In our final year of undergraduate studies, my partners and I were tasked with creating a business plan involved in the graphic communications field. Inspired by the numerous independent artists that we have connected with over the years, we felt compelled to create a business that could help spotlight and empower the marginalized-artists communities within Toronto. The product of this passion project was KUMAYO, a subscription based art-box that connected consumers with communities and provided local artists with a platform have their voices heard.
While this project was largely a collaborative effort by all partners on nearly every aspect of the business, y primarily role in the company was creative vision and market research, as well as handling all financial forecasting. Branding elements and identity were created by Michaela Kwan, while operations and logistics were formulated by Leigh-Anne Kintanar.
The box (which would be shipped directly to consumers monthly) would contain curated pieces by local artists from marginalized communities. Items could vary from jewelry to digital prints or even charms and accessories, and each month would have a new theme to reflect the diverse cultural background of Toronto's artist community!
Our group had the privilege of presenting our business plan at the annual GCM Colloquium - Business Plan and Thesis Expo, as well as the opportunity to work with industry mentors that gave overall feedback on our ideas!
