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Name: Nicolas Mulinge
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Age: 33yrs
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Status: Married with one child, 7yrs old
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Residence: Hamza Makadara
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In 2006 Mulinge ventured into jewellery after doing a number of odd jobs. He then came up with Jisaidie group, which is Swahili for “help yourself”, and that is literally what Mulinge and the seven women in the group are trying to do, help themselves better their lives. They make different kinds of jewellery like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. He designs all the jewellery they make, and is the leader of the group. Some of the materials they use to make the products are: beads, recycled cow bones and horns, ushanga beads, thread, aluminium, brass, clay, papers, etc.
In 2008 they started producing for Bawa La Tumaini (BLT), and this has significantly improved their business as their products have been marketed in international markets. They also get bulk orders from BLT, and this has made a significant input into their business and their life as a group. Mulinge is very grateful for what BLT has done for the group and hopes that the relationship will continue to grow and expand.
Mulinge hopes that as their business grows that they will soon be able to set up shop somewhere in town for local market, or a shopping mall where they will also have more walk in traffic. Currently they have a stall in Kariokor market, but mostly it is just for production .A shop in a strategic place would be a huge improvement to their business.
Mulinge’s life has improved immensely since starting to work with BLT .He used to live in a slum in Nairobi but has currently moved to a more decent place. Also he can now afford to live with his son here in Nairobi instead of leaving him in the rural area with his grandfather. His prayer is that the business will continue to grow as they get more market for their products.
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Producer's Stories 
