Founder aims to preserve traditions and make a difference for artisans
HOUSTON, July 15, 2009 — Social consciousness and fair trade intersects with functional and decorative artistry at Cape Weaver ), a new company and website that sources the finest handcrafted African home goods from the continent.
Founded in May 2009 by president and CEO Lara Junaid, Cape Weaver is a dream come to life. The company combines Junaid's years of retail consulting and marketing expertise at companies including McKinsey & Co., GE and Coca-Cola Enterprises, with a love of Africa that dates back to her youth. "I spent my childhood and teenage years in Africa," said the Philadelphia native. "Even as a young girl, I developed a passion for handcrafted items and an ever-present sense that I need to make a positive impact on the continent."
Cape Weaver's African home crafts are as varied as the continent's 54 countries, countless tribes and more than 2,000 spoken languages that inspire them. From gorgeous Zulu baskets to hand-tooled leather ottomans and contemporary paintings and sculpture, Cape Weaver spotlights a vast array of treasures. Cape Weaver's products reflect exceptional craftsmanship honed by decades of practice and in many cases several centuries of know-how passed down through generations.
Apart from providing a marketplace for an artisan's goods, Junaid is committed to improving the life of individuals. Some, she's met personally, like Sule Sabo, an expert leather craftsman from West Africa who relies solely on his craft to feed his family. She also works closely with Wola Nani, a South African non-governmental organization (NGO) that helps people living with HIV/AIDS earn a living by making handicrafts. These and other artisan stories are highlighted on .
For shoppers, an added benefit is the assurance that 20 percent of Cape Weaver's annual earnings is donated to the Sekinat & Margaret Foundation (SMF), a registered non-profit organization founded by Junaid, whose MBA from Columbia has brought added business savvy to the enterprise. SMF is dedicated to improving living conditions in Africa for groups like the Almajari, abandoned children working and living on the streets in places like Kano City, Nigeria.
About Cape Weaver LLC
Founded by Lara Junaid in May 2009, Cape Weaver is the premier retailer of distinctive handcrafted home decor pieces from Africa. The company is proud to promote and support individual artisans throughout the continent and abides by fair trade principles.
Contact:
Lara Junaid
Email
713-840-6335
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