You know me – I love a beautiful product with a beautiful process behind it, and today’s find epitomizes that mantra. Not only is the process beautiful, but the purpose of this whole company is truly inspiring, and the handmade leather bags they produce are nothing short of gorgeous.
Amazig Leathers {pronounced “ah – mah – zig”} began with the dream of one young woman who wanted to change the world. Founder Brandi Jordan grew up believing it was possible, but it took some time for her to figure out how to make it happen.
“We are told from a young age that we can change the world, but so often we aren’t told how. I’ve always had this intense desire to make a positive impact somewhere and the radar system in my head is constantly on the lookout for opportunities,” she says.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that Brandi’s passion and purpose collided with an idea that would become the fulfillment of her dream. As Brandi started paying closer attention to the process behind the products she was purchasing on a regular basis, she was shocked to discover seemingly common practices of sub-standard working conditions, un-fair wages, and unethical treatment of the craftspeople.
“I had the epiphany that with every purchase I make, I can either empower or enslave people, real people.”
Inspired to create an ethical company with far-reaching impact, Brandi’s dream solidified around the idea of creating a leather goods social enterprise based in Morocco that would offer beautiful products and provide sustainable, positive change for a community of people.
{I am seriously in LOVE with this duffle bag – perfect for a lovely long weekend getaway!} |
In creating profound relationships with Imazighen artisans on her first business trip to Morocco, Brandi established partnerships that would become the foundation of her vision for the company. Through the sale of high-quality, handmade artisanal leather-goods, Brandi is empowering these artisans to provide not only for their families, but also for their community with a portion of Amazig’s profits supporting educational initiatives among the Imazighen people.
Amazig Leathers only uses vegetable tanned leather, which ages better and is also better for the environment than harsher chemically tanned leathers commonly used. Amazig only uses leather from animals where the whole animal is utilized – for food as well as for leather – creating less impact on the environment. Artisans receive fair living wages and are provided with honourable employment at all levels of the supply chain and a portion of the profits go back into the communities where the artisans are from to support educational initiatives in those communities. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Amazig’s Debut Collection will arrive in North America the first week in November {shipping the following week}, and you can help them get a running start at their launch by contributing to their Kickstarter Campaign. Each contribution level of course comes with the amazing reward of a gorgeous, handmade leather piece from Amazig, so it’s really a win-win-win situation!
I hope Brandi’s courageous, compassionate heart for social justice – and the beautiful process behind her beautiful products – has inspired you as much as it has inspired me today.
Happy Wednesday!
xo
s.
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