Zula and Co: the Beginning
by Christine Bonneur, founder of Zula and Co
www.zulaandco.com
My journey in Uganda begins:
Over a twelve-month period in 2014-2015, I was living in Kampala, Uganda going through the international adoption process trying to adopt two children; this included three attempts to adopt children in Uganda. Each time, which involved six different children, ended in child trafficking. It sounds unbelievable, and it involved corruption in with an American agency, Ugandan lawyers, social workers, pastors, and an American claiming to be running a foster care in a small village. After multiple court dates, police reports and investigations, in the end I found myself grieving and broken hearted.
The silver lining:
Despite all the stress and trials, I also discovered great beauty, had many adventures, and made such lasting friends that they have become family. I truly love Uganda, it’s culture, scenic wildlife and most of all, it’s people.
The inspiration for Zula and Co:
Adjusting to living in a foreign country in normal circumstances can be stressful, compounded with the adoption process was even more so. But from the very beginning I made friends with the Ugandan women that worked at the guest house I was staying at. I met some of their families, visited their homes and the markets where their family worked. We went to the zoo in Entebbe together and we would go out in the evening to a local restaurant.
I came to admire their easy-going outlook on life and welcoming friendships. They worked hard and for long hours but were always sharing a smile or a laugh with me. I had many drivers in Uganda to take me to appointments or into town. One of my drivers, Henry, became such a close friend that I now call him my brother.
I also met a circle of friends that worked in the media/publication industry. They did photography and filming for events such as music and football as well as weddings, Ugandan Introductions, and family pictures. They also filmed comedy skits and documentaries on the side. They included me in all these events, and I soaked up every minute. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by such creative, intelligent, hardworking men and women. I was able to share in their joys and their sorrows. One fact that pained me was how hard they worked but for such low wages and so few jobs. These were experienced, educated, reliable hard workers, that often couldn’t find work.
This is how the idea of Zula and Co came to be:
I wanted to be a business owner and decided that a business that collaborates and invests in Ugandan businesses would be a small way that I could invest in the people. I wanted a way to remain connected not only to my new friends but also to this country that I loved so much.
Building opportunity:
I knew that investing in businesses is a way to help create more sustainable jobs and lift economies. It took a few years to get Zula and Co off the ground, and now that it’s here, I am so excited for the future. The Ugandan manufacturer I work with is a talented businesswoman named Harriet. She shares the Zula and Co goals of helping her community. She trains her employees in leatherwork and sewing, giving them skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.
We also work with another woman Bernadette who makes all our labels with the Zula and Co logo on them. She also has a business making reusable feminine pads for women and girls which allows them to continue with school and work. Bernadette has workshops teaching how to make safe and sustainable period products to women and girls in marginalized communities. I also work with two very talented video and photo groups: MK media and King photography. Henry, who started as my driver, is now my right hand in Uganda helping Zula and Co in so many ways, shipping, inspecting, finding material sources, etc. including using his IT skills. I’ve also made a lifelong friend in Amanda Jones, who lives in Uganda and owns a cafe called the Gathering Place. She has been a huge support as well.
Zula and Co was built from a place of love for Uganda, it’s people, it’s vibrancy and culture. We feature African wax print fabric in each bag, instilling some of the color and joy that embodies Uganda. The bags are designed for convenience in travel or daily life. We are proud of our bags and the people who make them. We can’t wait for you to find the Zula bag that sparks your next adventure.
For more information, check out these websites:
About Christine
Christine Bonneur is the founder of Zula and Co and lives in Northern Indiana with her two dogs: Finn and Poppy. She has a day job working in Aviation as well as running Zula and Co. She loves to be outdoors and is often hiking with her dogs or birding with her mom and sister. She loves traveling and is often visiting her brother, his lovely wife, and her nephew, who live out of country. She can’t wait to go back to Uganda and visit her friends, and continue to work and grow with Zula and Co.
