But of course, we  love this bag mostly because its sales support women in Nepal who learn vocational skills training through Women’s Skill Development Project.   This non-profit helps women like Sita Thapa, who is deaf and mute.  She expressed,

“When I began my journey, I was a struggling adolescent trying to learn a skill. Now, I am a 25 year old women, wife, mother, teacher and mentor to all of those who will pass through this institution during my time here. I will continue my work for as long as I can help to teach and inspire future generations of Nepalese women to become confident and self-supportive.”

I think it’s obvious why we like this one.  Each piece is handmade with mother of pearl by artisans in Bali, Indonesia who use resin to create the striking pendant.  CraftNetwork Indonesia in Bali’s capital of Denpasar, provides support in entrepreneurship, product design, marketing and sales, so that these skilled artisans can create successful careers.

Look closely— the bottom stripes of this scarf are hand stitched with thousands of tiny black bugle beads, making it an elegant choice for evening or day time.  The scarf is colored with all-natural vegetable dyes.

Artisans work with Community Friendly Movement to earn fair wages in a safe work environment. The work enables the preservation of valuable traditional skills and a longstanding community— allowing artisans to stay with their families in their village homes and avoid having to migrate for work.

Our “Future is Bright Bangles” ($14.95, set of 3)–featured in Life & Style Magazine (see below)–are made by artisans at Noah’s Ark, an amazing cooperative group in Moradabad, India.  Noah’s Ark offers skilled artisans the resources to start their own workshops, healthcare and life insurance, and provides educational opportunities to
artisans’ children.

This one really captures attention; and you can help bring about change while you fish for change! The Sinless Sequins Coin Purse (14.95) comes in 3 great color schemes.  Women at Tara Projects near Delhi, India, hand-embroider shimmery beads and sequins to create this stunning pouch.  Tara Projects employees over 1,000 artisans and is a leading voice in the movement against child labor.  They supply some of our most fashion-forward pieces, like this wonderful little coin purse.

This lush silk scarf (Dharma Silk Scarf, $34.95) helps Nepalese communities by employing underprivileged women artisans, who handcraft and dye each one.  We love the scarf and we love that it helps transform lives!  It’s all good!