A decade as a fashion entrepreneur & over 100,000 garments sewn by my own hands led me to Kenya; where I had the honor to be part of building a sustainable production facility from the ground up.
From hand-selecting every machine, even assembling them without instructions, to interviewing & training each team member in sewing, starting with the very basics like threading a machine to troubleshooting a laser cutter, this experience was a good ol' fashioned adventure.
This journey took me across the world, and through it, I realized how much we needed to reimagine how we travel, beginning with the clothing we wear & pack.
It is my great pleasure to say Wear & Roam is proudly made in the same factory I put so much energy into over these last two years. It is our commitment to provide secure jobs, teach new long-lasting skills, and be part of building infrastructure in Naivasha, Kenya that changes lives for the better.
Teaching new skills.
By teaching new skills, we empower our team members to move into higher wage ranges. The more machines they know how to operate, the better their stitching quality, and the more steps of the production process they can master, the more they can earn. As more beautiful garments say “made in Kenya,” we hope to inspire other entrepreneurs to bring their work to Kenya, fostering further growth and opportunity.
Providing quality jobs.
With unemployment in Kenya over 40%, bringing jobs there directly contributes to economic growth and stability. When more job opportunities are available, wages can rise as demand for skilled labor increases. By investing in Kenyan workers, we’re not only building a sustainable workforce but helping shift the balance toward fair wages for more people.
Building infrastructure.
Skills and demand are only part of the equation—having the right equipment is essential to meet production needs. We’re investing in advanced machinery for our facility in Kenya and are in the process of building a modern, well-equipped factory that can one day employ over 2,000 people. This infrastructure is key to creating a lasting, positive impact that reaches beyond our team to the larger community.
