Jon StojanEcodunia, established in 2019 for the US market, is borne from the rich culture of Kenya, East Africa. Its products include bags and leather goods, ethically sourced from the skilled labor force of Nairobi; deploying a fair and socially conscious approach. CEO and founder Cera Muchiri, coined the name Ecodunia from the Swahili word for ‘the planet’- ensuring the heart of the enterprise represents her unwavering commitment to the planet and its people.
Ecodunia exists amidst a growing global consciousness for fair trade and ethically sourced apparel, with biennial reports reflecting that 91% of US consumers regularly or occasionally purchase fair-trade labeled products. However, Ecodunia seeks to go further than the general consensus, offering more than just fair prices to workers but also committing to guaranteeing income, livable salaries, paid sick leave and two meals a day. The company centers its initiatives around reevaluating how ethical businesses are defined across the United States and the rest of the world. Cera Muchiri comments: “We honor people at the ground level of production, those who single-handedly hold the foundations of the production pyramid. Ecodunia is not just a business; it’s a manifestation of a belief in a sustainable and inclusive economy. Every product tells a story of local craftsmanship and our commitment to fair practices.”
Today, the brand offers a selection of bags, wallets, handmade crafts, and aprons available for worldwide shipping. All products are made in Ecodunia’s exclusive workshop, built in the Eastlands of Nairobi, providing natural sunlight with an abundant garden-front and access to refreshments for workers throughout the day. Ecodunia’s collection is made from Kenyan grown, sourced, and processed materials all local to Cera’s familial home. Her connections to this naturally abundant landscape are echoed throughout each element of the organization, as each and every product is researched and designed by Cera, herself.
Image credit: Ecodunia
During the initial stages of establishment, Cera sought advice from MicroMentor, a program of Mercy Corps. Cultivating a mentor-mentee relationship, Cera began fine-tuning her vision for Ecodunia; she encourages others to utilize the copious amounts of resources available to young business owners across the country, highlighting that: “mentoring has been crucial for the growth of my business. It’s amazing to workshop ideas with an astute business person who is rooting for me. You have to put in the work to find a good mentor but remember, it’s your business. It’s up to you to filter through the advice you have been given to make your own decision. It’s your business, It’s your responsibility, it’s your passion.”
Cera’s mission for Ecodunia has been recognized by Illinois state representative Ann Williams, who championed her achievements in a speech for Women’s History Month in March 2024. The company has been growing at a steady rate over the last couple of years. However, their vision is far from over and the impact they expect to make is far from done. To start with, Ecodunia pledges to provide dignified working conditions and fair wages for five hundred employees. As the social enterprise continues to garner recognition across the United States, Ecodunia seeks to make its mark across the world, as an innovative player in the sustainable fashion space.