Indie Love: Nest "Changing the World One Purchase At a Time"

I was browsing around this past week and through a link on the Richmond Craft Mafia Spring Bada Bing website, I found Nest. In their own words from the about page on their site...Nest is:

"...a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses."

I am about independent design, whether it is here or in other countries. Art is a universal language, and it is worth supporting always. Women who are like us, driven to create, should have that outlet, and should be able to make a living doing what they love.

You can help Nest with their mission by either shopping from their site, donating items to the site and to their cause, or making donations to one of the woman in need. Please stop by and see what there is to offer, some of the items are made by the women who are benefiting from the program!! Below are just a few things I found.

"Latch Tote" $50

Designer: Mad Imports

("This handbag was handcrafted by artisans on the island of Madagascar and in Kenya, using renewable raffia fibers found there (and is pleasantly lined with cotton). Mad Imports is a fair trade company, enabling women (and thereby assisting families) to earn fair compensation for their talent and work. Nest is currently working with these amazing and talented African women so that they can apply for Nest loans to grow their businesses.")