Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, pleasecontact Jennifer.
1000 Shillings is a Uganda-based start-up social enterprise that gives impoverished women artisans around the world an opportunity to sell their limited edition products to an international market.
The unique fair trade model used by 1000 Shillings also allows these talented women to earn capital to fund their own small businesses and lift their families out of poverty. They are paired with business mentors who help them start and sustain their businesses. In addition, the artisans are given a voice to share their story with customers.
According to the website, 1000 Shillings’ aim is “to connect people around the world through storytelling and high-quality artisan products.” Every piece on the website is unique to the website and in limited edition. The goal is to allow you to get to know the women behind their products. When you buy, you directly help the artisan and her family. And if that doesn’t make you feel good about a purchase, I don’t know what will.
Currently, 1000 Shillings is working with six single mothers – Aidah, Annette, Veronica, Esther, Martha and Elizabeth – in the Namatala slum of Mbale, Uganda, who create beautiful paper bead jewelry. The logo for 1000 Shillings is a crested crane, the national bird of Uganda, in honor of the beginnings of the company with these women.
In case you were wondering about the name of the company, 1000 Shillings represents the amount of money the average woman in the Namatala slum lives on per day – $0.40.
Sounds like a great place to do some holiday shopping, doesn’t it? Shop the Ugandan Line and take a moment to read the stories of the 6 artisans. They truly are amazing.
Who would you purchase a 1000 Shillings necklace for?
I wrote this post as part of the Global Team of 200, a highly specialized group of Mom Bloggers for Social Good members who focus on maternal health, children, hunger, and women and girls.
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