Question 1

Where exactly do your products come from?

Accepted Answer

We work with worker-owned cooperatives in Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Kenya, Rwanda, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. Each piece is tagged with its country and the maker's initials.

Question 2

Do you visit the cooperatives?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Nancy travels to West and East Africa twice a year. We post field notes from each trip in the Journal.

Question 3

How do you decide who to work with?

Accepted Answer

Slowly. Most partnerships start with an introduction from another maker we already know, then a year or two of small orders before we feature their work on the site.

Question 4

Are your products fair-trade certified?

Accepted Answer

Two of our cooperatives carry WFTO certification. The rest are too small to pay the certification fee, but we publish our wholesale prices on request so you can do the math yourself.

Question 5

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Within the United States, 3–6 business days via USPS Priority or UPS Ground. Most orders ship within two business days of being placed.

Question 6

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

We ship to Canada and the UK. Duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility. For other destinations, please email us first.

Question 7

What's your return policy?

Accepted Answer

30 days from delivery, no restocking fee, prepaid label. See the Shipping page for the full details.

Question 8

What if my piece arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

Send a photo within 7 days of delivery to manage@investerpriseafrica.com and we'll either replace it or refund you in full. Damage in transit is on us, not you.

Question 9

Do you take custom orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We commission custom sizes and color palettes for designers, hospitality projects and home builds. Lead time is typically 8–12 weeks. Email manage@investerpriseafrica.com to start.

Question 10

Do you wholesale?

Accepted Answer

We have a small wholesale program for independent home goods boutiques. Minimum order is $1,500. Email us with your storefront and Instagram and we'll send the line sheet.

Question 11

Can a designer set up a trade account?

Accepted Answer

Yes — interior designers and architects receive a 15% trade discount and net-30 terms after the first order. Send your business license to manage@investerpriseafrica.com.

Question 12

How do I care for a Bolga basket?

Accepted Answer

Mist it with water once or twice a year to keep the elephant grass supple. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods if you want the colors to stay vivid. Otherwise, it will outlast you.

Question 13

How do I clean mudcloth?

Accepted Answer

Spot-clean with cold water and mild soap. Avoid the washing machine — the dye is intentionally hand-set and machine washing may fade it. Air-dry flat.

Question 14

Is your pottery food-safe?

Accepted Answer

Our terracotta vessels are sealed for water but not food-safe. They're intended for dried flowers, branches, utensils, or decorative use.

Question 15

Will the colors fade over time?

Accepted Answer

Natural dyes deepen with age more than they fade. A basket photographed five years apart will look a little richer the second time. Direct south-facing sun is the one exception — keep textiles out of it.

Question 16

Are you on Amazon?

Accepted Answer

No. We sell only through this website and at two annual pop-ups in Houston and Austin. Anything listed elsewhere under our name isn't us.

Question 17

Can I visit the studio in Tomball?

Accepted Answer

By appointment, yes. We're not a storefront — it's a warehouse with a small showroom — but we love showing people around. Email a few dates that work.

Question 18

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free of charge. Add a note at checkout. We use unbleached paper and a length of cotton twine — no plastic, no foil.

Questions, answered without the runaround.

Sourcing & makers

Shipping & returns

Custom orders & wholesale

Care & materials

About the shop