftsmanship and creativity.

Her journey led her to the heart of luxury fashion, working as a fabric buyer for iconic houses like Hermès, Chloé, and Mugler in Paris. There, Audrey’s passion for the art of making only deepened. Visiting ateliers, she marveled at the hands of artisans breathing life into raw materials. The quiet magic of their work called to her soul, igniting a dream to honor their craft in her own way.

Answering this call, Audrey left the world of luxury fashion to embark on her entrepreneurial journey, weaving her passion for heritage and craft into a vision that would become Babatan.

She acquired a 25-year-old leather sewing machine from a retired Moroccan artisan in Paris, immersing herself in the art of leathercraft and becoming a certified artisan.

Babatan’s story truly began to take shape during her time in Asia, where the rhythms of life, markets, and local crafts once again found her. Working with skilled artisans in Mindanao, Philippines, and leathercrafters in Cameroon, Audrey designed the first Babatan creations—pieces that honored eco-design, heritage, and the beauty of available materials.

Today, Babatan continues to weave the threads of nature, culture, and craftsmanship into every design. It is a living testament to the power of heritage, the beauty of craft, and the magic of blending diverse cultural roots into harmony.