Kenya trip inspires flip-flop launch
19/05/2011
During a recent visit to the African country, Ms Gray met Fareed Khimani, founder of a small co-operative in Nairobi called Maasai Treads that was making a basic flip-flop product using recycled tyres, inspired by the Akala, a traditional leather sandal worn by the Maasai community.
The Fresh Cargo founder explains: “When I met the Maasai Treads team there were four people supplying local stores and tourists in Kenya. The flip-flops were raw in design and not very female-friendly. I knew with the right design and colours these recycled flip-flops could become a global success and employ hundreds of people offering a sustainable business for the community, so we created a partnership."
The result is this new line of flip-flops, called Fresh Cargo Maasai Treads, handmade in Kenya with recycled tyre soles and 100% hemp uppers. All components of our recycled flip flops are sourced locally. Currently the project employs 20 people, with hopes that this will expand to 100 by the end of 2012, creating a positive effect on the Maasai community in what is currently an area with a 40% unemployment rate.
“I am a great believer in trade not aid and hope that retailers will help me in my vision of creating further employment for this community," Ms Gray adds.
Fresh Cargo Maasai Treads flip-flops are available in men's and women's designs in navy, pink, black, chocolate and purple. They have a retail price of £22.
A donation worth 5% of the sales of Fresh Cargo Maasai Treads will go to the Born Free Foundation, which cares for orphaned big cats, great apes and elephants.
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