Out of Africa

Out of Africa is a petite boutique with a grand vision- a shop full of distinctive jewelry and accessories hand-crafted by African micro-entrepreneurs in Kenya, and brought to Howard County through a partnership between Columbia resident Francine Storch and her daughter, Paula Tjossem.

Tjossem who graduated from Wilde Lake High School, lives in Nairobi, Kenya, where she divides her time between working in the micro-finance industry for a large American bank and traveling around Kenya searching for craftspeople who could benefit from selling their wares stateside.  Previously, Storch sold the African-made jewelry and belts that her daughter selected by hosting home parties and vending in festivals, but the mother-daughter team always had a bigger dream.

“We always talked about having a little boutique together,” Says Storch.  Now the duo are proud of their fair trade operation at Savage Mill with Good Life Wellness Center. 
 
Shoppers can choose from beaded string belts, Kitegela glass necklaces, animals, and angels woven from banana leaves.  They will find unique soapstone Nativity sets, silk and stylish handmade scarfs, brightly colored baskets and amazing gifts that cannot be found anywhere else other then Out of Africa Boutique.  Most of the items are surprisingly well priced  starting at $3 dollers and up so shoppers can pick gifts for all ages and all price ranges.

Clients of Good Life Wellness can shop after a relaxing session, and clients of Out of Africa can enjoy a massage after their shopping spree.  This partnership with the Co-Op of Good Life Wellness has been a wonderful compliment to the Savage Mill Community

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