[BC Interview] Behind the brands - KANGARUI

#WhoIsBehindTheBrand?

There are about 30 brands that Borderless Creations have curated.  We’ve introduced the brands and their products but who are the people behind the brands?  What are their thoughts?

We asked the same 10 questions to all the brands so that you can get a better understanding of the brands and their stories.

Today we interviewed the founder Rui, of the brand, KANGARUI which is spreading Safari love all over the world. 

 

 

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Q1) What triggered you to tackle ethical and sustainable issues? 

I never took it as tackling but in a way, a natural conscious of one day wanting to do good since youth. Living in Kenya, watching the wildlife disappearing and the poor getting poorer, it was always in my mind.

  

 

Q2) What has changed from when the brand started and now?

A2) Having a clearer vision of wanting to become more sustainable in the future, thinking more ethical in how we live day to day. We can also feel that the customers are becoming more aware as well on the importance of sustainability which makes us feel more valued. At the start, it was my dream to spread my love for Kenya to the world through my art. Right now I want to spread positive energy, happy vibes and wellness more than ever giving the difficult situation the world is facing with the pandemic. 

 

Q3) What was the hardest part of developing your brand? On the contrary, what was the best thing about continuing the brand?

A3) I would say I didn't have a really hard time developing the brand as it was initially a side passion project. The difficulties were felt when the brand was established and not knowing how is best to spend your time/money/resources and just going with my gut feeling. The best thing about owning your labour of love project is connecting people. Whether that is my team members or customers, everyone contributing to support the brand growth makes my heart melt! And the even better part is that everyone is genuinely enjoying what I make and sends happy, positive comments to us.

 

 

Q4) Tell us about someone that you know who are working on being sustainable. What kind of activity/initiative is this person doing?

A4) My good friend in Kenya has moved out of the city to live a simpler life. Turned vegan, became minimalist, and teaching others about mindfulness.  

Q5) What is your favorite quote? And why do you like it?

A5) Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.  - by Steve Jobs

Q6) Tell us about any books or movies that have had a great influence in your life!

A6) Documentary movie - My Octopus Teacher - the beauty of wildlife, connection, patience... this was just magical

("My Octopus Teacher" - After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity. Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end he eventually wins the animal's trust and they develop a never before seen bond between human and wild animal.)

Q7) If you can eat ANYTHING now, what would it be?

A7) Mums cheesecake

 

Q8) If you can go ANYWHERE now, where would you like to go?

A8) Namibia

Q9) Any other country or city you want to live?

A9) Australia or Portugal

Q10) What are you most mindful of when you think of your lifestyle?

A10) Going with the flow - Life is about ups and downs. The ability to accept and adapt is a great strength for a content life.

 

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[About KANGARUI]

An Ethical Lifestyle brand created by Rui, an artist born in Japan and raised in Kenya, that reflects her amazing life experience in Kenya on prints.

Inspired by Kenyan wilderness, colorful colors and wildlife art are Kangarui's original style, featuring a perfect match between handwritten elements and digitally processed photographs. They have a lineup of beautiful and fun designs that will make you feel good just by holding them; they want people to get to know Kenya's wonderful wildlife through Kangarui and spread the positive image of Africa to the world!

Kangarui support activities to protect elephants from poaching through the NPO "Tear of African Elephant"  (https://www.taelephants.org). They will also be participating in a rescue project for the endangered Mountain Bongo and is also involved in a charity delivering masks to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya.

[Brand Site]

https://kangarui.com/

Find Kangarui products on Borderless Creations：

https://borderlesscreations.com/en/collections/kangarui