Namayiana means ‘blessed’ in the Maasai language and the Kenyan women’s handicraft group of the same name is certainly feeling that way after receiving a much needed grant to develop their bead business.

The 112-strong group initially applied to fair trade financer Shared Interest for an export credit facility, which was granted in order to help them pre-finance their orders.

However, their enthusiasm also captured the hearts of staff at charitable arm Shared Interest Foundation, who subsequently helped Namayiana realise their dream of broadening their reach by attending a trade show in Italy.

Namayiana Project Manager Catherine Mututua said: “The trade fair means a lot to the group as we get new business contacts and ongoing business. The visit will help us see what the outside market requires as well as raising awareness of our work.

“It will broaden their minds in terms of markets, designs and preferred colours and thereby help to improve the quality of their products.”

Shared Interest Regional Development Executive Rachel Ngondo visited Namayiana in person to tell them the great news. She said: “It was very rewarding to see and hear such a joyful reaction, especially when the women greeted us with a traditional song and dance.”

Two women from Namayiana have now attended the Fiera del Levante trade show in Italy and have already been invited to meet one of the Italian buyers in person during their stay.

Catherine continued:

Since Shared Interest Foundation offered us this grant, good things have continued to happen, including new sales leads and orders for our products.

Since Namayiana set up in 1990, the road has not always been a straight one for the group. Initially they struggled with product development given the size of their staff team and diversity of talent. The Kenyan handicraft market is also competitive and Namayiana has had to work hard to secure the right partners.

Beaded products in particular are a popular source of income and Namayiana is aware that they may have to broaden their offering to remain financially viable. However, as a self-help group, their success runs a great deal deeper than product margins and the welfare of staff is key.

Before Namayiana existed there was no real role for women in the local community and no source of income but now they can pay for their children’s education, as well as buy food, clothing and other household items.

Knowledge and skills are passed down through generations with situations such as one member of the group having her daughter to help read instructions whenever she has a new beadwork item to work on. Through increased attendance at trade shows and other events, the group is also becoming more exposed to world issues and for the two chosen members of staff for Fiera del Levante, this will be the first time they have travelled to Italy.

Shared Interest Foundation Manager Andrea Wilkinson said: “The Small Grants Scheme was originally introduced in response to the Asian tsunami in 2005, to help producers to rebuild their businesses and continue trading. It has grown and diversified since then and now helps small to medium sized fair trade enterprises to develop and expand.

“Namayiana stood out because they are a small ambitious organisation trading within a competitive market.

“As Catherine says, Namayiana relies heavily on its presence at trade shows to increase their orders, gain new ideas for product design and network with buyers. This will in turn increase the daily salaries of the workers, helping them earn a better living.

“Shared Interest Foundation would like to wish them every success for the future and hope that this grant helps them on their way to taking their business to the next level.”

Catherine added: “And with Shared Interest behind us, we have more courage to work harder and feel we can go far in our business.

“It was Shared Interest who introduced us to KEFAT (Kenya Federation for Alternative Trade), which has opened doors with the buyer in Italy when we will be able to display our goods at their dinner party during the trade show.

“We want to say thank you to the hand that gives. We have received blessings from the labour of our hands and know there will be opportunities for more groups to be blessed through Shared Interest. Looking forward, we hope to continue to grow our group and pass it on to our children but first we look forward to realising our dreams in Italy.”