We recently connected with Jenny Nuccio and have shared our conversation below.

Jenny, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The journey that led to the inception of Imani Collective began with a trip to Kenya in 2009, a trip that would alter the course of my life in ways I never could have anticipated. I vividly remember stepping foot in that remote village, surrounded by unfamiliar faces yet enveloped in a sense of belonging that transcended language and culture. Despite being just a student at the time, the connection I felt with the local community was undeniable. It was during my time there that I had the opportunity to work closely with a couple who were starting a school. Through daily interactions and home visits, I forged deep bonds with the women who would later become integral to the Imani Collective family. But it wasn’t until I was tasked with creating child sponsorship profiles and witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by single, widowed, or disabled mothers that the seed of an idea began to take root. These women, despite their immense resilience, were trapped in a cycle of poverty that seemed insurmountable. Driven by a desire to make a real difference, in 2013, I decided to sell everything I owned and make the permanent move from Texas to Kenya. With the proceeds, I purchased the first 16 sewing machines that would become Imani Collective. For me, this was about more than just providing employment opportunities. It was a promise—to myself and to the women I had grown to love—that, together, we would create pathways to education and economic independence as a means to true empowerment. Over the past decade, Imani Collective has evolved from a small sewing training program into a thriving community that empowers hundreds of artisans through dignified work, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. Our mission is about nurturing community and creating sustainable change that uplifts not only the women we work with but their families and the wider community as well. Under the umbrella of our nonprofit arm, we’re expanding our initiatives to include holistic growth development centers and a comprehensive 3-year sewing and tailoring program. It’s a journey that has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, the unwavering commitment to our mission has remained steadfast.

Jenny, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I founded Imani Collective as a social enterprise dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Kenya. Through our brands Imani + Kids, Selah, Sukwa, and Talanta, we provide dignified work, opportunity, and community to hundreds of artisans. Through Imani + Kids in particular, I saw the potential to extend our mission to the next generation. We set out to create a range of children’s products that seamlessly blend Kenyan tradition with global trends. Each piece, from intricately woven rugs to interactive pillows and wall hangings, is a labor of love infused with the stories and dreams of local artisans. What sets Imani + Kids apart is our commitment to transparency and sustainability. Every product bears the mark of the artisan who crafted it, forging a direct connection between our customers and the incredible women behind each creation. Plus, we prioritize sustainability at every stage, from using natural, toxic-free dyes to sourcing materials locally. It is through these products that we’re able to take a holistic approach to empowering Kenyan communities. Beyond providing a living wage, we offer free in-house childcare, daily meals, paid maternity leave, literacy classes, entrepreneur grants, and more to every member of our team. What I want people to know is that by partnering with us or purchasing our products, you’re not just getting beautifully crafted items for your home—you’re becoming part of a larger story of meaningful change.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most challenging things I had to unlearn was the idea that saying “yes” to everything was the key to success. Growing up, I was often praised for being an overachiever, someone who could juggle multiple responsibilities effortlessly. As I entered the world of entrepreneurship, I realized that this constant need to do it all was not sustainable and, more importantly, not conducive to my well-being. For years, saying “no” felt impossible. I feared that by saying no, I would be closing doors to potential experiences or opportunities that could shape the future of Imani Collective. But I began to understand the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my own needs. I learned that saying “no” didn’t mean missed opportunities; rather, it allowed me to create space for the things that truly mattered to me. By learning to be still and discerning in my commitments, I gained a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. I was able to focus my energy on the things that aligned with my values and goals, and better able to show up fully present and engaged in the moments that truly matter.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This story goes all the way back to the very first sewing class we held in Kenya as part of our newly launched program. As the women gathered in the classroom, I was so ready to begin creating beautiful products we would all be proud of. Before we even touched the machines, I wanted to start by creating a pattern together. I began drawing a pattern on the board, but was met with blank stares. It wasn’t until one of the women raised her hand and said “Najua uko hapa kunifundisha, lakini sijui nambari zangu” that I realized I had made a huge mistake. What she told me was this: “Madam, I know you’re here to teach me, but I don’t know my numbers.” I was incredibly disappointed, not in them, but in myself. It was a humbling moment that forced me to confront my own assumptions. I realized that many of these women hadn’t had access to education, let alone sewing lessons. In that moment, I had to set aside my initial plans and listen—radically listen—to their needs and experiences. I understood that our journey together was not just about teaching a skill; it was about empowerment and transformation on a profound level. I had to learn to adapt, to meet them where they were, and to provide the support and guidance they needed to succeed. So, we began anew. We started with the basics—learning numbers and letters—before even touching the sewing machines. The women embraced the challenge with courage and tenacity, eventually moving to the sewing machines and creating beautiful products with pride. This experience reminded me that true empowerment comes not from thinking we know the solution, but from standing alongside the people we want to help, listening, learning, and growing together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imanicollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennynuccio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennynuccioblog/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennynuccio/