Swahili Modern is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, a group of like-minded companies working directly with artisans in Africa to bring you handcrafted baskets, decor, & gifts, and organizations that adhere to:

Providing fair payment to workers in developing nations

Educating makers and workers to increase their potential for advancement

Ensuring the rights of children

Developing products and processes that protect and conserve the natural environment

Promoting fair trade as the standard in commercial exchanges

A proudly woman-owned business founded by Leslie Mittelberg in June 1995. Leslie's husband Dale held a Fulbright Scholar position at the University of Nairobi, and during the years the family lived in Kenya, Leslie fell in love with African artistry. Upon returning to the US, she founded her company and named it in honor of the people of East Africa whose artistry inspired her entrepreneurship.

Swahili believes in the potential for a sustainable trade network between Africa and the world.