MitiMeth is an award-winning, cause driven brand, transforming waste and building livelihoods in Nigeria via the Creative Economy. The company has just opened its new “All Things Water Hyacinth” Showroom in Lagos. The new retrofitted “for-purpose” Showroom and Production Hub will be a centre for the transformation of water hyacinth into Home Goods and Accessories.
Founded by social entrepreneur Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, MitiMeth has connected the Art-Crafts-Design sub-sector to socio-economic development through the transformation of water hyacinth, typha grass, banana bark, coconut shells and bamboo culms. MitiMeth’s passion lies in rethinking, designing and producing unique home décor, art décor, gifts, stationery, baskets, fashion accessories, dining-ware and rugs from these environmental menaces and agricultural residues. MitiMeth facilitates Craft Innovation Workshops in riverine / riparian communities empowering mostly women and youth to create income earning opportunities utilizing these locally available resources. In partnership with the private and public sector, Mitimeth has trained over 450 women and youth from communities in Nigeria and Ghana.
The recent opening of the new "All Things Water Hyacinth" Showroom in Lagos marks an exciting new milestone in the company’s history. A year ago (in 2019), MitiMeth excitedly signed a lease for a new Office in Lagos. The new location at #1 LASWA Yard in Falomo-Ikoyi, Lagos (next to Five Cowries Terminal) isn’t by some random coincidence but as a result of a partnership between MitiMeth and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). A strategic partnership which started in 2016 is built around the common goal of clearing water hyacinth and transforming it into beneficial use and is aligned with the Global Goals (SDG 17). Achenyo and her team couldn’t have asked for a better location, right next to the raw material source.
Speaking about this exciting new milestone in the history of MitiMeth, Achenyo says:
“The opening of our "All things Water Hyacinth" marks the realization of a dream to transform waste and build livelihoods, step by step, community by community, one plant fibre at a time.”
The journey to making MitiMeth’s new lease, a fit-for-purpose Showroom and Production Hub, had a few stops and detours along the way. The first contractor engaged to work on the space absconded! Achenyo got over the shock and hired an Interior Architect. Within a couple of months of the renovation, the Corona virus Pandemic hit and a 3 month lockdown followed. This resulted in a complete adjustment and rethink of MitiMeth’s original launch plans. Instead of having a large crowd and a BIG launch as originally dreamed when the lease was signed in 2019, there were 10 guests present to witness a significant milestone in MitiMeth’s history and journey. With face masks on and while maintaining safe social distancing, the new retrofitted “for-purpose” Showroom and Production Hub for the transformation of water hyacinth into Home Goods and Accessories was dedicated on June 21, 2020. Achenyo and her MitiMeth team look forward to more water hyacinth innovations being birthed here as a result of the partnership with LASWA.
Speaking about the launch and the support MitiMeth has received, Achenyo says:
“A BIG Thank You to Lionesses of Africa, our loyal customers, fans, followers, the LASWA Team, family and friends who have encouraged us along the journey. I want to say a BIG thanks to Page Tsewinor, the Interior Architect for this space. For the life-like Mural on the Pier, I want to say a BIG thanks to Kesa Babatunde, the Visual Artist.”
MitiMeth’s new Concept Store will be open for business Monday through Saturday, but only to those who observe COVID-19 safety protocols. All visitors are advised to wear face masks when entering the showroom and must also use hand sanitizer upon entry. The MitiMeth team look forward to welcoming their customers and visitors to the store. It is hoped that an "open to the public" launch of MitiMeth’s "All Things Water Hyacinth" Concept store will take place once the COVID-19 crisis is over.
Speaking about what makes MitiMeth different in terms of its product offerings and ethos, Achenyo adds:
“Our passion lies in rethinking, designing and producing unique home décor, art décor, gifts, stationery, baskets, lamps, fashion accessories, dining-ware and rugs from these environmental menaces and agricultural residues. Our products tell a unique story about transforming wealth to waste. MitiMeth’s aspiration is to create environmentally and economically thriving handicraft producing communities and become Nigeria's #1 choice in natural fibre handcrafted products.”
The MitiMeth Concept Store at #1 LASWA Yard showcases "All Things Water Hyacinth" where customers can buy handmade water hyacinth products: soft furnishing, stationery, jewelry, art decor, rugs, lamps, dining-ware, boxes and more. Strategically located on the Falomo Pier, MitiMeth also offers Handicraft Workshop classes at its Production Hub. The duration of the classes range from one hour to a full day where visitors can learn how to transform water hyacinth into unique handicraft souvenirs. Reservations have to be made 48 hours in advance.
Customers can buy their products from the MitiMeth Concept Store at #1 LASWA Yard, Falomo Jetty, Ikoyi, Lagos. It is located in the Portacabin area next to Five Cowries Terminal.
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM, Saturday 12noon - 5PM
To find out more about Mitimeth, send an email to achenyo@mitimeth.com.ng
Or check out the Mitimeth website http://www.mitimeth.com
Or visit Mitimeth on social media
Handmade Home Decor | MITIMETH | Nigeria
MitiMeth creates handcrafted products from natural fibers that would otherwise be considered waste or environmental menaces. These natural fibers include aquatic weeds (water hyacinth, typha grass) and agricultural waste forms (banana bark, maize husks).
