Nella Bésegué artist and owner of the Roots Crafts Shop in Chamarel, Mauritius Island.

One fine day a young woman from the city decided to seek inspiration from nature. For this, she went and found for her and her children a place to stay in the Rasta-Community in the village of Chamarel.

Anybody in the city thought it to be a bizarre idea, but Nella, recently divorced and recently graduated from arts school, had her very own reasons to leave town.

Upon arrival in Chamarel, she not only found inspiration and artistic fulfilment, but also a wonderful place to stay and last but not least a wonderful caring new husband.

Together they built the Roots Craft Shop where today Nella can be found, selling her own beautifully designed souvenirs, and also cultivating ties to the various artists in the neighbourhood in order to be offering their products in her shop. So when you drive into Chamarel, tell your chauffeur to drop you by the side of Rubens restaurant. Go straight through the terrace and into the welcoming small space, where you will find handmade clothes, hats, bags, sculptures, jams, herbal teas, soaps, bath salts and flower essences made from the plants of the area.

Get yourself a colourfully painted t-shirt, a bag or another item with Nella’s bright cheerful depictions of tropical flowers or fish. Even famous fish Nemo can be found in Nella’s boutique. She surely offers souvenirs for every taste and if you are unable to find your size or colour, Nella will produce the desired within only a small amount of time.

Nella’s Roots Crafts Shop certainly is a place of great charm and a refreshing alternative from the usual souvenir places which sell the same old souvenirs imported from Taiwan, India or Madagascar throughout the island.

Nella recently joined forces with the church and the Lemon Hill Project, allowing them to sell their products in her shop and even offering to teach her craft to the project’s participants. So when you visit Chamarel, don’t forget to stop by this authentic crafts shop, where the real culture of Mauritius is being cultivated and presented to you in a most charming way.