My business, Resilient Generations, focuses on psychological resilience and economic resilience. The economic aspect reflects my social enterprise that focuses on income development for vulnerable populations in Africa. Both aspects are shaped and influenced by the paradigms and behavioural patterns that govern how we live and work.
Paradigm and Masai Women’s Jewelry
The word paradigm refers to a model of practice or a pattern. These models or patterns of behaviour shape how we see the world and respond to it. In business, the ability to make a paradigm shift can define success and failure. A frequent example is the Swiss watch and how the lack of a paradigm shift impacted a business.
The same is true for the psychological aspects of our lives. Our behavioural patterns reflect how we think, relate and respond to others, which can expand or limit our relational opportunities. When these go unexamined, it can keep us stuck in unfulfilling jobs and relationships.
What makes the difference? We need to pause, reflect, take stock of where we are, and open ourselves to new opportunities. By intentionally expanding our psychological paradigm and patterns, we increase our capacity for growth, resilience and meaningful change.
Creating a Paradigm Shift
Building on the idea of a paradigm shift, I want to share an experience with you. An experience I had with an extraordinary group of Masai women in Amboseli, Kenya.
In late January, friends of mine who run the Amboseli Bush Camp introduced me to this group of women. My friends knew my history in Africa. I buy and sell products from vulnerable population to support economic resilience.
Beautiful Products
These women are creating beautiful products but are struggling to market them to tourists visiting their village. Limited English makes it difficult to communicate the traditions embedded in their work. Many are selling similar items, and there are no fixed prices. Tourists bargain for products, but many are uncomfortable with this form of purchase.
Paradigm Clashes
It seemed that subtle paradigm clashes are impacting the marketability of their products. Based on my knowledge and commitment. I began to think about how to enhance their economic resilience.
Our first meeting was an introduction, a place to start. I am incredibly conscious of my place of privilege as a white Western and how it shapes and influences relationships. Rooted in theories of community development and principles of participatory research, the starting point begins with developing a relationship. The goal is to create a space where ideas are shared freely, laughter emerges, and mutual transformation becomes possible.
The first meeting provided important information about their challenges. The product is gorgeous. However, it is a traditional Masai design, and the style does not always resonate with a predominantly Western tourist market. Products are frequently purchased as decorations rather than for practical purposes.
I returned to Nairobi to assess how to support what they were already doing. The process was not about introducing something entirely new. I wanted to strengthen existing skills through a participatory, community-development approach. True empowerment validates existing expertise and skills. Suggesting a completely different product, moving from the traditional to an unrelated product, can undermine both culture and identity. The process is about developing a partnership, shared expertise and economic resilience.
Our Second Meeting
YouTube video at the second meeting illustrated different beading projects. This meeting was once again translated by a Masai man working for my friends. The image below depicts the group of women huddled around my computer, engaged and curious. The content sparked interest, but practical skill-building is needed to create sustainable change.
The women needed hands-on learning and skill development. I offered to return and run a two-day workshop. I bought supplies, researched prices, and acquired templates to support the development of new designs.
The intention was to expand the existing designs and gain a clear understanding of the product’s cost and production time. The best place to buy wholesale products is River Road. It is not the safest place in town. I am grateful to the staff from Maji Mazuri who accompanied me and helped me source products. The Maji Mazuri was founded by my longtime friend and former colleague, Wanjiku Kironyo.
I purchased beads, needles, measuring tape, and threads to define the cost of goods. I source high-quality glass beads from Czechoslovakia. The alternative is beads from China, which are not always glass and fade easily. Investing in high-quality beads honours the Maasai tradition, as they originally sourced for all Maasai beadwork, but it also results in a more durable product.
Workshop with the Masai Women
During the workshop, the time to make the product and the cost were assessed to define the total product cost. Minimum wage does not really exist in Kenya, but it is important to provide a fair wage. This is essential to the development of economic resilience and sustainable income generation, a topic I will cover in a future post.
Of the 87 women in the group (14 of whom participated in the workshop), only one had completed their primary education. This fact limits access to formal grants and organizational support. Despite their vulnerabilities, each is responsible for providing for their families and covering their children’s school fees.
The two-day workshop focused on practical skills and expanding product offerings. A female translator was employed. This was done to create a space to freely share their thoughts and opinions., One male in the crowd changes the dynamic. The translator was a young Masai woman completing a diploma in Community Development and Environmental Studies. This experience not only enhanced her leadership skills but also taught her how to macrame.
On the first day, the group created beaded eyeglass holders.
The second day focused on diversifying design and increasing their skill base. Our task for the day was to make mesh-beaded bowl covers, macrame lanyards, and a new earring style. Two of the three were successful, but the macrame lanyards need another workshop.
I also bought as many of their products as possible to test their marketability in North America. Please contact me if you would like to purchase an item. You can also check back or sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new products.
These two images display earrings for sale and the women who made them.
Beaded Covers for Bowls to Keep Flies Away
My work as a psychotherapist and experience as a certified Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner illustrate how important it is to develop skills in psychological flexibility to address the paradigms and patterns that keep us stuck. If you need support, please do not hesitate to check out my psychotherapy approach and sign up for a 15-minute consultation.
Thank you for your time and interest in my work. If you are interested in supporting my work, please consider buying me a coffee. The money is used to support those I work with in Africa.
