Thanksgiving 2008, and I'm thankful for so much.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I feel the need to evaluate the amazing and inspirational people and opportunities I have found in my path. There are three important messages I wish to convey over the next few weeks.

The first is a tribute and message of gratitude to my staff, who are the backbone of our company. Without them, there couldn’t be any subsequent messages.

My company is not a phrase I use. Swahili Imports truly belongs to all of us. My dedicated staff is the impetus and inspiration behind this company, and my dream of creating jobs and livelihoods for hundreds of artisans in African could never have become a reality without them. Their ideas, passion and commitment are why we are still standing today, ready to continue our work.

Thank you (asante sana) Papa Awori, who has been with Swahili the longest. Papa's infectious smile and incredible heart touch all who meet him. Born and raised in Kenya he shares his cultural insight and knowledge with all of us.

 

 

 

Thank you Darla Robbins, who is the heart and soul of our company. Her deep commitment to create paths for artisans to improve their livelihoods is moving. There is no part of our company that Darla has not been directly involved in improving.

 

 

 

Thank you Jesse Arispe for being our most meticulous and reliable warehouse packer. He deserves a round of applause his intricate packing skills. No order is too big or complicated for Jess, and his attendance record is truly astounding.

Thank you (medase) Percy Appau for sharing your knowledge of Ghana and its products. Percy's unwavering commitment to product development is so admirable. There is no end to Percy’s artistic talents and imagination. Percy was born and raised in Ghana.

 

 

 

 

Thank you Kiley Gwynn for keeping all of us organized, on task, and operating with high expectations of future growth. Kiley's ability to juggle our complicated inventory is to be admired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Mary Spurgeon for being the voice of our company. Mary has amazing compassion to assist our artisans and to satisfy the needs of each and every customer. Mary’s customer service skills are what have made our company special.

 

 

 

Thank you Scott Sturgis for caring about each and every product that leaves our warehouse. Scott keeps our unruly warehouse organized and is responsible for obtaining recycled packaging materials that are much needed to maintain our rigorous shipping schedule.