The life & work of Anna Trzebinski

It is our very great honour to display the exquisite, hand-crafted creations by Anna Trzebinski in The Xigera Shop. Anna's artisanal luxury lifestyle brand is her life’s work and passion, and is beautifully aligned with Xigera's values of authenticity and sustainability. Her unique collection, individually designed with the finest raw materials, includes garments, jewellery and accessories, inspired by indigenous designs of native cultures.

'Being part of the Xigera adventure is very exciting,' says Anna. 'It's a very different and very unique creation, and it's a huge honour to be part of the curated edit of talent that is being presented to discerning travellers.'

 

Here, we find out more about Anna's passions and purpose...

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being alone in the remote wilderness of untouched nature with no attention to time.

What is your greatest fear?

My faith has made me overcome most fears, but to lose one of my children would top any list. I shudder even writing it and don't really want to give that thought any energy.

Which living person do you most admire?

Famous living person - Barak Obama; in real life, my children, my co-workers, my real friends.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Lady Jane Digby el Mezrab, Gertrude Lothian Bell, Karen Blixen. None in any kind of literal way, but all fiercely independent, unconventional women of integrity who pushed the boundaries. 

Who are your heroes in real life?

Women, African women in particular, because I know and understand us best. But every human soul has an extraordinary story to tell - I am in awe of survivors.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Time.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Any swear word used once is too often, I am trying to eradicate them from my vocabulary.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My children and some of my pets. All the men in my life have been great loves at different times for different reasons, with one notable shining star. But in the end the most enduring and deep loves in my life are surely Kenya and my creator.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being on a beautiful Turkish sailboat in remote Greek waters by uninhabited islands.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I suppose it depends on whom you ask. From my point of view, brutal honesty; unconventional independence which can get me into trouble. All my friends and children always say it's kindness.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Enduring without becoming hard, which is easier for a woman. Raising my children to be extraordinary human beings I am so proud of and admire.

What is your favourite journey?

My internal journey (intellectual, emotional and spiritual) in this life. 

What is your greatest regret?

Any harsh words that were ever spoken.

What is your most treasured possession?

Everything we perceive as ownership is so fleeting. But I am deeply in love with any land I am so privileged to have temporary custody over. I am deeply connected to each of the pieces of land I have acquired over time.

Where would you like to live?

I am blessed, I live where I want to live­ in Kenya, in a beautiful place, I have called it EDEN, in a remote part of the country split between the ocean and the great north.

What is your favourite occupation?

Manifesting anything, ­so that is my occupation.

When and where were you happiest?

Whilst alone in nature in Africa, connected to my spirit calm and at peace.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To heal the sick - but that is a gift, not a talent. I wish I had a voice to sing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My body. I have a terrible self-image, I am so ashamed of my physique and the size of me. 

What is your motto?

Forgive but don't forget. Forgiveness is up to God, not me, and sets me free; but there is no need to forget why I needed to forgive someone or what for. 

Always see the beauty and the lesson in everything, especially when things get tough.

Discover more about Anna Trzebinski. 

Image credit: Xiomara Bender