10/01/2026
Sometimes, something familiar can make you feel a little closer to home. ❤️
We recently had the honor of partnering with Vitendo 4 Africa to welcome seniors to the Gitzell FairTrade warehouse for a day filled with weaving, knitting, drumming, music, stories, and plenty of laughter.
Surrounded by familiar crafts and traditions, the seniors felt right at home, reconnecting with experiences and memories from earlier in their lives. It was a beautiful reminder that craft carries culture, and that handmade pieces can connect us to people, places, and memories across generations.
The day was especially meaningful for our founder, Zellipah Githui. Nearly 28 years ago, Gitzell began with a suitcase of handmade goods and souvenirs she brought from Kenya and began sharing at her college. When she arrived to college, she felt lonely, culture shock, and nothing felt like home. She began sharing her handcrafts from home with students in the dorms, introducing others to the craftsmanship, traditions, and stories behind pieces that were familiar to her.
28 years later, the story continues: connecting people through craft, culture, and community.
Interested in experiencing Gitzell FairTrade firsthand? Book a tour of our St. Charles warehouse, we’d love to welcome you.
