What Changes?

I have actually gotten several phone calls after my last post on Radical wondering what in the world I meant.  I guess that is what I get for being elusive!

The book above should add another clue.  I read this last year as part of a book club and it opened my eyes to so many aspects of poverty and women's issues around the globe.  The subtitle sums up the books goal and focus: "Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide".  Last week I came across a business that is trying to do just that, but with a certain twist that seems just perfect for my skills and passions.

Through this opportunity I will be able to be an ambassador for those around the world oppressed by poverty and society.  I'll be doing this by selling jewelry, accessories, and home items made by artisans from areas such as Uganda, Guatemala, and Tibet.  They are all Fair Trade certified, and many have a personal relationship with the business I'll represent.

But honestly, the stuff is just gorgeous...very Anthropologie in style.  I would wear each and every item (hey, I already had a pair of the Ugandan shoes that they sell sell!).  That's what really attracted me to this company, the fact that their items were on trend and fabulous in addition to being Fair Trade and partnered with ministries and organizations seeking to provide pathways out of poverty.

Here is one of my favorite stories behind the artisans from Ethiopia:

Raven + Lily is a non-profit studio dedicated to empowering marginalized women through design partnerships ad micro-enterprise opportunities. They support women's empowerment programs that comply with fair trade standards and provide design focused micro-enterprise training. In addition, proceeds from each product are returned to assist with community development.

Their Ethiopia collection is made in partnership with Beza International which is dedicated to empowering Entoto Mountain artisans. Many of these women are forced into prostitution and early marriages. Many become pregnant or contract HIV, and are ostracized by their families and society with no where to go. Their families send them to the Entoto Mountains to seek recovery by bathing in the "magical waters". When they are unhealed, their families abandon them and they are left to fend for themselves. Beza International has trained these women and given them a skill to support themselves and their children. Not only are these women learning a skill, they are learning that their lives matter (regardless of their health status). Learning these skills helps them feel valued, which restores their dignity and self-worth. Knowing that other women around the world are wearing their creations is the most empowering gift we can offer them.

Most of this collection is made from recycled nickel, copper, and bronze, including previous war conflict weapons – that's what we call upcycling! Genuine silver embellishments are made by a local silversmith. Each of these spectacular beads is a unique piece of art.

I love that each and every piece has a story like this.  Now, when someone notices jewelry that I am wearing, I can share a bit of the artisans story (advocating for them and their enterprise) and not just say what a great deal I got on them (there is that though too!).  And, as someone who always like to give gifts with meaning, each item comes with the story behind the artisans who made it.  Not only is it a gift for a friend, you can let them know the gift is also supporting artisans who so desperately need a fair paying job.

I will share more soon, especially once my website launches.  Thanks for bearing with me as I share this story piece by piece. 

There are many other exciting "coincidences" that have led me to this risky place.  I'm jumping in with many things on the line.  On the one hand I am so nervous, thinking about what all I could loose, but when I go back and read the stories of the artisans I'll be representing, I know I have to at least try.