Love Kenya Kids by Pauline Githara exhibits uniquely assorted fashion while
assisting a Kenyan orphanage.
Vibrant clothing & detailed handmade jewelry sets Pauline’s booth apart from others at
farmers’ markets. With witty humor, she connects her products to her heritage. “I like bright
colors! I guess most Africans do.”
Pauline has always been a businesswoman, even before she moved to the U.S. 22 years ago. Throughout her time selling items, she focuses on the advancement of Limuru Children’s Centre. “My whole family has. It’s how my mother raised us.”
Limuru Children’s Centre is a multifaceted childcare agency dedicated to providing necessities to orphans & other at-risk children. The Centre feeds families in poverty, too. “The ones that really make me cry are the newborns,” Pauline reveals. She visits as often as she can, touched each time she interacts with the children.
Pauline’s small business, Love Kenya Kids, donates 15% of earnings to Limuru Children’s
Centre. She sets her shop up weekly at various marketplaces in the LA area, such as Westwood, Marina del Rey, Rose Bowl, and Newport Beach farmers’ markets.
With philanthropic values, Pauline and her family utilized their wealth to the upbringing of those in need. She explains, “We did [financially] okay. That’s how we were able to help others.” Aside from Limuru Children’s Centre, they work with a separate Kenyan school to feed students.
Once she fulfills her goals for Limuru Children’s Centre, Pauline would enjoy tending more to
the school. Although she feels that she hasn’t met her objectives for the orphanage yet, she is optimistic about what will come. A non-profit she’s developing is approved & business is
better than the standstill brought in 2020’s pandemic.
“Everything slowed down,” Pauline mentions how COVID-19 affected her business & personal life. She regularly visits Kenya but couldn’t during the pandemic. Isolation also minimized the social aspects of the marketplace, which Pauline treasures.
Fortunately, things have improved. Customers are back at the markets & Pauline can connect
with them. As her own stockkeeper, she notices trends & what groups prefer in each market.
Love Kenya Kids ensures items that are suitable for all shoppers. College student Gianna Yarza can attest to this after visiting the shop. “[There’s] definitely options for people my age. But anyone can shop there & find something that they like!”
