Today we are thrilled to announce a major development with our brand & business. Since the inception of klaylife 5 years ago, we’ve built and grown our relationship with our supplier in Africa whom has been producing our klaylife lighting range and hand rolled beads. As we’ve both learnt from each others strengths and weaknesses, we’re excited to announce we’ve now formed a new global strategic partnership.
In the past and up until today we have purchased, priced and sold our clay beaded chandeliers all based on product sizing; Small, Medium, Large and X Large. Since our recent joint venture with our manufacturer we have been working on a new financial model that now allows us to offer our customers a much better retail pricing structure that is all based on single SKU costings as well as single SKU RRP’s. In addition and since streamlining our back office tasks such a distribution, sales and marketing, we’re able to pass on the savings to you; customers, fans and supporters of the klaylife brand. The result of this is an exciting new pricing model that has seen a reduction in RRP costs across our range.
As part of this change, we have updated our freight & shipping model and will no longer offer free global shipping on lighting products. Previously this was incorporated into the retail price, but with such fluctuations in pricing pending on location, we have now introduced a transparent and structured shipping model at ultra competing rates.
Whilst much of this change represents an update in our business model, it is critical to mention that we still are a hand made and bespoke brand that has a social conscience. We draw on the African heritage and craftsmanship; each clay bead is hand rolled using raw clay. They are then sun dried, kiln fired and dip-dyed and in the case of our lights, masterfully strung onto its unique iron frame. This hand made process ensures that no two pieces will ever be the same.
Initially, our clay beaded pieces were crafted by local women whose lives had been impacted by HIV and so desperately needed an income to support their families. Over time, as popularity grew, more and more women with differing circumstances approached us for work. As a result the criteria has been broadened to any local woman who is prepared to put in the effort to create something special. There are now over 65 dedicated women rolling beads and creating their own masterpiece. More importantly, they’re making a difference to their local community.
As our new partnership continues to grow, we will continue to unearth and share the amazing stories from the hands and faces behind the scenes of klaylife.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported our brand in the past, and look forward to continuing to take klaylife products to the world through the support of grassroots communities.
Best wishes.
Phillip, Kerri and Luke.