The women of Me to We artisans [women handbags]
At the one-year anniversary of the launch of Me to We Artisans-a line of original accessories, hand-crafted by artisans in Free The Children communities across the globe-there's no doubt that style has truly met sustainability.
From this season's musthave line of Safari Clutches to bold and colourful bracelets and chic leather belts beaded in traditional Maasai patterns, these unique accessories with a purpose are in demand by fashionistas across North America.
With Artisans, giving back is in style.
"By leveraging the artistic ingenuity of these artisans, we're creating something beautiful while also enabling these women to offset daily family expenses such as food, medicine, clothing and school fees-fulfilling their families' dreams of financial sustainability," says Roxanne Joyal, founder of Me to We Artisans and co-CEO of Me to We.
Just one year after Narripol Pariken began selling her beadwork with Me to We Artisans, the Mama from Sikirar, Kenya, calls it her "saviour from poverty."
As Me to We Artisans celebrates its first anniversary, the Maasai women who gather under acacia trees in Kenya's sprawling Maasai Mara to form beading circles, all mamas like Pariken, celebrate economic independence and hope.
"I feel empowered," Pariken says.
With her Artisans income, she's purchased two goats that provide milk and cheese for her husband and seven children, as well as new clothing and utensils. Extra household income means her children can stay in school instead of going to work, and they can now plan for the future.
"Many of my girls want to be teachers," she says.
Before Pariken began work with Artisans, her children rarely went to school. When rains were poor, her husband, a farmer, couldn't provide enough food.
Now the women in Pariken's community also earn an income, taking their tradition-al skills to a global market.
"The women are excited but slightly bewildered by this exciting new social enterprise that will put their exquisite handiwork around the wrists and necks of North American women," says Joyal.
Maasai women start beading as young girls, a skill that Me to We Artisans cultivated in order to offer the mamas a fair wage and to sell the unique pieces - colourful handbags, earrings, belts - online and in stores. Half of the net profits are donated to Me to We's charitable partner, Free The Children, and the other half is reinvested to grow the enterprise.
"Our task was to start a unique social enterprise so women in the impoverished communities could sell their beadwork to visitors," says Joyal. "Inside their small huts, the mamas showed me their intricate beaded handiwork.
They did not think of it as art, but necessity. These objects played a major role in rituals surrounding birth, circumcision, marriage, warriorhood and death. These very practical women could not believe I wanted to sell their work and return the profits to them and their families."
Artisans is an ethical, sustainable style choice for women around the world.
From this season's musthave line of Safari Clutches to bold and colourful bracelets and chic leather belts beaded in traditional Maasai patterns, these unique accessories with a purpose are in demand by fashionistas across North America.
With Artisans, giving back is in style.
"By leveraging the artistic ingenuity of these artisans, we're creating something beautiful while also enabling these women to offset daily family expenses such as food, medicine, clothing and school fees-fulfilling their families' dreams of financial sustainability," says Roxanne Joyal, founder of Me to We Artisans and co-CEO of Me to We.
Just one year after Narripol Pariken began selling her beadwork with Me to We Artisans, the Mama from Sikirar, Kenya, calls it her "saviour from poverty."
As Me to We Artisans celebrates its first anniversary, the Maasai women who gather under acacia trees in Kenya's sprawling Maasai Mara to form beading circles, all mamas like Pariken, celebrate economic independence and hope.
"I feel empowered," Pariken says.
With her Artisans income, she's purchased two goats that provide milk and cheese for her husband and seven children, as well as new clothing and utensils. Extra household income means her children can stay in school instead of going to work, and they can now plan for the future.
"Many of my girls want to be teachers," she says.
Before Pariken began work with Artisans, her children rarely went to school. When rains were poor, her husband, a farmer, couldn't provide enough food.
Now the women in Pariken's community also earn an income, taking their tradition-al skills to a global market.
"The women are excited but slightly bewildered by this exciting new social enterprise that will put their exquisite handiwork around the wrists and necks of North American women," says Joyal.
Maasai women start beading as young girls, a skill that Me to We Artisans cultivated in order to offer the mamas a fair wage and to sell the unique pieces - colourful handbags, earrings, belts - online and in stores. Half of the net profits are donated to Me to We's charitable partner, Free The Children, and the other half is reinvested to grow the enterprise.
"Our task was to start a unique social enterprise so women in the impoverished communities could sell their beadwork to visitors," says Joyal. "Inside their small huts, the mamas showed me their intricate beaded handiwork.
They did not think of it as art, but necessity. These objects played a major role in rituals surrounding birth, circumcision, marriage, warriorhood and death. These very practical women could not believe I wanted to sell their work and return the profits to them and their families."
Artisans is an ethical, sustainable style choice for women around the world.
2011-10-09 11:42
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