Discover the Seny collection, where tradition meets handcrafted luxury

The name “Senny Collection” is packed with meaning. In founder Doro Rose Brewer’s native Guinea, “Senny” means “gold” or “shine.” It’s also the African name for her eldest daughter, Audrey, and pays tribute to a dear friend who came to the United States with Brewer at age 15. But beyond these personal connections, “Senny” embodies the inner radiance that Brewer seeks to infuse into the collection’s handcrafted pieces.

“To me, anything handmade is a luxury item,” Brewer says, “When you make a product, you have to make sure the quality is up to par, otherwise people will buy it because they love it, not because they want to ‘support’ it or do a good deed. When you buy a luxury item, it evokes an emotion in your heart, satisfying you with its beauty and quality, and that goes beyond acknowledging the artisan who made it.”

The Seny Collection offers a variety of items, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, leather goods, handbags, and accessories, all made by a small network of mostly female artisans in Kenya, Ghana, and Brewer’s native Guinea. The most popular items are the Empress and Solace rings, the Audrey necklace (named after her daughter), and the flagship Kazuri collection of beaded bracelets. Since 1975, Kazuri has employed local women to handcraft each bead, from refining the clay to rolling, firing, and assembling the unique stacking bracelets.

The Seny Collection began with humble artisans in Kenya whom Brewer met through an old friend she lived with after moving to the United States. Her roommate would often receive handmade products from her Kenyan friend, and Brewer became fascinated with the craftsmanship and luxury of these items. In 2018, she reunited with her former roommate and her Kenyan friend to receive samples and began crafting the Seny Collection, bead by bead. Brewer officially registered her business as an LLC in 2021 and recently opened a showroom by appointment, in addition to an online marketplace.

Brewer’s path wasn’t without its challenges. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science studies and planned to earn a master’s degree while working in public health. After moving to St. Louis with her husband in 2017, the birth of her daughter, Audrey, caused her life to change direction. “It woke something up in me,” Brewer says. “I went from wanting to go back to work and get my master’s to wanting to find something that would allow me to pursue more of my passions but still be able to stay home and take care of my daughter.”

As the name “Sennie” suggests, Brewer’s passions — women’s empowerment, inner strength, building and connecting community — have always been central to her mission. “I felt like I had lost myself,” she admits. “I wanted to reclaim my identity, to shine, to be the light that I wanted to see in the world and to inspire others with that light. To me, Sennie represents that awakening. My daughter was the catalyst for me to search for my purpose as a mother and as a person.”

In June, Brewer took her three daughters, Adeline, Imani and Audrey, on a month-long trip to Guinea, an opportunity to introduce her daughters to the richness of their traditions as well as add three new artisans to her network.

“In today’s world, we need each other,” Brewer says. “You don’t have to do something big to make an impact on the world. You have to know yourself first and make small changes that will have a big impact. I want my daughters to appreciate the world and understand that there are people out there trying to improve their lives while helping others. Whatever path you choose, you can create opportunities for yourself and others. Everything we have is because of someone else.”

On September 28, Seney Collection will host a fashion show titled “Radiant Red” to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, honor a close friend diagnosed with the disease, and celebrate women’s resilience, strength and unity. The event will highlight Brewer’s belief in the power of global connection and inner empowerment.

“We rely on each other’s talents to survive in this world. We’re all connected, and what we do has a ripple effect,” Brewer says. “How can we all win on a global scale? That’s my vision: Whatever you want to achieve, have a global mindset.”

Seny Collection is available by appointment only through St. Charles County Economic Development Council No. 134, 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, 508-333-0709, senycollection.com.