Startup Story
Lilian Maira is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion with nearly two decades of experience in the Kenyan fashion industry. As the founder of Pambo Letu, Lilian combines traditional African craftsmanship with modern design to create eco-friendly, handcrafted bags. She collaborates with a team of talented artisans to produce high-quality products using sustainable materials, empowering local communities through fair wages and global exposure. Driven by a deep commitment to environmental and social impact, Lilian continues to champion ethical practices and innovative solutions in the fashion world. The business was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 15 people.
LoA spoke to Lilian Maira about her entrepreneurial journey, her vision for the future, and her passion for design and craftsmanship.
What does your company do?
Pambo Letu specializes in crafting eco-friendly, handmade bags that blend traditional African craftsmanship with modern design. The company collaborates with skilled local artisans, using sustainable materials like cotton fabrics, upcycled leather, and other natural resources to create high-quality, stylish products. Pambo Letu is dedicated to empowering artisans through fair wages, global market exposure, and preserving cultural heritage, all while championing sustainability.
“Pambo Letu is dedicated to empowering artisans through fair wages, global market exposure, and preserving cultural heritage, all while championing sustainability.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Pambo Letu by my passion for sustainable fashion and my desire to create a positive impact in my community. Having spent nearly two decades in the fashion industry, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by artisans in gaining fair wages and recognition for their craft. I wanted to change that by providing a platform that empowers local artisans, celebrates African craftsmanship, and addresses environmental concerns through eco-friendly practices. My vision was to blend traditional techniques with modern designs, connecting our rich cultural heritage to a global audience while fostering ethical and sustainable solutions in fashion.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Pambo Letu stands out by combining traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary design, creating unique, eco-friendly bags that tell a story. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted by skilled local artisans using sustainable materials, such as upcycled leather and natural fabrics, ensuring both quality and minimal environmental impact. What truly makes our business special is our commitment to empowering artisans through fair wages and global exposure while preserving cultural heritage. By prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and community impact, Pambo Letu delivers products that are not only stylish but also meaningful and responsible.
“I was inspired to start Pambo Letu by my passion for sustainable fashion and my desire to create a positive impact in my community.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team at Pambo Letu is a talented and dedicated group of 10 local artisans who bring their unique skills and creativity to each handcrafted bag we produce. They specialize in traditional African craftsmanship techniques, ensuring that every piece reflects the richness of our cultural heritage. Beyond the artisans, we work closely with local suppliers to source sustainable materials and collaborate with community partners to support ethical and eco-friendly practices. Together, we are driven by a shared vision of creating high-quality, sustainable products while empowering local communities and preserving traditions.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to combine my passion for fashion and sustainability with a commitment to making a positive social impact. After nearly two decades in the Kenyan fashion industry, I recognized a gap in the market for ethically made, eco-friendly products that highlight African craftsmanship. With this in mind, I founded Pambo Letu in 2019 to create handmade bags that are both beautiful and meaningful.
My journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a willingness to learn. Starting a business without a steady income or external funding was challenging, but I remained focused on my vision. Along the way, I gained valuable insights into sourcing materials locally, working with artisans, and navigating the complexities of building a sustainable brand. This experience has deepened my commitment to empowering others and has strengthened my belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
The future of Pambo Letu is rooted in growth, sustainability, and impact. I aspire to expand our operations by establishing a high-capacity production unit and warehousing facility to meet increasing demand while maintaining the handcrafted quality of our products. Additionally, I plan to incorporate eco-friendly dyes and enhance our sustainability practices further.
Our vision includes scaling our reach to international markets, sharing the stories of our artisans, and showcasing African craftsmanship on a global stage. Beyond business growth, I am committed to deepening our social impact by empowering more artisans, prioritizing underrepresented groups, and supporting community development initiatives, such as the indigo-growing project we are developing in Kenya.
Ultimately, I aspire to make Pambo Letu a globally recognized brand that blends fashion, sustainability, and social responsibility while preserving and celebrating African heritage.
“My entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to combine my passion for fashion and sustainability with a commitment to making a positive social impact.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, my greatest satisfaction comes from empowering local artisans, seeing their skills and stories celebrated globally, and creating products that positively impact both people and the planet. Knowing that Pambo Letu contributes to fair wages, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices brings me immense pride and fulfillment.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Believe in your vision and start where you are with what you have.
Focus on solving a real problem, stay resilient through challenges, and build a supportive network of mentors and peers.
Most importantly, trust your unique perspective and use it to create impact and value.
Find out more:
Email: pamboletu1@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066891001264
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamboletu/?hl=en
Why LoA loves it…
Successful entrepreneurs are usually driven by a passion for their businesses, the impact they can make in the lives of others and the environment, and their ability to create much-needed jobs for people in their communities. Lilian Maira is doing all of those things with her business Pambo Letu, harnessing her passion for sustainable fashion and her desire to create a positive impact in her community. She is leveraging her two decades of experience in the fashion industry to make a real difference with her business. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa