Courtesy of Room and Board

One of the best parts about working at Room and Board is getting to meet the manufacturer partners behind some of the products that the store offers.  It is during this time that we get to hear the stories about how these companies were created and listen to their journey of how they got to where they are today.  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Bob & Bridget Meyer, who own and operate Toka, an African imports company.

Bob Meyer, a Minnesota native, met his wife Bridget when he was a rafting guide in Zambia.  Upon moving back to Minnesota, the couple decided to start an import business to help the women of Bridget’s native tribe, Toka, become financially self-sufficient.  The women earn their living by making beautiful Makenge baskets.  These baskets are used as an everyday tool in the tribe.  Not only do they look beautiful, but each basket has a different meaning behind the woven patterns. Please read on after the jump to read more about Toka’s story and see my interview with Bridget and Bob Meyer.
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