Closet49 is a Kenyan online fashion marketplace that connects buyers and sellers 24-hours a day.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Closet49 is a Kenyan online fashion marketplace that connects buyers and sellers 24-hours a day.
Jessica Ellis/CNN
Serah Kanyua began selling clothes to her friends while at university. After graduating with a marketing degree she went into business with a high school friend.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Serah Kanyua began selling clothes to her friends while at university. After graduating with a marketing degree she went into business with a high school friend.
Jessica Ellis/CNN
Using Kanyua's living room as their base, the two business partners called their shop Closet49.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Using Kanyua's living room as their base, the two business partners called their shop Closet49.
Jessica Ellis/CNN
The two entrepreneurs still use Kanyua's living room as a physical store twice a week, but they see the biggest opportunities for growth online.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
The two entrepreneurs still use Kanyua's living room as a physical store twice a week, but they see the biggest opportunities for growth online.
Jessica Ellis/CNN
"There is huge potential in this market," says Kanyua.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
"There is huge potential in this market," says Kanyua.
Jessica Ellis/CNN
Soko is also an online marketplace connecting artisans directly to online consumers across the world.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Soko is also an online marketplace connecting artisans directly to online consumers across the world.
Courtesy Stephanie Sunderland / Soko
The e-commerce platform was launched by Catherine Mahugu (right), Ella Peinovich (middle) and Gwendolyn Floyd.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
The e-commerce platform was launched by Catherine Mahugu (right), Ella Peinovich (middle) and Gwendolyn Floyd.
Courtesy Stephanie Sunderland / Soko
Soko enables artisans to post and sell their handcrafted jewelry and accessories online, even if they do not have access to a computer or a bank account.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Soko enables artisans to post and sell their handcrafted jewelry and accessories online, even if they do not have access to a computer or a bank account.
Courtesy Stephanie Sunderland / Soko
"The Soko solution transforms the ubiquitous mobile phone into a tool that expands access to economic opportunity for artisans in underserved communities, disrupting the traditional export supply chain, cutting out the middleman, and revolutionizing the way money and goods are exchanged between developing world artisans and international consumers," says Mahugu.<br />
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
"The Soko solution transforms the ubiquitous mobile phone into a tool that expands access to economic opportunity for artisans in underserved communities, disrupting the traditional export supply chain, cutting out the middleman, and revolutionizing the way money and goods are exchanged between developing world artisans and international consumers," says Mahugu.
Courtesy Stephanie Sunderland / Soko
Soko says it has helped artisans to sell thousands of products to consumers from places such as the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Digital startups transform fashion industry —
Soko says it has helped artisans to sell thousands of products to consumers from places such as the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Courtesy Joe Lukhovi / Soko