Well, by the time you’re interested in checking out the 'ABOUT US' page it probably means that you’re looking for more than just a comfortable hoodie.
So here is what we really do...
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
OUR STORY
WHAT IS SWEATIZEN?
The place you shop from when you want to make an impact.
A community of 'SWEATIZENS' who believe that apparel should do more than just look good. You may be a gym junkie that enjoys the SWEAT LIFE or a nature lover that enjoys the ZEN life. No matter who you are, SWEATIZEN has a place for you. We champion
E M P O W E R M E N T
I N C L U S I V I T Y
&
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y .
A community passionate about impact & change.
With each purchase you are sure to be making a positive impact in the world. We are citizens of #SweatCulture who enjoy the sweat life.
We are London based with a heart that lies deep in East Africa. Our apparel unites standout style with a sustainable approach. We aim to keep not only our customers but our community happy. Artists across Africa have been impacted big-time by the Covid-19 Pandemic, particularly because of the lack of tourism to our countries. Most of our talented independant artists lack access to the digital world and we provide a platform that helps them reach wider, international audiences. This creates a stream of income for them.
OUR MISSION
Is to create a community of SWEATIZEN’s to support the creativity of artists of all kinds and uplift East African heritage.
To be a SWEATIZEN is to be a part of a community of people that have a passion for EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY. People who believe that clothing can do more than just look good.
We work with artists, models, dancers, photographers and videographers from East Africa and continue to build our family of creatives.
As a SWEATIZEN you do more than this - you empower small-scale farmers across the globe, support small businesses and do your part towards creating a more sustainable future.
WE LOVE
the adaptability of African art
From basic line art to complex, detailed pieces, African art is found on more than just a canvas.
Yes, we sell prints, but we also create sustainably produced clothing that will be sure to turns heads. We love the colour and vibrancy of African art, and partner with East African artists whose unique, hand-drawn designs are digitally converted into our prints and embroidered motifs.
All of our artists continue to create despite huge social and economic barriers, and we are passionate about supporting their talent.
Our mission is to improve the livelihoods of our artists and support the heritage of African art. We pay our artists a fair price upfront for the paintings we commission including design rights.
Artists of Today & Tomorrow
The Future Artist Fund
10% of the profits from our apparel sales are allocated to our Future Artist Fund. This is designed to support future artists in East Africa, through the provision of art classes in local schools. We employ our artists to then deliver these classes.
High-quality prints of our artists’ works can be purchased through our Art Gallery. The artists receive 30% profits from every print that we sell, as well as the fair price for the original commission.
WE WORK WITH
SMALL-SCALE LOCAL PARTNERS
All of our designs are expertly embroidered and printed in the UK or Tanzania (depending on the item).
In line with our ethos of sustainability and empowerment, we work exclusively with community-based partners who use ethical materials such as GOTS organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Our base garments are sourced ethically from Bangladesh or Tanzania (depending on the item). Our main embroidery and printing partner is based in London, which reduces carbon costs and minimises waste as that's where our main market is! We think local, and our vision is to have our own artisanal embroidery and printing studio in London, UK.
We are a young and energetic start-up passionate about empowerment, operating an inclusive model. We work with artists, models, dancers, photographers and videographers from Tanzania & Kenya.
Our journey is only just beginning, but our founding values have helped us to already leave our mark and now create an opportunity for everyone to make a positive impact. 💛
