Behind the Craft: Gitzell Fair Trade Presents at the FTF Conference

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: our founder, Zellipah Githui, has been invited to present at this year’s Fair Trade Federation Conference on September 11th. Zellipah will be speaking during the “How It’s Made: Process Behind the Craft” session, a deep dive into the artistry, culture, and people who bring fair trade products to life.

What the Session is About

The session will showcase the unique processes behind handcrafted fair trade goods. It’s not just about the final product, it’s about the materials, the traditions, the people, and the values that shape every step. Attendees will get a closer look at the weaving process and why it’s more than a craft; it’s a story of sustainability, resilience, and global connection.

Zellipah’s Talking Points

1. Baskets Made from Love

“When you look at a basket, you don’t just see woven grass, you see love. Every strand represents connection: between the artisan and the material, between tradition and innovation, and between the maker and the buyer. A good basket carries intention and story.”

2. Sustainability & the Planet

Every Gitzell Fair Trade basket begins with natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibers like sisal, raffia, and palm leaves. Using eco-friendly materials ensures that our products not only serve people but also protect the planet. For us, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s at the heart of fair trade.

3. Community, People, and Fair Trade Principles

“It takes a community to make a basket.” From harvesting sisal to dyeing, weaving, and finishing, every basket passes through many skilled hands. This collaboration embodies fair trade principles: fair pay, safe working conditions, no child labor, and dignity at work.

For Zellipah, fair trade also aligns directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• Goal 1: No Poverty

• Goal 5: Gender Equality

• Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

“Our mission is to improve livelihoods, especially for women farmers and weavers, through meaningful, sustainable opportunities.”

Why It Matters

By spotlighting the process behind our baskets, we’re celebrating not just products, but the people, traditions, and communities that sustain them. This storytelling is what sets fair trade apart, and why it resonates so deeply with both retailers and consumers.

We’re proud to bring our voice, our artisans, and our mission to the Fair Trade Federation Conference. Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing highlights from Zellipah’s session so you can experience the beauty and intention behind fair trade weaving.

We are thrilled to announce that Gitzell Fair Trade, together with Latitudes Fair Trade, has been honored with the Fair Trade Federation Collaboration Award. This award celebrates partnerships that leverage collective strengths to increase visibility, create opportunities, and deepen impact.

Our joint fair trade safari trip to Kenya was a cornerstone of this recognition. By bringing retailers directly to artisan workshops, we fostered two-way learning, strengthened relationships, and expanded opportunities for artisans and their families.

Another highlight of our collaborative work came when JusTea faced a shortage of their small teaspoons. They reached out to Gitzell Fair Trade for support, and we partnered with a local Kenyan producer group to fulfill the orders. This effort resulted in a true three-way partnership, with orders completed on time and additional artisans hired to meet the demand. Not only did this collaboration solve an immediate need, but it also improved livelihoods and expanded employment opportunities, demonstrating the tangible power of fair traders working together.

We are deeply grateful to Latitudes, JusTea, and the Fair Trade Federation for their partnership and recognition. Together, we continue to prove that fair trade collaboration creates meaningful impact and lasting change.