In December, Brent and I traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania for holiday.  Our goals were few: eat lots of seafood and spend as much time swimming in the Indian Ocean as possible.  And…do no work.  I have had some trouble with the last one in the past.  Even when we leave our village I am trying to find ways to grow and sustain Kagunda Women. I have approached complete strangers out of curiosity and to talked to other social enterprises for advice.  I scour markets for inspiration and spend far, far too much time online looking at patterns, organizations, business tips and stocking options.  It can certainly wear on my fellow travelers.

This trip, however, I was serious about actually relaxing and letting go of my instinct to work.  And I did, until our very last day.  After a week of seafood, surprisingly delicious Italian restaurants and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the north side of the island, we headed to Stone Town before our flight the next day.  As we wondered the streets, I couldn’t help but to get back into work mode at all the beautiful goods produced there and on the mainland in Tanzania.

Basket making, weaving, batik painting, sewing, wood sculpture and coffee and chocolate dominate the streets and storefronts of the meandering streets.  We were quick to snap photos, grab pamphlets and even purchase a few things to show the ladies upon our return to Kagunda.

They loved getting to see new ideas and approaches to making goods and hearing that there are so many women in countries around Africa who are trying to accomplish the same goals as they are.

These were a few of our favorites:

Upendo Means Love

Upendo is an organization and social enterprise in Stone Town that trains women in life skills and sewing.  They emphasize Christian and Muslim women working together.  Their workspace is next door to their shop and you can see women happily making beautiful clothes for children and women.

Neema Crafts

Neema works with peoples with different disabilities.  Not only do they sew beautiful home goods and accessories but they paint and create the patterns of the fabric they sew their products out of.  After seeing these products the women are begging to being painting their own fabrics.

World of Weaving

These gorgeous scarves and blankets are woven in Tanzania from looms.

We lost the name of this group.  They make bags and these glass jars out of recycled materials.  I just love the repurposing of these wine bottles and the carved wood detail top that is so unique to Zanzibar.

-Bonnie, Founder