Find out about our ethos and team - click on the links below;
OUR ETHOS:
“Products with a Difference and a Cause”
- To develop a sustainable enterprise that adheres to Fair Trade and Ethical Principles in all areas of production, product design and business development.
- To use sustainable and eco/organic materials in product design and development where possible.
- To continue to research and develop methods of production in an environmentally sound manner.
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THE PEOPLE
SafariBead comprises a large number of women from the Maasai community in Kenya, and focuses on providing employment opportunities for these women, many of who are illiterate and would not otherwise have a means of livelihood. We have a team of skilled artisans who have received expert training through UNIDO [United Nations International Development Organisation] who comprise the production team.
The Safaribead team receive a fair wage, aswell as access to loans and medical assistance when required.
Safaribead has training workshops on a regular basis to empower the team to learn further skills as well as gaining more of an understanding of the demands of the export market and product design and colour combinations.
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SAFARIBEAD AND FAIR TRADE
Safaribead aims to have IFAT accreditation by the end of 2008. An internal audit has been performed and at present [Nov 2008] the IFAT offices are not processing applications. [see www.ifat.org] for Fair Trade Principles and guidelines.
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DESIGNER - LISA BARRATT
Lisa Barratt, inspired ethical designer, used to visit the Masai women in their Manyatta and sit for days with them showing them different designs and different combinations of colours. The Masai women learn the skills of beading from a very young age, and Safaribead embraces these skills to produce a product that is of export quality.
The Masai use very colourful bead combinations, which are demonstrated in several ranges of the products. Safaribead combines the colours of Africa, balanced with the designs and colours that are appealing to the countries that Safaribead currently exports to; UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, Caribbean and USA.
Safaribead also has skilled in-house local designers, Alfons and Moses who Lisa works closely with and they assist her in product development, and she in turn lends her expertise to their skill advancement in design.
Safaribead also welcomes any designers from abroad. As each product is handmade, we can develop products specific to requests.
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MATERIALS USED
Safaribead demonstrates diversity in product range though the use of a wide range of different beads from the region and beyond. The beads used come in many shapes and forms, using recycled glass beads, brass ornamental beads that are produced locally, recycled magazine beads and also use of Czechoslavakian Glass beads.
The materials used comprise of sisal, jute, natural raffia and recycled rubber inner tube and recycled tyres. Leather is used which is of export quality and where possible chemical free tanning processes. Natural fabrics like hesian and cotton are also used.
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PRODUCT and BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Safaribead aims to further explore the use of a variety of beads and materials to create unique and where possible, ensure that the products all have an eco and organic element in their design and materials used.
To continue as a profitable, sustainable enterprise ensuring environmental awareness is inherent in material sourcing, production and processes.
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