This summer I have an opportunity to attend Aid to Artisan's Market Readiness Program in New York City, designed to help craft enterprises compete in the global marketplace. I am raising funds for the tuition of the program. I will learn how to understand what buyers want; what it takes to ensure high-quality products; and understand retail distribution channels to expand my markets.
Most importantly through ATA's program, I will be able to share my love of Kanga with a global audience, and create more opportunities for women in Tanzania to improve their lives and livelihoods through greater market access.
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My Story
Ever since I was a child, sewing beautiful fabrics have been the sources of joy and meaning in my life.
Coming to the US from Tanzania in the early 2000s, I recognized the need for cultural expression and a deeper sense of belonging. Searching for comfort and culture, I began to sew again creating unique garments and accessories from Kanga and Kitenge cloth. This rich cultural fabric is traditional to the East African coast, including my country of origin, Tanzania.
Bahari Creations is a micro-enterprise that I launched several years ago with the dream of sharing my culture through my designs. I have grown my business with the support of Empowered Women International, a non-profit organization based in Greater Washington DC Metro Area empowering women as change-making entrepreneurs. With their support I have developed the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a product line, create my brand and market my products to local businesses and events.
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Through family and friends I have connected with a network of seamstresses in Tanzania who improvise on my patterns, choose their own local Kanga fabric, and make beautiful handmade handbags, wristlets, bracelets, skirts, pants and more.
Women are able to work at home or together and share some resources and markets. They are able to work their own hours and at their own pace. They are able to provide food, clothing, and education for their children. Creating opportunities for them to learn how to be an entrepreneur themselves is most meaningful to me.
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A Swahili saying: "Haba na haba, hujaza kibaba" - Little and little, fills the measure (small things, when combined together make up big things)
Please support my campaign of transforming Kanga cloth accessories into a global style for a global cause.
Kanga Cloth Connects People
Sharing the story of
Kanga cloth with new people has been my passion. Kanga is not only a fabric to be wrapped and adorned by women to wear, but a fabric to be communicated. The colors and patterns, simple designs and printed words are messages of determination, community, and love.
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Connecting You in the Global Exchange
By participating in my campaign, you are helping me learn the skills necessary to take my business to new heights in the global artisan sector. You are supporting a cause that is continuing the tradition of bringing people together. You are investing in women entrepreneurs who can continue to grow and make a living with my patterns and designs. You are enabling me to make new connections with buyers who will import our unique clothing and accessories in the US.
You are needed in this global exchange and your gift can transform lives.
Where the Funds Go
Aid to Artisans (ATA) is a worldwide leader in craft sector development, transforming artisan skills into profitable businesses with over 38 years of creating sustainable income for artisans in more than 110 countries.
The tuition cost for the Aid to Artisan Market Readiness Program is $1800. All funds raised will be used towards the tuition. I am also working hard to raise funds through other marketplace events throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
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What You Get
The perks you get when you invest in my campaign are full of Kanga love to spread our global styles! I will be giving away handmade cards with original Kanga motifs, cloth studded earrings, fabric bracelets, wristlet bags and large handbags.
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Top & Bottom Left: Pair of Kanga cloth stud earrings and two bracelets ($50 perk)
Bottom Left: Two fabric bracelets ($25 perk)
Right: Large Handbag ($200 perk)
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Top Left: Cards with original Kanga motifs ($10 perk and all perks)
Bottom Left & Right: Wristlets ($100 perk)
Challenges But Not Obstacles
With your help I will reach my goal, but in the short amount of time of this campaign, it's also a challenge in reaching it in time. Fortunately, I have received preliminary approval for a micro-loan on the remaining amount not received from
Life Asset , a wonderful non-profit which offers affordable financial solutions to expand social and economic opportunities for lower income residents.
"Kila mwenye kusubiri hakosi kitu" — A patient person never misses
(With patience, you always stand to win)
Please Spread the Word the Kanga Way!
Can't contribute right now? That's okay, we'd love your help another way.
Please get the word out, share our story, and make noise to your friends and family about my campaign to make East African Kanga cloth accessories a global style with a global cause. Use the Indigogo share tools to make it easy!
Thank you for believing in my campaign and together making a world of difference.