Design and Development

These attributes originate with the design of the products. Frequently asked about the successful growth of Swahili Imports, Mittelberg credits design as the catalyst. In an informational interview conducted by Business students from the University of Oregon, she stated, “ Our clients easily became bored with the same old item. I loved the idea of being part of creating the designs. So did the artisans. This [shift] dramatically changed the way we did business and how our customers viewed us.”

Understanding the complex process of design development and customer service, as well as personal involvement with artisans, suppliers, and customers, sets Swahili Imports apart. Design concepts, which include suggestions about materials, size, structure, and detailing, can take up to a year after presentation to see in sample form. Yet development and design of new products and materials continues to be an on-going project, attesting to its significance.