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A new shop selling authentic African products has opened in Stirling.
Nathez Out of Africa specialises in unique items, many of them handmade, and sourced directly from artisans and small-scale producers across a host of African countries.
These include woven baskets and leather goods, such as belts and wallets.
The store also stocks coffee, teas, snacks, spices, skincare products and candles.
Owner Angela Potter, who has traded online and at markets for two years, opened the doors to her first bricks-and-mortar shop on April 19.
Located at Imex Business Centre in the Springkerse area, Nathez Out of Africa will be open every day except Sundays.
Each product has its own special story
Angela told The Courier: “There is a piece of uniqueness with every product that we have that I don’t think you would find in a gift shop here.
“We try as much as possible not to duplicate because they are all handmade.
“So, we try and either do two pieces of each colour or just the one, and then move on to another design.”
This goes for everything from hand-dyed baskets to chess pieces carved from soapstone and decorated with traditional Maasai designs.
Coffee roasted in Kenya on a Monday arrives at Nathez Out of Africa less than a week later.
Angela admits that it’s a lot to organise from Stirling.
“Not everybody is fluent with the English language, and everybody’s tonation is different, especially when you’re dealing with different African countries,” she explained.
“But, again, that is what makes it unique.
“So, sometimes the things that arrive here might not be exactly what I requested.
“But, you know what? It still comes out beautifully.
“And I go: this is the story behind it.”
A family business run with passion
Angela, who lives in nearby Alloa, runs the business with help from her husband and her children, who the shop is named after.
Local business support organisation STEP provided her with advice as she expanded.
The mum of three says she is also supported by her in-laws and her friends, who she says have helped her to succeed.
Angela added: “And I’ve been very blessed with the kind of customers I’ve had who appreciate, respect and believe in what I do as well.
“Dealing with artisans, trying to get things to arrive on time, the cost of bringing things across is not the cheapest.
“But it’s the passion, it’s the joy that I have in this, to try and show off what is in my country and what some of these artisans are capable of doing.
“The love behind it is what drives me.”
