Jackee Kasandy, a Kenyan entrepreneur based in Canada, has gained recognition for creating and selling unique kiondo bags.
Some of these bags, made in Kenya and then shipped to Canada, feature the iconic Maasai shuka, adding an authentic touch.
Kasandy’s entrepreneurial journey took her to Canada at the age of 23, where she settled in Vancouver.
During her visits to Kenya, she would bring back kiondos and scarves, which garnered admiration from many people she met in Canada.
Noticing the interest in Vancouver, she decided to sell the bags through an online shop called Kasandy, as well as a physical store.
“People in Vancouver are receptive; they care about making a difference in the world and are interested in handmade products. They are curious and excited about the stories of the people they buy from,” she explained.
In addition to kiondo bags, which can sell for up to $150 (Ksh 18,330), Kasandy offers a variety of items, including African scarves, jewelry, and wooden cookware.
Kasandy also co-founded Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada (BEBC), where she serves as CEO.
To inspire young entrepreneurs, she organized a contest in 2022, awarding Ksh 3 million to the winners to help start their businesses.
Kasandy understands the challenges of obtaining financial aid as a young entrepreneur and is dedicated to helping others overcome similar obstacles.
“I had difficulty accessing funding and was often viewed by financial institutions and investors as unfundable due to the system and how it works,” she recalled.
