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Mifuko is a Finnish brand founded in 2009 by Mari Martikainen and Minna Impiö. At the time when Mifuko was founded, Minna lived in Kenya with her family. Both Martikainen and Impiö developed the idea of a design company operating between Finland and Kenya. "Mifuko stands with one foot on the streets of Helsinki, and the other firmly on the red soil of rural Kenya. We combine contemporary Finnish design with traditional Kenyan handicraft techniques and African colors." Mifuko creates a fun and creative co-operation between different countries and cultures.
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Fairtrade is at the front of the brand and a certified member of World Fair Trade Organisation. Martikainen and Impiö chose women self help groups in rural villages and cities. Mifuko has connections to 400 artisan producers, including basket makers, carpet weavers, bag makers who make each Kiondo basket sustainably by hand in Kenya. Their partner self help groups and workshops employ slum youth, people with disabilities and people with economically disadvantaged rural backgrounds. Mifuko then ensures to train artisan professionals with the traditional skill of making the baskets. For the artisans Mifuko is an opportunity to improve their skills and invest in their workshops for increased income as each person is offered a regular income, good working conditions and further education.
To learn more about Mifuko's Fair Trade principles click here.
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To learn more about the people who create the Mifuko products click here.
Shop Mifuko Baskets at Tea and Kate
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