About Us: Kasandy – Connecting Stories, Empowering Artisans

 

At Kasandy, we are more than a fair trade store—we are a movement dedicated to showcasing the beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship of artisans from Kenya, East Africa, and around the world. Our mission is to align handmade talent with global consumers, offering products that are not only stunning and high-quality but also create meaningful change.

We collaborate closely with artisan entrepreneurs to refine their designs, improve craftsmanship, and align their creations with market trends. By doing so, we help them grow their businesses sustainably and increase their incomes, transforming lives and communities. Every product we offer is a testament to our commitment to fair trade principles, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility.

Our Mission: Empowerment Through Opportunity 

We partner with our customers to bridge the gap between small, micro-economy artisans and the global marketplace. Together, we enable artisans to earn a sustainable income, support their families, and invest in their communities.

  

What Makes Kasandy Unique?

 

1. A Platform for Talent and Creativity

Kasandy provides a stage for underrepresented artisans to share their work with the world. Every piece we sell is handcrafted, environmentally conscious, and design-led. Our artisans use recycled, upcycled, and ethically sourced materials, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of their work.

2. A Global Community 

By shopping with us, you’re not just buying a product—you’re becoming part of a story. Our customers help artisans achieve financial stability, fund education for their children, and invest in their communities. Your purchase creates ripples of impact far beyond the item itself.

3. Risk-Free Opportunities for Artisans

We buy directly from artisans at prices they set, paying them upfront. This removes the uncertainty of sales and allows artisans to focus on their craft without the worry of delayed or lost income.

4. Sustainable by Design

From materials to processes, every product we sell is a step toward a greener world. By choosing Kasandy, you support eco-friendly practices while enjoying unique, stylish goods.

 

Our Impact in Action 

Kasandy isn’t just about beautiful products; it’s about driving meaningful change. Every sale supports micro-entrepreneurs, especially women, in achieving financial independence. We’ve created a business model that ensures artisans receive regular income while helping our customers feel good about the difference they’re making.

 

A Personal Connection

Kasandy was born out of my deep connection to Kenya, where my family lives, and my passion for showcasing the creativity of African artisans. My corporate career taught me the power of branding and marketing, but it was the constant compliments on my African-inspired accessories that sparked my entrepreneurial journey. Friends loved the pieces I brought back from Kenya, and their enthusiasm showed me that there was something special about these products.

 

I started Kasandy to share the artistry of East African artisans with the world, blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Today, our products connect their stories to yours, creating a global community that values beauty, creativity, and impact.

 

Kasandy’s Guiding Values

 

1. Fair Trade and Ethical Practices: Every artisan we work with earns a fair wage, and we ensure safe and ethical working conditions.
2. Celebrating Creativity: We collaborate with artisans on design, blending their traditions with modern trends to create pieces that are practical, stylish, and meaningful.
3. Environmental Stewardship:  Our products are made using recycled, up-cycled, or sustainably sourced materials, minimizing environmental impact.
4. Empowering Women and Communities: Many of our partnerships focus on women artisans, helping them achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities.

 

Why African Artisanry Matters

Growing up in Kenya, I witnessed the struggles of many artisans—especially women—who had the talent but lacked the market access to make a living. I started Kasandy to change that. By introducing their products to the global marketplace, we not only provide a steady source of income but also give them the opportunity to build brighter futures.

 

How We Choose Our Products

Every item in our store tells a story. I personally travel to meet artisans, inspect working conditions, and ensure fair trade standards are upheld. Beyond the products we source from Kenya and East Africa, we curate unique and meaningful goods from like-minded vendors who share our values.

 

We prioritize:

• High-quality craftsmanship.
• Positive social impact on artisan communities.
• Use of recycled, up-cycled, or ethically sourced materials.
• Designs that are practical, stylish, and cool—perfect for your closest friends and family.

 

Locally Made with Pride

At Kasandy, we take great pride in producing 20% of our products right here in Vancouver at our store. From hand-pouring candles to crafting unique pieces, our local production not only ensures the highest quality but also supports the vibrant community we call home. By blending global inspiration with local craftsmanship, we bring you products that tell a story of creativity, collaboration, and care. Each locally made item reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing meaningful work opportunities in our community.

 

Embracing the Circular Economy

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Kasandy, and our engagement in the circular economy is a testament to that. By focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and repurposing products, we create goods that have a lasting impact without harming the planet. Many of our items are made using upcycled, recycled, or ethically sourced materials, breathing new life into resources that might otherwise go to waste. This approach not only minimizes our environmental footprint but also aligns with our vision of a greener, more responsible future. When you shop with us, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re participating in a movement that values sustainability and resourcefulness.

 

Join the Movement

When you shop at Kasandy, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a vision for a fairer, more sustainable world. Together, we can create opportunities, empower artisans, and make a difference.

Discover products that look good, feel good, and do good. Visit us online or at our store on Granville Island in Vancouver, and be part of the Kasandy story.