

All bracelets by Indego Africa
The Tuesday Trend is a new feature and I'm really excited to be kicking it off with such a worthy company. Also, I thought it might inspire some of you bracelet-lovers to enter the giveaway and win some new, handmade arm candy from a local DC artist (deadline July 23).
Indego Africa truly is, in their own words, "redefining an outdated handicraft model of economic development and mapping out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa." What's more, they are a trendy company, partnering with big name brands like Nicole Miller, J Crew, and Anthropologie, which increases their profile and accessibility for the average American consumer. Some people have negative feelings towards trends, but for me, anything that empowers consumers to make kinder, more conscious choices about their purchases without going out of their way to find a new store or change their regular habits is a positive thing.
Their model for success and empowerment is so comprehensive that I think it's worth outlining the whole thing, and you can learn more about it here:
- Indego Africa is an award-winning, design-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise that lifts women-owned businesses in Rwanda toward sustainable economic independence through access to markets and education.
- Indego Africa partners with for-profit cooperatives of more than 400 women artisans in Rwanda and exports, markets, and sells their jewelry, accessories, and home decor (a) on its online store, (b) to more than 80 retail stores across the U.S. and Europe, and (c) at major brands like J.Crew and Nicole Miller through cutting-edge design collaborations.
- Indego Africa then pools its profits from sales with donations to fund training programs – developed internally from the ground up – for the same women in management and entrepreneurship, literacy, technology, and health.
- Indego Africa hires top Rwandan university students from socially-vulnerable backgrounds to administer its training programs.
- Indego Africa has offices in New York City and Rwanda and is managed by a lean and diverse team with extensive experience in development, business, design, law, commerce, fashion, and Africa.
- Indego Africa is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation and the subject of a Harvard Business School case study.
If you're looking for inspiration before you enter the giveaway and style challenge, check out this collection for more delicious arm candy, and remember that only one of the bracelets in your entry has to be "fair" in order to enter. Good luck!
<This contest in now closed>
I love your blog and so happy it is solely focused on ethical fashion! It is giving me a lot of inspiration. Hope to meet you at one of the CAPFABB meet ups.
ReplyDeleteKatalina
www.theyoufinder.com
Thank you! Looking forward to meeting you, too!
DeleteI just heard a story on NPR about how necks are out and wrists are in. I love all your posts about bracelets; I don't really own any and may have to remedy that!
ReplyDeleteThanks! If you acquire some before July 31st, enter the style challenge :) Or you could share a pin board of Fair options? You are like the wizard of pinterest
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