Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

I founded Blooms Handmade during a challenging period of my life when I found myself in a new season seeking a sense of familiarity and comfort and for me, this was my creative passion. This need for a creative outlet led to the birth of Blooms Handmade.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Blooms Handmade is a sewing business that purposes to create high quality items that find a balance between traditional and modern fashion trends while fostering sustainable fashion practices. From kimonos, tote bags, pouches, table runners, key chains to scrunchies, our aim is to make unique and custom tailored items for customers who seek personalized fashion pieces.

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

In today's world, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable fashion options but struggle to find custom, eco-friendly items that fit their taste and is affordable and at Blooms Handmade we scratch this itch by providing sustainable, affordable and, high quality pieces all under one roof. Also, traditional and cultural pieces often require specific expertise to produce and this is not always available in mass-market stores but we have specialized in creating traditional and cultural attire, preserving heritage. Clothing repair and maintenance services are often hard to find, leading to discarded garments that could be fixed and as we aim to take care of environment by reducing waste we do this by providing repair services which extends the life of garments, and offers cost savings for consumers.

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

Blooms Handmade's products are of high quality and unique artistry compared to mass produced items and they are therefore more durable and can be customized with intricate details tailored to individuals preferences.

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

Our products cater to a broad audience and these include: people who appreciate beautiful alternatives to plastic carrier bags. lovers of fashion, table runners customers who are seeking unique home decors and individuals who are interested in traditional clothing with a modern touch.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-12-18

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

This business is run by one owner, myself.

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/_blooms_handmade/

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Blooms Handmade contributes to this SDG by providing employment opportunities for me, the people I source my fabrics from and future individuals I will employ. This sewing business has empowered me to earn a sustainable income and and support local suppliers, promoting sustainable economic growth in my region.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Blooms Handmade contributes to the Zero hunger goal by providing job opportunities and an income to the local fabric suppliers and to myself and we can therefore afford nutritious food and food security has improved.

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

5

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

My sewing business indirectly promotes good health and well being by providing decent finances and I can afford basic healthcare services

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

I plan to highlight my achievement as a woman in the sewing industry to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representations of women as financially independent figures in the society.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

At Blooms Handmade we ensure that raw materials are sourced from suppliers who adhere to sustainable and water-efficient practices that contribute to better water management upstream in the supply chain.

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 use sustainable fabrics such as recycled polyester and other eco-friendly materials to reduce the environmental impact of production and we also create high-quality and durable products that require less frequent replacement to reduce overall energy consumption in the long term.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Blooms Handmade has created an employment for me as a student and the local suppliers i get my materials from.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My sewing business has driven innovation through design, production techniques, and technology adoption by introducing new styles, materials, and production methods that improve efficiency and product quality.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

As a woman and a youth, Blooms handmade has provided me with a job opportunity and this has empowered me by providing an opportunity for economic independence and leadership. If other women follow my example and become entrepreneurs in their own niche, it will contribute to close gender gaps in employment, income, and decision-making, both which are critical aspects of reducing inequalities.

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

Blooms Handmade operates locally through sourcing material and its customers. By generating income and employment opportunities within my community, Blooms Handmade has contribute to the economic vitality of this urban region.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

At Blooms Handmade, we choose to use sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics and materials like recycled fibers and we have also implemented practices to minimize waste generation. This includes efficient pattern cutting to maximize fabric utilization, recycling fabric scraps for other products, and promoting repair services to extend the life of garments

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By offering products that are made from sustainable materials, Blooms Handmade has reduced the environmental impact of the fashion industry and encouraged longer product lifecycles, reduced waste, and minimized resource consumption Local production and sourcing of materials has also helped reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

At Blooms Handmade, we up-cycle and re-purpose old and used clothes into new product and this significantly reduces waste that might end up in oceans, rivers and lakes.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

I have adopted sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste through efficient production methods, and promoting recycling and up-cycling of materials and through this Blooms Handmade has been able to create a decent and sustainable job for me.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

As a young woman, founding Blooms Handmade has created a job opportunity for me and has therefore reduced unemployment and poverty and empowered me financially.

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.

5

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

5

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

2

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

The products and services at Blooms Handmade are unique compared to the ones in the market because: 1. We use sustainable fabrics and offer repairing services to reduce waste. 2. We value our customers and therefore custom make the items based on their preferences 3. We use high quality fabric sourced locally hence supporting other small businesses.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

My main potential competitors are big retail stores that sell finished products. I can stand out from them by specializing in custom made items and engaging with my customers on a more personal level.

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

N/A