What does it really mean to support local?
In this episode of The Search for Wellness, I sit down with Ewelina, an entrepreneur whose journey in Kenya spans fashion, craftsmanship, sustainability and, most importantly, people.
Ewelina is one of the co-founders of Slowli, a thoughtful fashion brand built around the idea of living more simply and sustainably. She is also behind African Lifestyle Hub, a concept created to give independent African makers and entrepreneurs a space to showcase their work, and Kazuri, the iconic Kenyan jewellery brand known for its beautiful handcrafted ceramic beads and its long history of supporting Kenyan women artisans.
Our conversation began with something I feel increasingly passionate about: small businesses in Kenya and why supporting them matters.
Ewelina openly shares the struggles, the wins and the lessons she has experienced building and growing these businesses. We talk about what happens behind the beautiful products we see on the shelves — the artisans, makers and employees whose livelihoods depend on these businesses succeeding.
One part of our conversation that really stayed with me was hearing about the people behind the brands: how employment can create stability, how staff are encouraged to save and build greater financial security, and how one successful local business can have a ripple effect across families and communities.
Because when you buy something made locally, sometimes you're supporting far more than a product.
You're supporting a person, a skill, a family, a dream and a future.
This conversation made me think differently about where I spend my money. We may not be able to shop locally every single time, but perhaps we can all make a more conscious effort to ask: Who made this? Where did it come from? And who benefits when I buy it?
I hope this episode encourages you to discover more of the incredible makers, artisans and small businesses we have right here in Kenya.
And if this conversation resonates with you, please share this episode with someone else. Following, subscribing and sharing may seem like small actions, but for independent podcasts and small businesses, they genuinely help these stories travel further.
FOLLOW EWELINA & THE BRANDS
Slowli:
https://shopslowli.com
African Lifestyle Hub:
https://www.africanlifestylehub.com
Kazuri:
https://kazuri.co.ke
FOLLOW ME
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fitmummyof_3?stkn=MWt4aTJjemtyMWVtZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Search for Wellness, subscribe, share this episode and send it to someone who believes in supporting local.
Every share helps amplify the people doing meaningful work behind the scenes.
#SupportLocalKenya #MadeInKenya #KenyanEntrepreneurs #TheSearchForWellness