049 – Empowering Maasai Women with Katy Leakey

Founded in 2002, Katy and her husband Philip are the owners and pioneers of the natural, African-made, sustainable jewelry and elegant, handcrafted products called The Leakey Collection. Based in the Rift Valley of Kenya, East Africa, these renowned designers use natural elements of fallen wood, sustainable grass and “bush fired” porcelain to create uniquely exotic products. Each colorful piece contains vibrant design appeal while giving back to those that produce it. Katy’s motto: Nature Is Our Inspiration – People Are Our Purpose Purchasing a product from The Leakey Collection helps create women entrepreneurs. This in turn, helps educate children, raises the level of health in communities and brings pride and power to rural East African women. One product you may recognize are the Zulugrass necklaces that you see in gift/accessories shops all across America. Business Inspiration Identifying the vision [4:00] Zulugrass is identified/R&D [5:02] The Zulugrass strands impacting women in America [16:30] A Candle Flickering Moment Employees Kidnapped! [12:32] Most difficult part of the production process [8:12] Business Building Insight Fair Trade [9:11] Point of differentiation and why it matters [11:31] International sales [25:02] About the Maasai People Lifestyle of the Maasai [18:58] Value of the grass – past and present [15:15] Insight into Maasai cultural values [20:44] A heartwarming must hear story [23:15] Success Trait Refusing to give up when searching for solutions for both Katy and her husband Philip was the most important mindset for achieving their vision. Productivity/Lifestyle Tool Basecamp -Trusted by millions, Basecamp is the leading web-based project management and collaboration tool. Valuable Book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Contact Links Website Facebook Twitter YouTube Pinterest Instagram If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue