Startup Story

Gladys Chibanda, founder of Krafted Ink in Zimbabwe, is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to merging sustainability and culture. With a mission to combat textile waste and promote cultural diversity, Krafted Ink transforms discarded textiles into eco-friendly gift packaging and stationery, celebrating the rich heritage of African fabrics. Gladys's leadership propels the company towards a greener, culturally enriched future, one product at a time.

Lionesses of Africa spoke to the creative and eco-conscious entrepreneur, Gladys Chibanda, about her mission, her business, and her aims for the future.

What does your company do?

Krafted Ink is a socially conscious company that specializes in the production of unique and eco-friendly gift packaging and notebooks. We are dedicated to addressing the growing environmental concern of textile waste in Africa by repurposing discarded fabrics into high-quality, sustainable products. Our innovative approach aims to combine traditional African textiles with modern design aesthetics, creating visually stunning and culturally rich packaging and stationery items. By upcycling textile waste, we reduce the environmental impact of textile production while simultaneously preserving the vibrant heritage of African fabrics.

What inspired you to start your company?

What inspired me to start Krafted Ink was a combination of factors that deeply resonated with my values and aspirations.

1. Environmental Consciousness: I was profoundly concerned about the escalating textile waste problem, not only in Africa but globally. Witnessing the sheer volume of discarded textiles, especially in my community, and their detrimental impact on the environment, motivated me to find a sustainable solution. As I grew up, I realized that we didn't have sustainable ways to dispose of old clothes or pieces of fabric. In most African households, either we burn or use them as mats, and this sparked my interest in textile waste.

2. Cultural Celebration: My love for the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa played a pivotal role. I wanted to create products that not only addressed environmental concerns but also celebrated the vibrancy and artistry of traditional African textiles. With one of my parents being artistic, I inherited the passion for art, culture, and crafts.

3. Desire for Positive Change: At the core of my inspiration was a strong desire to challenge societal norms, combat discrimination, and eliminate stigmas that surrounded creative pursuits. I believed that through entrepreneurship and innovation, I could contribute to positive change and challenge the status quo.

4. Entrepreneurial Drive: I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating something meaningful. My mother was a seasoned entrepreneur, and I would watch her run different businesses. I wanted to be like her one day. Combining my creative skills with a mission-driven business was a natural progression.

5. Recognition of the Market Opportunity: I recognized the growing demand for eco-friendly and culturally rich products. This presented an exciting opportunity to not only make a difference but also build a successful business.

In essence, Krafted Ink was born out of a desire to make a positive impact on our planet, celebrate cultural diversity, challenge norms, and fulfill my entrepreneurial aspirations. It's been a deeply fulfilling journey, and I'm excited about the positive change we can continue to create.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

What makes Krafted Ink truly special is the unique combination of elements that define our business, service, and products:

Our core mission is to combat textile waste and reduce the environmental impact of discarded fabrics. We do this by upcycling textiles into stunning, eco-friendly gift packaging and stationery. We're not just a business; we're a force for positive environmental change.

Krafted Ink is a celebration of African culture. We infuse our products with the rich heritage of traditional African textiles, creating culturally authentic and visually captivating items that connect people with diverse traditions.

We empower our customers to add a personal touch to every gift and stationery item. Our customization options allow individuals and businesses to craft unique, meaningful connections, making every product special.

We prioritize quality in every aspect of our business, from materials to craftsmanship. Each Krafted Ink product reflects the dedication to excellence that sets us apart.

Beyond creating beautiful products, we're dedicated to making a positive social impact. Our commitment to challenging norms, eliminating stigmas, and promoting diversity is woven into the fabric of our company.

Krafted Ink is more than a brand; it's an inspirational journey. We motivate individuals to make sustainable choices and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while making a difference. Krafted Ink is special because it's a blend of sustainability, culture, personalization, quality, social consciousness, and inspiration. We're not just selling products; we're crafting a better future, one beautifully designed item at a time.

Tell us a little about your team

At Krafted Ink, our team is a dynamic blend of young creative minds, sustainability champions, and cultural enthusiasts. With diverse backgrounds in design, marketing, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, we bring a wide range of skills to the table. Our team members are not just colleagues; we're a close-knit community working together to repurpose textiles, celebrate cultural heritage, and promote sustainability. Our collaborative spirit, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to our mission drive us to create beautifully designed, eco-friendly products that resonate with customers and make a difference in the world.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I come from a family with a background in small-scale entrepreneurship, where resourcefulness and innovation were valued. While I didn't have a direct family history of running large businesses, the spirit of entrepreneurship was deeply ingrained in our values.

My early influences included stories of successful entrepreneurs who had a profound impact on their communities and industries. There is a book I used to love so much when I was in primary school called “There is a roof at the top”. It featured different women in Zimbabwe doing amazing things. I resonated mostly with women maybe because of constantly watching my mother's business. These stories ignited my passion for creating something meaningful and contributing positively to society.

My journey as an entrepreneur began with smaller ventures, experimenting with creative projects and exploring various business opportunities. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, including the importance of resilience and adaptability.

The inception of Krafted Ink was a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey. It brought together my love for creativity, sustainability, and cultural celebration. Starting Krafted Ink allowed me to combine my skills and passion in a way that resonated deeply with me.

Like any entrepreneurial journey, it hasn't been without its challenges. Building and scaling Krafted Ink required dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Each challenge presented an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Today, Krafted Ink stands as a testament to my vision of merging sustainability, culture, and personalization. It's not just a business; it's a platform for making a positive environmental and social impact while celebrating the beauty of African heritage.

Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process, and I'm committed to evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. It's a journey that continues to inspire me and motivates me to create a brighter, more sustainable future.

My journey has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for creativity, sustainability, and social impact. It's a journey that I'm grateful for and one that continues to drive me forward.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

My future plans and aspirations for Krafted Ink are deeply rooted in our mission to make a lasting, positive impact on our planet and communities. Here's a glimpse of what lies ahead:

1. Sustainability Leadership: We aim to solidify our position as a sustainability leader in the gift packaging and stationery industry. This involves further reducing our carbon footprint, exploring innovative eco-friendly materials, and continuously improving our sustainable practices.

2. Global Expansion: We envision Krafted Ink reaching a global audience. Our products celebrating African culture and sustainability have the potential to resonate with people worldwide. Expanding into new markets and collaborating with international partners are on the horizon.

3. Diverse Product Range: We plan to diversify our product range, introducing new and exciting creations that reflect various African cultures. This expansion will allow us to connect with an even wider audience while promoting cultural richness.

4. Community Engagement: Our commitment to eliminating stigmas and promoting diversity will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts. We aspire to engage with communities and organizations that share our values, creating a network of positive changemakers.

5. Educational Initiatives: We're passionate about education and plan to develop initiatives that raise awareness about sustainability, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurship. This includes partnerships with schools, workshops, and online resources.

6. Impact Measurement: We will invest in comprehensive impact measurement tools to transparently communicate our contributions to sustainability and community development.

7. Inspiration and Empowerment: Beyond products, Krafted Ink will remain a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, motivating them to pursue their dreams while making a positive impact on society.

Our future is guided by a commitment to crafting a better world, one beautifully designed, culturally rich, and eco-friendly product at a time.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, what gives me the most satisfaction is the ability to create meaningful change and positively impact the world through my business.
Impact: Knowing that my business, Krafted Ink, is contributing to reducing textile waste and promoting sustainability brings me deep satisfaction. Every upcycled product we create is a tangible step towards a greener planet.

Cultural Celebration: Celebrating African culture and heritage through our products and seeing how they resonate with people from diverse backgrounds is incredibly fulfilling. It fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for diversity.

Innovation: Entrepreneurship allows me to continuously innovate and push boundaries. The process of conceptualizing, designing, and bringing new products to life is both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Inspiration: Being able to inspire others, whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs, artisans, or individuals seeking sustainable alternatives, is a powerful motivator. It's gratifying to see others motivated by our journey.

Community Building: Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity to build a community of like-minded individuals who share our values and mission. Collaborating with others to drive positive change is deeply satisfying.

Personal Growth: The entrepreneurial journey is a constant learning experience. Overcoming challenges and adapting to new situations have helped me grow as a person and as a leader.

Independence: Having the autonomy to shape the direction of my business and make decisions that align with our values is empowering and satisfying.

Customer Feedback: Positive feedback from satisfied customers who appreciate our products and mission is incredibly rewarding. It validates our efforts and fuels our passion.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Have confidence in your abilities and the unique perspective you bring to entrepreneurship. Trust that you have the skills, determination, and creativity to succeed.

Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of fearing them, view them as valuable learning experiences that will ultimately strengthen your resilience.

Remember that entrepreneurship is not limited by gender, and your unique perspective as a woman can bring fresh insights and solutions to the table. Be bold, be persistent, and, above all, believe in your ability to create the change you envision.

Contact or follow Krafted Ink

Email: gladys@kraftedink.africa

Website: http://www.kraftedink.africa

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kraftedink

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kraftedink

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kraftedink

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kraftedink/

YouTube or Vimeo Video: https://youtu.be/TVu-me5bOCY?si=r95AEjQD3Ok4myAx

Why LoA loves it…

Finding your Why as an entrepreneur can often be challenging, but for Gladys Chibanda her Why’s are clearly defined and underpinned with a passion and desire to make a positive impact in the world. By upcycling textile waste into beautiful new products, she is reducing the environmental impact of textile production while simultaneously preserving the vibrant heritage of African fabrics. She is also a great inspiration for the next generation of eco-entrepreneurs who will follow her example i the future. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa