Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Tsumbu.
Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before I launched Simply Giraffe, I worked behind the scenes in the indie film industry. Working twelve-hour days were normal for me, but that all changed when my husband and I found out I was expecting. I was going to be a Mom! Since I wanted to be a good mom, I began transitioning out of the film industry. I asked God, “What am I good at? What are my passions?”
A month before I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to buy reusable menstrual pads, but there were no local stores in my area that carried them. So, inspired by our new family addition, I began developing Simply Giraffe, the eco-friendly store. Simply Giraffe’s launch day was scheduled for September 1st, 2020. We lost our daughter Faith Strong on August 13, 2020.
Heartbroken, I thanked God for giving me the greatest gift I had ever received, Motherhood. Simply Giraffe was launched on September 1, 2020.
*(Why I kept the Launch Date): Kimberly T: “I did it for my little girl. I wanted her to see that her mother can finish what she starts. It was not easy, but I hope and pray that my story will change someone’s life. I want people to know that the sun still shines on cloudy days, during rain storms, and even on the darkest night.
Always be encouraged.”
(Why Call it Simply Giraffe): Because giraffes are awkward, naturally themselves without shame. Simply beautiful.
What are you known for?
Reusable Menstrual Pads: They are chemical-free made with soft breathable, durable bamboo fibers and are charcoal infused for natural odor control. The average woman uses around 500 menstrual pads in one year, not including liners. That is a lot of waste and exposure to harmful chemicals. Our reusable pads come in beautiful fun designs. They are chemical-free and with simple maintenance, can last several years. This small change is healthier for our body while making a major dent in our personal waste contributions.
What are you most proud brand wise?
I am most proud of how we have incorporated outreach into every Simply Giraffe purchase. Every time someone purchases from us it directly impacts someone’s education, their ability to feed their family, and their accessibility to sanitary resources. We make every purchase count not just for the environment, but for our community.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
All of our products are made with their safety and the environmental impact in mind. Your small everyday Simply Giraffe purchases make a big difference in the home, the environment, and in the community. Together we (all) are the heroes that planet earth needs.
You can subscribe to our blog for product updates, coupons, and to be notified about local events.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I started Simply Giraffe, I had no money. God woke me up with the image of a giraffe. So, at 1am with my pregnant belly, I was sketching giraffes. I used a free app to digitize it and design all my cards, graphics, and the website. I used a $6 Panasonic camera from the thrift store to shoot my first commercial in a Safeway bathroom, and a free app to edit. An old Ipad was used for the first set of product photography. My biggest expense was my product line. I did DoorDash and Instacart to attain the seed money.
The loss of my daughter to Turner Syndrome was the hardest thing I have ever had to face. God took my brokenness and used my obedience to Him to touch lives in my community and around the world. It is truly humbling.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
A seed is never too small for God to grow. So never despise your start, learn from the process, and be patient with yourself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simply Giraffe?
Here are just a few things that we have done for our community.
*(Community Outreach Summary 2021 – June 2022):
[https://www.simplygiraffe.
– We sent 400 menstrual pads (200 reusable) overseas to women and girls in need
– Hosted 2 Local Park and Sidewalk Clean Up /Sanitation events
– Supported our partner the Global Women Peace Foundation in their walk on Washington to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
– We did a vender changed from a large corporation to a small Kenya trade school (to support the adult trade school and an elementary school)
*(Current Outreach Program): We believe that it is a human right for all people to have access to hygienic products. So for every 10 full sets of reusable menstrual pads purchased, Simply Giraffe will donate a full set to the Global Woman P.E.A.C.E Foundation.
Our company stands on the principle that true purpose is only fulfilled by enriching another. So join our team, or should we say welcome to the TEAM!
LET’S MAKE A CHANGE TOGETHER!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplygiraffe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
simplyg_com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
SimplyGiraffe - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimplyG_
com - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/ UCxvn56Nqhfalr8nZERGPg_Q - Other: https://www.simplygiraffe.com/
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