The innovative Mutendi couple who are behind the glossy women’s publication, Jewel Magazine, have decided to expand their wings and venture into the multibillion dollar toy industry.
Daniel and Tsitsi Mutendi were recently in Germany for the annual Spielwarrenmesse Toy Fair where they were exhibiting their locally made handmade toys.
“Spielwarenmesse is the biggest toy fair industry in the world. This is where international toy markets come together: renowned brands, toy innovations, licensed products, trendy start-ups, buyers of large chains, independent retailers and a plethora of media representatives make the toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany, the most important event for the toy industry,” revealed Tsitsi.
She added that more than 2,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries including 820 exhibitors not present at any other fair where al in Nuremberg.
“The fair attracts more than 70,000 visitors from 120 countries, including 20,000 visitors who only attend the Spielwarenmesse. One million products will be available including 75,000 new products,” she added.
On how they got to know about the fair she said, “Google is where you find everything and anything. That’s how we learn.”
She also indicated that this is a lucrative venture as the global toys and games market continues to grow and has great projections over the next three years.
“As in any business, there are opportunities if you identify the possibilities. The global toys and games market is projected to exceed US$135 billion by 2020, driven by innovation.
“Most children play with toys, and adults too. So toys are a lucrative venture anywhere and everywhere. Know your market and cater to its needs,” Mutendi said.
Speaking on what is so special about handmade toys as opposed to those made by machines, she said, “Handmade provides more jobs. Handmade is more ethical and makes the produce unique.
The couple launched their toy company in 2015 and named it Mufaro Toys after their daughter.
Mutendi says the initial impetus to start the business came when she was hunting for a doll for her daughter and could not find one that she liked. This set her on a global hunt for the perfect doll. She couldn’t find any, so she made one using a kit she bought and it all unfolded from there.
In September 2016, the social impact company provided employment for 8 women and is targeting 100 in different communities by the end of this year.
Video: Tsitsi Mutendi talks about how Mufaro Toys started.
