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Veronica Nyakianda

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Jewellery, Bags

Veronica Nyakianda Gakio is a self-made passionate entrepreneur who embodies excellence in service, the spirit of partnership and humane values for sustainable success in business is the founder and Director of Ankole luxury that deals in the designing and manufacturing of bespoke handmade jewellery and accessories that are made using repurposed horn, brass and stones. Each Ankole piece has been handcrafted by a dedicated team of highly experienced local artisans and a local women group. Ankole Luxury is dedicated to support, mentor, empower and work with local artisans, women and adults with Autism in their acquisition of skills to enable them become self –reliant. She also works with a local women's group from the rural community that specialize in crotchet bags the she does value addition. Veronica is a diploma holder in Human Resource Management from Zabeel University Dubai. She commands tremendous knowledge of global business trends and dynamics having held various leadership positions in Dubai, UAE and Kenya. She continues to embrace incessant learning through various platforms e.g. Academy For Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), Shetrades - ITC, DHL & GIZ E-Commerce program, SINAPIS Road To Growth program, and WomenWork - The Digital Future Program which have helped her network with other women entrepreneurs. She is also a board member of AWEP Kenyan chapter, a business support organization for Women SME’s. On the humanitarian front Veronica is an autism advocate who actively volunteers at Andy Speaks 4SNP in support in advocacy & programs implementation and DTSK (Differently Talented Society of Kenya) two organizations which advocate, create awareness and provide psychosocial-support to parents of children on the autism spectrum as well as giving those with special need a chance to reclaim and assert their full potential in dignity and undying love. She is also community Influencer and events coordinator of enableMe, a platform that talks about disability matters. She supports and mentor persons with disabilities in business by teaching them skills that will enable them to be self-dependent. “Veronica serves to save”.

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Enhancing Crochet Bags with Authentic Kenyan Leather

Category: Design

Competitions: Africa

Introduction: In an increasingly competitive market, it's essential to differentiate our crochet bags from the rest. By integrating genuine Kenyan leather into our designs, we aim not only to elevate the aesthetic appeal but also to add significant value in terms of durability, craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity. Objective: Our goal is to create a unique line of crochet bags that seamlessly blend traditional Kenyan craftsmanship with contemporary design, thereby appealing to a broader audience while supporting local artisans and the Kenyan leather industry. Key Strategies: Sourcing Authentic Kenyan Leather: Establish partnerships with reputable Kenyan leather suppliers known for their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing practices. Ensure transparency in the supply chain, tracing the leather back to its origin to guarantee authenticity and support local communities. Design Innovation: Collaborate with local Kenyan artisans skilled in both crochet and leatherwork to co-create designs that celebrate the fusion of these two crafts. Experiment with different crochet patterns, colors, and leather finishes to offer a diverse range of products that cater to various tastes and preferences. Quality Assurance: Implement stringent quality control measures to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship in every stage of production. Conduct regular inspections to ensure that each bag meets our quality criteria, from the selection of materials to the final finishing touches. Cultural Storytelling: Emphasize the cultural significance of Kenyan leather and craftsmanship in our marketing efforts. Share the stories behind each bag, highlighting the artisans' skills, the heritage of Kenyan leatherwork, and the impact of our collaboration on local communities. Market Positioning: Position our crochet bags as premium, sustainable fashion accessories that embody both style and substance. Target niche markets that value handmade, ethically sourced products with a unique cultural identity, such as eco-conscious consumers, travelers, and supporters of fair trade. Implementation Plan: Research and Development Phase: Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences. Prototype different designs and materials, gathering feedback from focus groups and potential customers. Supplier Engagement and Material Procurement: Identify and establish relationships with Kenyan leather suppliers, ensuring compliance with our ethical and quality standards. Negotiate contracts and secure reliable sources of high-quality leather for production. Product Development and Testing: Work closely with designers and artisans to refine the initial prototypes, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and cultural authenticity. Conduct durability tests and user trials to assess the performance of the bags in real-world conditions. Production Scaling and Marketing Launch: Ramp up production capacity to meet anticipated demand, while maintaining the integrity of craftsmanship and quality. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that leverages digital channels, social media influencers, and traditional PR to generate buzz and drive sales. By integrating genuine Kenyan leather into our crochet bags and embracing the rich heritage of African craftsmanship, we aim to offer customers not just products, but meaningful stories and experiences. Through this endeavor, we hope to contribute to the empowerment of local artisans and the preservation of cultural traditions, while delighting our customers with unique, high-quality accessories they can cherish for years to come.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.