Founded in 2002, Katy and her husband Philip are the owners and pioneers of the natural, African-made, sustainable jewelry and elegant, handcrafted products called The Leakey Collection.

Based in the Rift Valley of Kenya, East Africa, these renowned designers use natural elements of fallen wood, sustainable grass and “bush fired” porcelain to create uniquely exotic products. Each colorful piece contains vibrant design appeal while giving back to those that produce it.

Katy’s motto: Nature Is Our Inspiration – People Are Our Purpose

Purchasing a product from The Leakey Collection helps create women entrepreneurs. This in turn, helps educate children, raises the level of health in communities and brings pride and power to rural East African women.

One product you may recognize are the Zulugrass necklaces that you see in gift/accessories shops all across America.

Business Inspiration

Identifying the vision [4:00]

Zulugrass is identified/R&D [5:02]

The Zulugrass strands impacting women in America [16:30]

A Candle Flickering Moment

Employees Kidnapped! [12:32]

Most difficult part of the production process [8:12]

Business Building Insight

Fair Trade [9:11]

Point of differentiation and why it matters [11:31]

International sales [25:02]

About the Maasai People

Lifestyle of the Maasai [18:58]

Value of the grass – past and present [15:15]

Insight into Maasai cultural values [20:44]

A heartwarming must hear story [23:15]

Success Trait

Refusing to give up when searching for solutions for both Katy and her husband Philip was the most important mindset for achieving their vision.

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Basecamp -Trusted by millions, Basecamp is the leading web-based project management and collaboration tool.

Valuable Book

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Contact Links

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