Bestway International clients include many companies, both shipping and acquiring goods, in North America and throughout the world. We love working with them. And we would like to tell you about the leader of one in particular: Irma Starr.
You may have read about Irma in the Kansas City Star, which featured her in its December 13, 2025 edition.
The 93-year-old resident of the Jacob Loose Park neighborhood produces ornaments using a method of 17th-century-style slipware pottery. Her work is especially in strong demand during the Christmas season, and it’s not unusual for people to start contacting her in October to see what she might have available.
But Irma doesn’t do all the work by herself.
Shortly after the year 2000, she traveled to Sri Lanka, where she met a group of women that she was able to teach these techniques to. These women help her produce the items that meet the continued demand. But sourcing from Sri Lanka requires knowledge of the import scene – and that’s where Bestway stepped in.
“It’s very small shipments that she’s importing” said account manager Nick Coleman, who manages Irma’s account at Bestway. “Last year we did four shipments for her, and she is very grateful.”
But have no doubt, Irma’s operation is a real business and represents a very real account for Bestway – if not a gigantic one.
“Some of the things we do on her account we don’t normally do – like dealing directly with the shippers – but every client’s needs are a little different and she’s very grateful to us for handling it,” Coleman said. “She lets us know what she needs and we take care of it for her.”
Irma’s work is all by hand, using techniques such as combing, feathering, marbling and slip-trailing. Her work has ended up in some pretty high-profile places, including the Smithsonian, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Some Bestway clients do heavy volumes. Some make extensive use of multiple modes of shipping. Many provide access to products for which businesses and individuals have a critical need.
And some clients just make beautiful creations that people love. Like Irma Starr.
We’re proud to call her a Bestway client. If you’d like to be one too, get in touch!
