MicroMentor Success Story

Increasing Visibility for "Global Sistergoods"

Kristi Jo Lewis and Beth Kapsch		Andrew Kreinik

Entrepreneur: Kristi Jo Lewis and Beth Kapsch

Upon leaving the Namibian community she called home as a Peace Corps volunteer, Kristi Jo thought about the amazing women she had met and wished the world knew how much they had to offer. Kristi Jo was encouraged by friends to start a business to showcase these women's products. Though initially discouraged by her lack of business background, Kristi Jo founded Global Sistergoods with her sister Beth. The business is an online retailer and wholesaler of fairly traded, handmade artisan goods made by women in developing countries.

While inspired to expand their business, Kristi Jo and Beth were confronted by logistics. "When you have an idea, you think, 'we're going take over the world.' And then at some point, you go, wait-I don't know as much as I thought," Beth explains. As Global Sistergoods grew to be much larger than the sisters expected, they needed somebody who understood financing and international trade.

Mentor: Andrew Kreinik

A self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur," Andrew has a consulting business helping green companies implement growth strategies. Through his various experiences in entrepreneurship, Andrew has developed an in-depth understanding international business.

Andrew became involved with MicroMentor because he wanted to help out smaller businesses that he knew couldn't afford his services. "I have a lot of admiration for people who start businesses. When you get back in the trenches, you see the effort they put in." MicroMentor appealed to Andrew as it helped him actively assist the new entrepreneurs he admired without sacrificing his flexibility.

About Their Match

Andrew's easy-going personality made Beth and Kristi Jo feel comfortable about sharing their business plans and asking questions. The three value the independence MicroMentor offers. "I've liked that MicroMentor helped us make the connection, and then stepped back to let us develop the relationship with our mentor on our own," says Kristi Jo.

Andrew has helped augment Global Sistergoods' visibility, while also decreasing international shipping costs. "We're definitely seeing the effects," says Kristi Jo.

Andrew, beyond helping grow Global Sistergoods, has also profited from his time as a mentor. He finds that his work with MicroMentor sharpens his skills and that the solutions he devises are easily applied elsewhere. He has also learned from Kristi Jo and Beth; they helped explain the differences between free and fair trade.

The sisters trust Andrew's objective judgment and feel like he is a part of the team. Both are quick to confirm Andrew's investment in their business and are grateful for his expertise. "As an entrepreneur, it's important to remember that you don't have to know it all," comments Beth. "We've found that people are willing to share knowledge to help you grow."

Visit Kristi Jo & Beth's business: www.globalsistergoods.com, featuring fair trade, eco-friendly jewelry, accessories, handbags and more made by women artisans from around the world.