Kazuri Beads

Founded in 1975 as a fledging business by Lady Susan Wood who began making beads in a small shed in her back garden. What began as hiring two local disadvantaged women to help quickly turned into the long and successful journey for Kazuri Beads as a help center for needy woman, especially single mothers with no other source of income, when Lady Susan Wood realized there were many more woman that were in need of jobs.

Kazuri expanded into a full fledge factory in 1988, employing more than 120 woman and men. Kazuri trains its artisans so that their skills may be applied to produce the unique and beautiful bead and jewelry Kazuri still offers today. Furthermore, the beads used by the Kazuri’s artisans are made with clay from Mt Kenya and adds further authenticity to each artisan’s uniquely crafted product.

In 2001 Mark and Regina Newman bought the company and their goal is to further increase the size of the company and to maintain the guiding philosophy... to provide employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan Society. Today Kazuri, the Swahili word for 'small and beautiful' produces a wide range of hand made, hand painted ceramic jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors and Kenyan art that reflects a culture and appeal to a worldwide fashion market. Kazuri's beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and are sold worldwide. These standards are maintained through high training standards and a highly motivated management team.

Kazuri Women Sing

Fair Trade Artisans

Fair Trade Artisans
Learn about the artisans who make the wonderful items availble in our store.

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Boutique Services

Fair Trade Boutique
If you don’t see the item you want, just ask us! We love searching for new items.

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The Fair Trader's Passion for Fair Trade

We at The Fair Trader want to share our passion for fair trade by sharing "Shopping That Makes A Difference" with everyone. You can be confident that a significant percentage of your dollars will go directly to the artisans around the world who create your purchases.  We are proud members of the Fair Trade Federation as well as Chicago Fair Trade.