About Us

Creative Director

A man with a gray beard wearing a colorful jacket is leaning over a table in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. There are papers, a menu, and a blue cup on the table. The background features another person sitting at the bar with neon lighting and warm hanging lamps.

“As a designer, I believe fashion can be a powerful tool for social change by promoting an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Through the joining of denim
and traditional fabrics from the Republic of the Niger, I create clothing to celebrate
the beauty, diversity, rich history, and traditions of West African
culture through the use of geometric patterns, symbolic motifs, and natural dyes.
I remain committed to using sustainable practices in my work by sourcing fabrics
from ethical supplies using eco-friendly dyes and finishes.”

Stephen Jenkins

Meet the team

Seydou, in his early fifties, is a devoted Christian living as a minority in Muslim-majority Niger, West Africa. As a father to seven joyful children—five of whom are deaf like him—he navigates life's challenges with remarkable resilience in one of the world's poorest nations.

I first met Seydou during one of my trips to Niger, and his story moved me deeply. Disabilities can be incredibly isolating there, yet the unbreakable happiness radiating from him and his family was unforgettable. Rather than offering charity, which can strip away dignity, we chose partnership—creating meaningful work that allows him to earn with pride.

Seydou pours his heart and exceptional skill into crafting Gracist's housewares, bags, and pillowcases, turning simple materials into beautiful, durable pieces. His quiet strength and craftsmanship have made him an integral part of our team since those early days.

I consider Seydou and his family true friends, and it is an honor to support his talent while lifting up his story. Through fair work and shared purpose, we're empowered together—bringing his creations to homes across the world and celebrating the dignity, faith, and joy he embodies.

El Hadj, 33, is a proud Fulani artist raised among the nomadic herds of the Sahara Desert in Niger. From a young age, his hands have shaped the traditions of his people - working with leather, beads, and hammered metal to create intricate, meaningful designs.

I met El Hadj on a trip to Niger and was immediately struck by his natural artistry and precision in every knot, stitch, and detail. His deep connection to Fulani patchwork heritage deserved a wider audience, so we collaborated to blend those timeless patterns with modern American styles—resulting in pieces that people stateside absolutely love.

Since partnering in the early days of Gracist, El Hadj has become a vital part of bringing these unique accessories to life. His earnings from this fair-trade work have allowed him to marry recently, support his extended family back home, and build a brighter future. He once looked me in the eye and said thank you—not for handouts, but for the opportunity to earn through his own incredible talent.

It is a true privilege to call El Hadj a friend and collaborator, honoring his creativity while sharing his story across oceans. His work reflects the beauty of tradition, skill, and perseverance—we're grateful to feature it on Gracist.

A woman smiling at a sewing machine in a fabric shop or workshop.

Jean

Tailoress

Jeanne Agbodan was born on April 13, 1991, in Lomé, Togo, the second of seven siblings. After secondary school, financial challenges led her to train in sewing from 2007 to 2010, followed by advanced practice—specializing in clothing for women and children. She worked with passion and precision.

She saved to move to Niger for better opportunities, worked for a tailor, and opened her own shop in 2012. There she met her husband Edouard at church; they married a year later and now have four beautiful daughters. Jeanne co-pastors alongside him, serving their community with faith.

I first met Jeanne in 2020 on my initial trip to Niger and was amazed by her extraordinary skill, patience, and work ethic. She has since become an integral part of Gracist, mentoring young girls in sewing to give them independence and protect them from early marriages—having already graduated seven apprentices into their own businesses while guiding 14 more.

I consider Jeanne and Edouard family; it is an honor and privilege to support their remarkable creativity and ministry. Her thoughtful, high-quality pieces reflect resilience, faith, and love—we're grateful to celebrate her on Gracist, empowering through partnership and sharing her inspiring story with the world.

Man with black hair and a blue scarf playing an acoustic guitar indoors, with clothes and items on a table in the foreground.
An elderly man with a beard wearing a purple shirt and colorful patterned fabric around his neck and waist is standing in a street market. There are other people and cars in the background.

Seydo

Tailor

El Hadj

Niger Team Lead

WE ARE GRACIST .

WE ARE GRACIST .

Two men standing indoors, one with his arm around the other, smiling at the camera. The man on the left is wearing a dark checkered shirt, while the man on the right is wearing an orange polo shirt with a green patterned bag across his chest. The room has a rustic appearance with a textured wall and a purple curtain in the background.
Two people stand smiling outdoors in a marketplace with handmade fabric and craft items, brick wall and sandy ground in the background.
A man and woman smiling at the camera inside a house. The man is standing slightly behind the woman, leaning out an open door, wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful image on it. The woman is in front, wearing a vibrant, patterned dress with red, yellow, black, and white colors. The house has teal window shutters and a tan wall.
An elderly man with a gray beard and a young girl are smiling and waving at the camera inside a rustic house, with three children behind them also smiling and waving.
African family outdoors on uneven dirt ground, six children and one adult woman, in casual and colorful clothing, with buildings in the background and a clear sky.

Gracist is more than a brand, its a community that was birthed out of relationship-the beautiful community of Niger. 

Our Clients

  • Black background with a gray geometric logo and the word 'talo' in lowercase.
  • Solid State logo with a stylized 'S' and the words 'Solid State' on a black background
  • Line drawing of a castle with towers and arches on a red circular background.
  • MOWI logo with a stylized mountain design above the company name.
  • GOAN logo with a gray circle and the word 'GOAN' beneath it
  • A gray logo of a stylized leaf above the word 'NOTED' on a black background