Toto Knits

Toto Knits organic cotton cardigan, $35

Aspire to Inspire: Meet Erin Brennan Allan, creator of the children's organic knitwear line Toto Knits.  Erin is a former New York City resident turned Kenyan transplant when in 2002 she took a leap of faith leaving behind the glamour of her life in New York in search of "meaning and purpose".  Learn how Erin, left her comfortable city lifestyle to empowering women in Kenya where the knitters, single mothers, are paid by piece so they can work as little or as much as they choose.  The goal is to put family first, which in turn, makes for a fun and enjoyable working experience

Toto Knits organic cotton crown, $14

Bebe Birds (BB):  As a New Yorker and working in the magazine industry can you share your inspiration for leaving the city that never sleeps for Kenya? 

Erin Brennan Allan (EBA):  I was in New York during September 11th and saw the towers fall. I knew then that while my life was very exciting and glamourous, I needed to do something more meaningful to me.  Which, was to help people.  I found a job in Kenya working in finance and development at a school for children with special needs.

BB: Toto Knits is an incredible company designed to empower women.  Can you share how the business concept developed when creating Toto Knits? 

EBA: Thanks!  The main concept was to create a business around the skills I knew this particular group of women had.  Mary Wambui, our head knitter/manager, was my inspiration. Knowing that such a talented craftswoman was struggling to find work and support her three sons on her own was enough impetus.  Of course, having kids of my own was another trigger.  I wanted to work flexibly and create a business where all employees could do the same.

Knitter Lilian in Toto Knits studio

Toto Knits organic cotton French breton sweater, $32

BB:  Did you have design experience prior to creating Toto Knits? 

EBA: No!  It's been a learning curve.  

BB: What is Toto Knits most popular piece? 

EBA: I would say the Zebra Hooded Cardigan.  It's unisex and the black and white stripes are always appealing.  

Toto Knits organic cotton sweater, $40 & one of the knitters creating the sweater in the knitting studio

BB:  What has your greatest adjustment been since moving to Kenya from the US?  

EBA:  Well, I moved to Kenya shortly after 9/11 and met my husband 10 days after arriving.  That was surprise for sure. The biggest adjustment since moving to Kenya from New York City was the pace of life and the work style.  Living in New York was like living in dog years-everything was so fast and immediate.  Things are much slower here.

Erin & her family in Kenya 

BB:  You are now a mother of two.  What has your experience been like raising children in Kenya? 

EBA:  I have found that having children here is really one of the best things about living in Kenya.  Part of reason is the slower pace of life- I don't feel rushed or pressured with the kids and I don't feel they are rushed or pressured either.  We live on a large plot with lots of outdoor space. There are monkeys and warthogs coming through the garden and birds chirping all day.  In addition, it is very affordable to have help here so I don't have the hassles of laundry and housework, which makes mothering a whole lot more fun for everyone.  

BB: Running your own business and raising two children how do you find your work/life balance? 

EBA:  Living where we do certainly helps:  For example, having the house help.  I also work at home-my office is a shipping container about 50 feet from our house so I spend minimal time in traffic.  

BB: What can we look forward to from Toto Knits? 

EBA:  We are hoping to grow the brand and our presence.  We love doing projects with other brands (i.e.: doing production) and working with designers on new lines. While we are currently selling all over the world, we are particularly keen to spread the message of slow fashion.  We are hoping that consumers will learn how a products provenance matters.  Piece by piece I think we are getting there.  

Toto Knits organic cotton scarf, $24, & organic cotton vest, $30

Thank you Erin!  To learn more or get your hands on Toto Knits organic hand knit pieces visit them online at totoknitsshop.com .  

Toto Knits organic cotton sweater dress, $47.50