Nashira was born in Angola in 1962. She came to Botswana as a refugee when she was six years old. Her parents were fleeing the Angolan civil war, and were offered asylum by the Botswana government.

She learnt weaving from her mother, who is now blind and unable to weave. Although her mother could only weave plain baskets, Nashira has learnt to weave intricate and original designs. Her favourite design remains the traditional 'peolwane' (swallow) pattern, and she prefers weaving with black and red dyed mokola.

Previously a farmer, Nashira has six children. Basket weaving provides a higher income than the highly unreliable farming in a region with erratic and low rainfall. She has been trying to join the Etsha Weavers Group for a while, and finally joined them in November 2001.