Gitzell Fairtrade International Brings African Goods to US Customers

Reported in the St. Louis Business Journal

Gitzell Fairtrade International, owned by Kenyan entrepreneur Zellipah Githui, is in the business of bringing colorful African decor, handbags and home goods to people all over the world.

Its wares are made from some of the earth’s most natural materials, so it’s fitting that the company developed organically – from a good idea into a thriving wholesaler. Today, Gitzell counts about $600,000 in annual revenue and employs a small staff that feels like family, according to Githui. A second generation is likely to take over eventually, and Githui said the process has been a real calling for her – providing beautiful, natural products while helping artisans make a living.

The Past

When Zellipah Githui first arrived in the U.S. as a student, she came with a desire to help her fellow Kenyans, but she didn't know that wish would shape her future as a businessperson and humanitarian.

"There was an opportunity to help artisans from my country, women like my mother, so I started out as an entrepreneur by selling some African souvenir items my nieces had given me," says Githui, who had a research career at Monsanto before eventually launching her own business.

In the late 1990s, she started Gitzell Fairtrade, a wholesaler offering handmade African baskets, handbags and other home goods. "It actually helped me form an identity for myself. I started to build this enterprise that now makes me feel like me,” she said.

Today, customers can buy the items online and at retail stores and gift shops, in a variety of designs. "It's the vibrancy of colors that make African baskets unique and attractive," Githui said.

Read the full article in the Business Journal