Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Fridaldesigns project aims at coming up with tailor made bags using recycled textiles, such as vibrant African lesos and upcycled garments to create functional, stylish and sustainable bags.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Fridaldesigns reimagines sustainability through unique bags crafted from repurposed textiles. We make use of our tailoring skills to create bags for different occasions, all in the aim of creating durable bags that don't easily wear out or fade with time. Each bag is a piece of art meticulously crafted from the famous mitumbas, lesos or curtain cutouts. Our business is environmental friendly as it works against littering of environment using carrier bags. We empower the youths by giving them bags to sell thus generating a side hustle for them. Our team comprises of dedicated individuals who share a vision of a richer cultural tapestry and self employment jobs for the youths. Despite challenges such as limited resources and market reach, we have implemented innovative marketing strategies and leveraged social media to build a strong brand presence. Looking ahead we aim at expanding our product line and launch initiatives aiming for community development and environmental stewardship.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Fridaldsigns tackles the challenge of mitigating the environmental impact of mitumbas, addressing youth unemployment, cultural preservation and economic empowerment. By creating high quality sustainable bags from recycled materials we offer an alternative to the mitumba market that often stifles local textile industries. Having people walk the Kenyan streets with our own made bags in place of imported used bags is something we dream of. Our approach not only reduces waste and promote eco friendly practices but also empowers jobless youths with skills and employment. We are committed to revitalizing local craftmanship and fostering a self sustaining economy that values the talents of its young people. By incorporating African lesos into our designs we preserve and promote African cultural heritage and traditional textile. We cope with the challenge of economic empowerment by sourcing materials locally thus supporting other small businesses and suppliers.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Each bag is made up from recycled materials thus reducing waste and the environmental footprint associated with new textile production, this brings about sustainability. it fosters durability since the bags are crafted with care with the aim of producing long lasting and durable bags. Cultural connection is upheld as the bags celebrate African heritage, connecting users with the rich cultural stories woven into the fabric of each piece. The bags are designed to be functional and stylish, suitable for variety of occasions, from casual outing to formal events thus showing its advantage of versatility.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Fridaldesigns bags are aimed at servicing a diverse clientele, the targeted audience is broad yet unified by a shared commitment to sustainability, culture and community. The targeted audience includes, women, men, college students and children. Since bags are used all round and we ma bags from college shoulder bags to tote bags, backpacks, laptop bags and pencil pouches.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-12-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

The other owner of Fridaldesign is my father. He is a retired Nakumatt tailor whom I learnt from and still learning from the tailoring skills. He has more than 20 years of experience in interior designing for stitching curtains.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.instagram.com/fridaldesigns?igsh=cG5jZjBjc2FvZmJm

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Creating employment, offering jobs to local youths, especialy those who are jobless, helps reduces poverty when they are selling bags thus generating a source of income.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Creating jobs and supporting local economies can increase the purchasing power of communities allowing better access of food.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

By providing jobs and skills training, this can reduce stress and mental illness. Fridaldesigns promotes mental well-being by fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Making of bags involves a lot of physical tasks from cutting fabric pieces to ironing different parts then operating on the sewing machine, this contributes to better physical health.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Fridaldesigns offers practicals skills training in bag making, which can be an alternative or supplement to formal education. It encourages lifelong learning promoting the idea of continual learning and skill development among employees and community members.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Fridaldesigns produces unisex bags that are designed to be suitable for all genders. The use of vibrant African lesos and repurposed clothing allows for a wide range of styles that cater to diverse tastes, making the bags versatile and inclusive.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Fridaldesigns minimizes water pollution since up cycling fabrics means fewer chemicals are released into water system from textile dyeing and treatment processes. Fridaldesigns can campaign for clean water and sanitation by making bag art that advocate for clean water and discourage water pollution.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

We can advocate for affordable and clean energy through art, incorporating designs that symbolize renewable energy sources, such as the sun, wind turbines, or water waves, that can convey a powerful message. Fridaldesigns can also use colors and patterns that are associated with nature and sustainability to further emphasize the theme.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Fridaldesigns aims at generating employment opportunities for local youths which contributes to economic growth and provides individuals with decent work. This by offering bags for them to sell or equipping them with skills to start their own business.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

The project's innovative use of recycled materials for bag production fosters a culture of creativity and innovation. As the buisness grows, there may be opportunities to invest in local infrastructure, such as workshops and retail shops.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Fridaldesigns aims at producing bags that serve a wide range of customers, thus helps in bridging the gap between different social and economic groups. By sourcing materials locally and providing employment, Fridaldesigns helps to stimulate economic growth in my community, which can contribute to reducing the wealth gap between countries.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Using recycled materials reduces waste and promotes a circular economy. We will also raise awareness about sustainability and responsible consumption through our bag products and community involvement.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Creating of durable bags means they last longer reducing the need for frequent replacement. Recycling textiles helps decrease the amount of wastes sent to landfills. Creating consumer awareness by educating them on the benefits of sustainable products will encourage responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By making use of recycled fabrics in our bags production can reduce CO² emission by upto 80%. This substantial decrease in emissions contributes to the global effort to combat climate change. The production of new fabrics often requires a lot of water and chemical which is harmful to the soil quality and depletes water sources. By using recycled materials Fridaldesigns helps to conserve water and reduce chemical usage. Promoting Circular Economy: By repurposing lesos and recycled fabrics, Fridaldesigns supports the circular economy, which aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources1. This model fosters sustainability and reduces the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Reducing Microfiber Pollution: When synthetic fabrics are washed, they shed microfibers that enter waterways and eventually the ocean. These microfibers are ingested by marine life, causing harm to their digestive systems and leading to bioaccumulation of toxins. By using recycled fabrics, Fridaldesigns helps to reduce the release of these harmful microfibers into the environment.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Resource Conservation: Recycling fabrics means fewer new resources are needed, which aids in conserving natural resources like water, land, and energy. This is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and preventing deforestation. Waste Reduction: By using lesos and recycled fabrics, Fridaldesigns helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Textile waste is a significant environmental concern, with millions of tons of fabric ending up in landfills annually.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Promoting Fair Labor Practices by ensuring that the production process of the bags respects workers’ rights and offers fair wages, in this way Fridaldesigns can contribute to social justice and equitable economic growth. Engaging with local communities in the sourcing and manufacturing of bags can help to foster a sense of inclusion and participation which are essential for peaceful societies.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Through patnership Fridaldesigns can offer training and development programs

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Recycled bags are not a new product in the Kenyan market , Fridaldesigns resonates in the bag industry by using recycled materials thus using old fabrics that are termed as wastes and converts them to bags that are durable.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the sustainable fashion industry in Kenya include Katush, Hamaji and Rummage. What sets Fridaldesigns apart is its unique focus on creating durable bags from lesos and recycled fabrics. This not only addresses textile waste but also preserves traditional Kenyan culture through the use of lesos. Additionally, Fridaldesigns is committed to mitigating the environmental impact of mitumbas and providing employment opportunities for the youth, which enhances its social impact.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Offering mentorship programs, lots of women in my society have sewing skills, creating a local gathering for women to interact and share knowledge and skills about different businesses. Provide workshop and training sessions focused on business skills, sustainable fashion and leadership for women.