The Story of Me to We Artisans

Me to We Artisans brings access to fair-trade markets and financial literacy training to more than 400 Maasai mamas in Free The Children communities. Working towards financial independence through this sustainable source of income, the women of Me to We Artisans are building a future for themselves and their families, one beautiful beaded item at a time.

Founder Roxanne Joyal was inspired to found Artisans after witnessing talented Maasai beaders forced to travel daily to small tourist markets flooded with similar products, where they would sometimes sell their intricate beadwork at a loss. Today, the mamas are able to earn twice as much as before—without giving up their traditional way of life.

Gathered under acacia trees with their young children in tow, the Maasai mamas bead using art forms passed down mother-to-daughter through the generations, turning their traditional handiwork into a livelihood. By joining Artisans, each woman is empowered to build her savings and do things she never would have believed possible: improve her home, buy food and medicine for her family, send her children to school, and believe that her skills and her voice have value.