You have probably heard of Etsy, a marketplace for handcrafts from artists and curators globally. Nnunji wants to be like it but only based in East Africa.
Founded by Benadatte Kaggwa, the site already has a good number of items listed for sale and shipping. Some of the items up for sale include handmade sandals, beads, stone, seeds, grains, marble, paper-beads, calabash, bone, metal, pebbles, glass, etc.
Kaggwa says Nnunji aims to be one-of-its-kind brand name in both the local and international accessories market with all products super packaged and also produced from natural materials such as soft wood and sackcloth and all by hand.
“We are inspired by the idea that a lady’s accessories always add a touch of style to her appearance, making even the simplest of outfits look quite attractive and appealing to the eye of its beholder; and when the design is customized to her personal taste and preference, she can walk out of the house feeling like one-in-a-million,” says Kaggwa.
To place an order, one has to visit the site, select items them head to the shopping cart and the firm arranges shipping for customers both in Nairobi and internationally. International orders are charged at a flat rate of $9.90 unless indicated. Nnunji accepts PayPal, Bank transfers and Cash on delivery for local orders.
Even if it’s struggling, Nnunji has not called it quits even amidst competition. Vouch launched last year to help artisans sell their wares online to both local and international customers. Soko, comprising of both Kenyan and international co-founders has been doing this for a while.