ABOUT US
Creativity
Culture
Community
Where entrepreneurship, creativity and culture can thrive.
OUR STORY
About
Gather House
Gather House is a home for creativity, culture, and community created to amplify women-owned African brands and build meaningful connections through shared experiences. By bringing together a concept store, café, and event space, it provides a platform where entrepreneurship, creativity, and culture can thrive.
The journey began with Gather Market, founded by Akudo Iheakanwa. What started with just 10 women-owned brands has grown into a community of over 750 brands across Africa and the diaspora. The vision was to create opportunities for women to connect their audiences, support one another, and access wider local and global markets.
As the community expanded, the need for a permanent home became clear. Gather House was created as a physical space where these brands can showcase their work, reach new customers, and continue growing.
To bring this vision to life, Akudo Iheakanwa partnered with co-founder Maxine Pittet. Together they built Gather House as a hub where women entrepreneurs, creativity, and culture come together.
OUR MISSION
Amplifying
women’s voices
Our mission is to amplify the voices, products, and stories of women across Africa by creating spaces where their businesses can grow and thrive. Through curated retail, events, and community programming, Gather House connects women entrepreneurs with new audiences while showcasing the creativity, quality, and innovation behind African-made products. Our vision is to build a global network of African-originated spaces that champion women-owned brands and redefine how African creativity, entrepreneurship, and culture are experienced around the world.
WHAT GUIDES US
OUR THREE PILLARS
Amplifying
women-owned
products.
Gather House is dedicated to championing African women entrepreneurs by giving their brands visibility and access to new markets. Our concept store highlights carefully curated products that celebrate craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation while creating opportunities for talented women across the continent to grow their
businesses.
Redefining
“Made in Africa.”
We believe African products deserve global recognition for their quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. Gather House challenges outdated perceptions by showcasing brands that reflect excellence in design and production. Through our platform, we help reshape the narrative around African goods and celebrate their place in the global market.
Community
engagement.
Community sits at the heart of Gather House. Through workshops, conversations, networking events, and cultural experiences, we create opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Our goal is to nurture a vibrant community where creativity and entrepreneurship can grow through meaningful relationships
THE SPACE
The Space
Every detail at Gather House is considered, from the lighting and music to the textures, scents and layout. We want the space to feel like somewhere you can settle into, whether you’re stopping by between errands, meeting a friend or spending an afternoon exploring. It’s an environment designed to inspire curiosity, encourage conversation and make people feel at home.
THE WOMEN BEHIND GATHER HOUSE
OUR FOUNDERS
Our Founders
CO-FOUNDER
Akudo Iheakanwa
Akudo relocated to Lagos, Nigeria in 2017 to explore the country’s rich craftsmanship, design culture, and the role of community inclusion in creative industries. With a background in youth work, women’s empowerment, business development, sustainability, and community development, she has dedicated herself to supporting women entrepreneurs through initiatives like Gather Market and Gather House. By integrating local skills, traditional techniques, and underutilized resources into her work, Akudo creates meaningful opportunities that celebrate African creativity, empower women-led businesses, and foster vibrant, connected communities.
CO-FOUNDER
Maxine Pittet
Growing up in a multicultural environment spanning Cameroon, Nigeria, and France, Maxine has long been passionate about reshaping perceptions of Africa and highlighting its positive stories. In 2018, she relocated to Nigeria to continue her corporate career while using her platform to share these narratives from within. An accomplished Sales and Business Development Manager, Maxine has played a pivotal role in driving growth, implementing successful go-to-market strategies, and forging key partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.