How did it all start?
Gilda Vilas, Fernando Vilas and Gregor Witsch were inspired to found kokoi after starting to work with refugees in 2016. Faced with the threat posed by the Islamic State, a large wave of refugees came to Germany from Syria, Pakistan and other countries. Because of the war, these people who lived stable and peaceful lives were forced to leave behind their homes, families and everything they had built.
Despite her knowledge of the refugee crisis from the news, it was through her work with the refugees that Gilda understood the real victims of these people
had to bring to get here.
The refugees - especially women - are now confronted with the problem that their learned professions are considered obsolete in industrialized countries like Germany. They can hand-sew silk carpets, carve wood with great precision, do almost any demanding handicraft, only these jobs have no place in the labor market and as a result they almost always lose the opportunity to integrate into society.
This is where kokoi comes into play. kokoi offers refugee women a place where they can use their skills and reach their full potential.
Important facts
Our contribution
Because Gilda, Fernando and Gregor heard these stories firsthand, they decided to do their part to change that. They are convinced that these people have a lot to contribute to a modernized society and that the only thing they lack are job opportunities where they can apply their knowledge.
From this came the idea of kokoi : to produce handcrafted products with high design and exclusivity.
kokoi was born from the very beginning with the clear idea of providing a dignified and quality job opportunity to people with great abilities who are struggling to find a job in the current labor market of the most developed countries.
Everyone who buys a kokoi product helps to give many people a chance at a better life.
Join our mission!