Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Smillie.
Hi Simone, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a native New Yorker of Caribbean heritage who moved to DC to pursue my graduate degree. I love trying new foods, exploring different places, and learning about different cultures.
The concept of Mutani’s Pocket was created while I was talking to a friend about visiting Kenya. On the regular, he would send me pictures of the local artisan markets and scenery of the different East African countries he visited.
Impressed with the creativity and vibrancy of the products, I thought that there should be a place to access products from the streets of Africa that highlight traditional goods in a modern way. Thereafter, Mutani’s Pocket was formed aiming to be a marketplace that gave small East African artists an online platform to show their artistry, creativity, and culture with each unique product.
Mutani is a wordplay on the Swahili word “Mtaani,” which means “street”. Mutani’s Pocket literally translates to “street pocket” because we aimed to work with mostly street vendors from different pockets of East Africa and bring their products to the US market. We sell a range of crafts such as fannypacks, backpacks, hoodies, jewelry, planter baskets, and more to come.
Our products are always evolving and this fall/winter, we have a new tribal brass jewelry collection, vibrant reversible cotton scarves/shawls, fierce Wakanda-inspired kimonos (knitwear) and spiced Kenyan coffee that are just a few favorites to shop for online or at one of our in-person pop-ups.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid19 has changed our lives forever and at the start of 2020 in the infant stages of Mutani’s Pocket, we had a hard time getting our imported handcrafted products made and delivered. Covid19 caused not only a health scare but material shortages, increased production costs, and a logistical nightmare for shippers. As a new business owner, I had an abnormally high entry costs and had to focus on online marketing which made or break new or existing businesses.
Despite this, 2020 gave way to an opportunity for small businesses like Mutani’s Pocket to be recognized for its mission to support East African artisans and the uniqueness of our niche product line. As an entrepreneur, I saw a new wave of customers that appreciated things made in small batches, that were imperfect, and unique rather than buying mass-produced goods from large retail chains. The pandemic made many people realize the importance of keeping small businesses alive which is part of our company beliefs as we play a role in supporting economies in 2 different parts of the world (US & Africa).
Fast forward to 2022, this war in Europe and its economic impact has again led to more financial obstacles for small business owners who have limited access to capital. For me, I am pushed to be more creative in my pathway to entrepreneurship and reinvent Mutani’s Pocket to adjust with increasing costs of doing business. I hope with persistence and creativity to have Mutani’s Pocket around in years to come as we spread the vibrancy of African street culture.
Pricing:
- Reversible scarves -$45
- Tribal brass necklace and ring set – $70
- Wakanda Kimono – $155
- Dog collar/leashes – $25-55 depending on size
- Handmade baskets – $16 – 70 depending on size
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mutanispocket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutanis.pocket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mutanis.pocket
Image Credits
Photographer: Jonathan Williams
