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 five years ago 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 partnered with Co-founder Maxine Pittet. Together they built Gather House as a hub to transform the narrative of African made. A space for connection, community, and where women entrepreneurs can receive greater access to the market and visibility.
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.
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.
To amplify the voices, products, and stories of women across Africa by offering access, visibility, and support through a dedicated concept store, events space, and creative community.
We are committed to reshaping the global perception of African-made — proving that African products are not just beautiful, but innovative, ethical, and world-class.
Everything we do at Gather House is guided by three core pillars: amplifying women-owned products, redefining “Made in Africa,” and fostering meaningful community engagement. These pillars shape our retail curation, café experience, and event programming while ensuring that every interaction supports creativity, empowerment, and collaboration.
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.
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-made goods.
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.
Gather House is thoughtfully designed to feel warm, welcoming, and inspiring. Every element — from lighting and music to layout, scents and atmosphere — encourages conversation and creativity. Whether you’re visiting for coffee, attending an event, or exploring the concept store, the space invites you to slow down and connect.
Our café experience is deeply connected to our mission. Many ingredients used in our menu come directly from the women-owned brands we support — from coffee beans and grains in our protein bowls to honey, peanut butter, and chutneys.
With a curated selection of coffee, fresh pastries, nourishing bowls, and smoothies made from high-quality ingredients, the café allows guests to literally taste the creativity and craftsmanship of African women entrepreneurs, turning each menu item into a story of community, culture, and collaboration.
Our concept store is home to a curated collection of products from women-owned African brands. Each item reflects craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural storytelling. From food products to lifestyle goods, the store highlights the talent and innovation of entrepreneurs who are redefining African design and production.
We challenge outdated perceptions by showcasing world-class African-made goods that embody excellence, style, and innovation.
Extended hours during evening community events.