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Why ‘Zebra Uno’? The Story of the Name

• December 2024
• News

How did Directors Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich come up with the name ‘Zebra Uno’?

The name ‘Zebra Uno’ was inspired by a camera feature – the lens – which sparked a deeper connection for several reasons.

Zebras, like human fingerprints, are uniquely identifiable by their distinct stripe patterns, highlighting individuality within a collective. The black-and-white stripes carry powerful symbolism that aligns with Zebra Uno’s mission and values. They represent unity in diversity, celebrating differences as part of a harmonious whole, and embody the balance of opposites — where darkness gives way to light. This is particularly meaningful in the context of breaking communication barriers for D/deaf people.

When the business launched in Wolverhampton in 2003, its first media project was for Wolverhampton City Council, whose logo featured the motto, ‘Out of Darkness cometh light’. This metaphor resonated with the Deaf community, where communication access was often limited. Zebra Uno aims to break down these barriers through interpreting and media services, providing a “light” for Deaf individuals.

Additionally, the zebra crossing symbolises accessibility, echoing Zebra Uno’s mission to bridge the communication gap for the Deaf community.

The word ‘Uno’ means ‘one’ in Italian , and coincidentally, both Directors have Italian heritage. Zebra Uno perfectly reflects their position as the top choice for anyone seeking their services.

“As a Deaf-led media production company, the choice of our name was highly significant. It reflects our clear mission and values, with a meaningful purpose behind why we selected it.” – Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich

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