So many of you have been asking about the women and if the downturn in the economy has affected them in any way.  The downturn slowed our business so the work opportunity was reduced.  This alone was difficult but coupled with the terrible ongoing DROUGHT in Kenya, times have been the toughest in years for the women.  Because the cattle are so thin, they aren’t worth selling, so many rural families without other sources of income have few ways of raising the money necessary to feed their families and educate their children.  It has become more important than ever to create work where ever and how ever we can.  To meet that need, we have created two new lines of Zulugrass - ZuluSport and Friendship Bracelets - a new line of Fallen Acacia Hardwood table top products, and our first in a line of skin care products, TLC Marula Oil.  We’re excited about these new products and will have more information to follow about them later. 

All the Maasai women are optimistic and eager for the economic upturn and for the drought to end, the latter not expected until November this year.  I have seldom met and had the privilege to know such buoyant, confident people.  The women still sing at the work sites, the young toddlers still play with their friends, and the jewelry is still being assembled by groups of women who love what they do! They are ever grateful for this work opportunity and give thanks every day that it may continue so that they can plan for their family’s future.  The entire team at The Leakey Collection is grateful, as always, that YOU are partners with us in providing this work opportunity to such an inspiring group of people such as the Maasai!