The Leakey Collection Launches Retail Site with Timeless Style from Natural Elements

PR Log (Press Release) – Aug 04, 2008 – East Rift Valley, Kenya- Few have experienced the exotic lifestyle led by Philip and Katy Leakey who live among the Maasai in the rural bush in Kenya.  They now bring a piece of their world to the rest of the globe through their new retail site, http://www.leakeylife.com. Their vision is to utilize their artistic talent and passion for African culture to create stylish and sustainable accessories while providing income for the Maasai in Kenya.  The Leakey Collection was created in 2002 after a terrible drought devastated the Maasai's livelihood. Philip and Katy Leakey wanted to help their neighbors by providing work opportunities without changing their culture. They came up with an imaginative idea that would utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women using natural and sustainable elements such as fallen wood and grass.

The Leakey Collection is currently offering employment to over 1200 Kenyans.   Katy Leakey is hopeful this statistic will grow by reaching a wider audience through their new site. "We developed this company with the goal of enhancing understanding between developed nations and Africa using products and commerce as a vehicle," Leakey says.  "Consumers want quality products made from sustainable and natural resources; and that is exactly what they will find from The Leakey Collection."
The Zulugrass and Zuluwood lines are the cornerstones of The Leakey Collection; and have found their way into the global market.  They feature vibrant and exotic necklaces, bracelets and earrings designed by the Leakeys and assembled by the Maasai women in a non- factory setting.  
Philip Leakey is the third and youngest son of renowned anthropologists Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey. He was a Member of Parliament in Kenya for 15 years, a Deputy Member of the Cabinet for 14 years and a Member of Cabinet for 1 year.  He is known in Kenya for his dedication to improve conditions for all Kenyan’s with particular attention to the areas of business opportunity and the environment.
Katy Leakey's talent as an artist and designer has allowed her to connect diverse cultures through art and lecturing in university systems in the United States. She spent time studying ancient cultures in the unexplored areas of the Amazon of Peru and Ecuador before moving to Africa in 2001.