How You Can Stay Involved

We are looking to our customers to help us sustain the future of these amazing little beads that make a big difference in the lives of so many women.

We want to hear your stories about how Kazuri has made a difference in your life or touched others.

We will choose stories for inclusion in subsequent issues. Please send your story to the email address listed below in the Contacts section, with permission for reprinting. If we choose your story, you will receive a 10-pack of Kazuri beads as a special thanks!

Kazuri & Me

From Judith in New York
Why I Love Kazuri Beads

I am an occupational therapist and fully embrace the concept of "teaching people to fish so they can eat for a lifetime." Over my many years of practice, I have worked with people young and old, to help them realize their abilities in the face of difficult circumstances. When I first saw jewelry made from, and learned the origin of, Kazuri beads I couldn't wait to order some for myself.

I began to bead as an inexpensive way to repair the broken bracelets and necklaces of my three daughters and found that working with the colors and patterns of these small bits of whatever made me feel really good. I was restoring something broken to function again. The pleasure and sense of creativity I felt when beading grew, and I couldn't stop making new and ever different pieces of jewelry using Kazuri and other new or "found" beads.
The process supported me through several life changes, and I found a new balance.
I felt I had come full circle by using these small works of beauty to sustain life and purpose for others who themselves had "learned to fish."

I sincerely hope my continued use of these artful, lovely beads will supporft others in their quest to eat for a lifetime. With each Kazuri bead creation I make, I think of the other hands each little form has passed through and wonder about their creator. I journey far.

Thank you, Judith, for sharing your story. Please keep your stories coming, and remember, if you are published, you will receive a 10-pack of Kazuri beads!

An Update From The Kazuri Factory

Many have asked how the recession has impacted the women at The Kazuri factory. We asked the question to Raymond, the production manager at Kazuri Kenya.

Here is his answer:
We have not had to lay off any employees; however sales have been very slow as far as exports are concerned, almost 30% lower than last year. On the contrary, we have had to add on non-Kazuri items to our products for sale in our retail store here in Kenya. Regina Newman ( owner) made a promise to Lady Susan Wood before she died - to take care of the ladies - and we plan to keep our ongoing commitment. We make sure the women are well taken care of. We give them 21 paid days off annually after completion of 9 months continued employment. Health care, day care and transportation to the factory are still being provided for the women. Our first priority is to keep the women employed and well cared for. We have had to be creative and adapt to these challenging times. We continue to stand by our original mission statement: to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society.

We have maintained good relations with our worldwide Kazuri dealers to maintain a sustainable business in difficult times, and we are optimistic as all Kazuri dealers worldwide remain committed to the project and are ready to jump start when things turn around.

We send a special thanks to all for your continued support as well as best wishes for the holidays.