It’s no secret I have a deep love for Africa, and even more specifically, Kenya. My love for Kenya runs thick and it runs deep. I really do feel, in so many ways, that it’s my second home. So, when the awesome folks with Zazzle and Ubuntu Made reached out to me to let me know about their collaboration, I was SO EXCITED.

I LOVE seeing the the wide variety of products and customization options that Zazzle has combined with the beautifully unique and handcrafted products of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a nonprofit organization that works directly with the Maasai people of Kenya. For this collaboration, Zazzle worked very closely with a small community of Maasai women to create beautifully handcrafted pieces! Included in the collection is an iPhone pouch, a leather travel pouch, canvas journal, leather journal, canvas utility tote, leather tote, and leather keychain. I love that EVERY single piece in the collection is handcrafted in Kenya by one of these women and then customized / laser etched in California!

The Zazzle and Ubuntu teams both travelled to the Maai Mahiu region of Kenya to work directly with the artisans on everything from the dimensions, style, and colors of each of the products, making sure that it was all done with the highest level of quality in every element of production.

Ubuntu’s social enterprises are working to create a foundation of commerce in these communities that help to cultivate sustainable economy, wellness, and prosperity. This is SO important for creating something that works over the long term! Ubuntu is a South African word that means ‘I am because we are.’

I wanted to show you a couple of the pieces that I received from the collection!

First is the INCREDIBLY gorgeous leather tote. I chose to have mine personalized with my favorite verse, my life verse, 1 Peter 4:10:

It really is incredibly well made, the attention to detail is second to none, and it’s so sturdy and holds A LOT! It’s the perfect piece for carrying on it’s own or even using it to organize and throw it in a larger bag. 

And then there is this tote that is basically my new favorite thing ever. While you can customize any of the pieces in the collection any way that you want, they also have pieces that are “ready made” and you can order as is. This “Totes Ma Goats” tote is one of them. I honestly laughed out loud at it and laugh every time I use it! Lilly loves it because it has a goat on it… and, well, goats are her favorite animal. Haha! 

It’s not only well made and hilarious, but it is also HUGE! It is really sturdy and great for carrying ALL THE THINGS.

And lastly I wanted to show you the customizable keychain /keyring! I love it! I ALWAYS lose my keys, so I love that I can hook it on my purse or a zipper and keep track of it.

I can’t say enough good things about this collaboration! I am BEYOND impressed and I also love the heart behind both Ubuntu and Zazzle. I love seeing companies that are working so diligently to provide economic opportunity around the world!

Huge thank you to Zazzle for all you’re doing for the Maasai women of Kenya and bringing attention to this amazing group of people. And thank you to collaborating with me on this post!