News Item

Lara Junaid '08 talks about her newly launched business, Cape Weaver, and how she hopes to have an impact in Africa by using her keen eye for well made and stylish handcrafted goods.

1.      Tell us about Cape Weaver and what makes your products different?
Cape Weaver is the premier label specializing in fine quality African handicrafts.  The company offers only products made by expert artisans; each item reflects exceptional craftsmanship and 20% of the company’s annual profits is committed to making a difference in Africa.

2.      How did you come up with the concept?
I developed a love for beautifully handcrafted goods as a young girl – I was born in Philadelphia but grew up in West Africa.  Growing up in Africa, left me with a sense that I need to make a difference within the continent, and all through my career, from Coca Cola Enterprises to McKinsey, I’ve never lost the desire. But I had no idea how to, that is, until recently.

On a trip to Ghana, my husband got me a beautiful painting which spurred discussions and research about the plight of African artisans, demand for authentic, handcrafted African products in the U.S., current suppliers etc.

Cape Weaver is the result of my research and passion about making a difference in Africa.

3.      Tell us about the artisans behind the African home crafts.
Cape Weaver artisans are all expert artisans, most have been practicing their craft since childhood, with know how passed down for generations.  For example Sule Sabo, a leather master craftsman, whom I met while in West Africa has been working with leather for decades and was taught by his father, who was taught the craft by his father…

4.      How do you select the artisans whose products your feature?
The first and most important criterion is exceptional craftsmanship; the artisan must produce items that are of the highest quality. Uniqueness also plays a major role since one of the company’s goals is to help prevent the dearth of these unique forms of art. Other criteria include marketability and versatility, for instance, will the item appeal to our customers.

5.      What have consumers/media said about Cape Weaver?
Consumers have said that Cape Weaver has “wow pieces”. They are pleasantly surprised by the vast array of treasures from hand tooled leather ottomans and contemporary paintings and sculpture to gorgeous Zulu baskets.

Our customers simply love the items. To quote one, who had just received her hand carved ebony wood mancala/ayo game board, “I just received the game board and I love it!  It is absolutely beautiful”.

6.      You started a foundation as well: Sekinat & Margaret Foundation (SMF). What is SMF’s mission and how does this fit into Cape Weaver?
SMF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve living conditions in Africa by providing financial support to initiatives and organizations that make an impact.  20% of Cape Weaver’s profits are committed to helping SMF achieve its mission. 

All Cape Weaver products are made in Africa, so the company has a responsibility not only to the artisans that create the product but also to the broader community as well. SMF provides a way for Cape Weaver to achieve its social responsibility goals.

7.      What impact has your Columbia MBA education had in the way you approach business today?
My Columbia MBA education has played a tremendous role in my thinking.

For starters, SMF, the non-profit arm, is a result of my exposure to the tenets of social responsibility at Columbia Business School.

Also, as the company founder, I draw upon brand building, strategy, marketing, retailing and analytical expertise. Classes and professors that have been most instrumental in shaping my thinking on how best to approach business and brand building include Entrepreneurship in Africa (Murray Low), Retailing (Jeffrey Feiner), Behavioral Economics (Eric Schoenberg), Strategy (Bruce Greenwald), Decision Models (Sergei Savin).

8.      What are the top 3 insights you have learned in launching your business - and in making a difference - in this economy?
1.    It’s important to have a clear strategy and story
2.    Be flexible and realize that there will be surprises – in a tough economy, your product has to be more than functional, emphasize the emotional benefits as well
3.    Surround yourself with exceptional people and seek feedback – I’m fortunate to have great supporters, thinkers and experts including my family, friends from Columbia, former co-workers, etc.

9.      How has the Columbia entrepreneurial community supported you?  
I reached out to the Lang Center who created a profile on the business for their website...this has been extremely supportive.

10.  What advice would you give to a Columbia student with entrepreneurial aspirations?
Stay true to your aspirations; take advantage of your access to exceptional professors, classmates and alumni at Columbia Business School.

11.  What makes you most proud about what you do?
Providing talented African artisans with a source of income and helping preserve several centuries’ old know-how passed through generations.

12.  What’s next for Cape Weaver?
The company is currently in talks with a major bricks & mortar retailer to have Cape Weaver carried in the retailer’s stores.

13.  What’s next for Lara Junaid?
The company has already hit some very important milestones and is gaining momentum!  As the founder, I expect to take the company to new heights, especially in securing other distribution channels, which would help Cape Weaver achieve its corporate and social goals.

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