Today we’d like to introduce you to Mouhamadou Dioum and Dominique Richey.
Mouhamadou and Dominique, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
West African Village is based in Dickinson, Texas. Founded by Lamine Dioum (A Senegalese native) and his wife Dominique Richey. They decided that the beautiful eco-friendly artwork from the West African Region should be shared around the world. We support these talented artisans by providing consistent business and help them gain access to a larger market. Lamine, an Artisan himself, also creates beautiful handmade beaded bracelets and necklaces out of natural stone and glass. WAV works closely with the artisans on building long term relationships that push the African Artwork on a global platform. Our products are handmade. We pay artisans fair wages per product purchased. Our vision is to help artisans keep consistent work to help their families and community.
Many find our story interesting- We met in July 2006 when (I) Dominique Participated in a Summer in Senegal abroad program through Colorado College. Lamine happened to live across the street from my host family. We met and became friends towards the end of the trip. I traveled back in November for a month of thesis research, and then again for the summer. We eloped two day before I was to travel home on September, 20th 2007. We have been married for almost 13 years and have three beautiful children. West African Village was founded in 2012 After taking our first daughter to visit the family in Senegal. We had brought back beautiful products and decided we would start our business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This started as a side hustle for us. We originally started in Southern CA and would only do large street fairs on weekends at first, as we both had jobs during the week. It was a struggle juggling our jobs, children, and trying to build a business. In 2017 we moved to Texas, and started to invest more of our focus and time on West African Village. We have spent the last three years building a name for us at local farmers markets, street fairs, mall shows, and partnering with interior designers. We have also put our products on Etsy to help grow our online base. With COVID in March we have had some struggles with most of our events being shut down. We are focused on getting more product onto Etsy and look forward to getting back to our local markets.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
What sets us apart from many businesses who import these types of products is we are out in our community. We love engaging with locals and sharing our handmade products as well as educating people about West African communities. Our products are an eye-catching conversation starter to create dialogue!
What were you like growing up?
Lamine has always been a hard worker. He is very self-disciplined, calm, and shy/introverted at first. Once you get to know him, he opens up. He was a semi-professional soccer player in Senegal and Tunisia. He has a natural ability for fixing and creating things with his hands. Animals are drawn to him and love his calm energy.
I (Dominique) am an extrovert. I can talk to anyone, anywhere. I am high energy and adventurous. I am not shy in the least. I was a college athlete Water Polo Player and Swimmer. I grew up doing all types of sports and am highly adaptable.
Pricing:
- We have products that range from $8-$100+ There is something for everyone in any price range!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westafricanvillage.com
- Phone: 760-822-7386
- Email: westafricanvillage@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westafricanvillage/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestAfricanVillageBaskets/
Image Credit:
Abigail Murphy
Emily June Spanos
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