A story from our founder Roxanne Joyal, CEO, ME to WE It started with a string of beads. A symbol of culture and tradition, they also represented opportunity for thousands of Kenyan women. With the chance to earn a sustainable income, they’ve be able to do things they never imagined possible, like send their children to school, build strong,...
November 20th, 2015 read moreWith a string of beads in one hand, Natalie Portman threw her head back and laughed, flashing her contagious smile while sitting cross-legged with a group of Maasai women under the Kenyan sun. The layers of beaded necklaces encircling their necks jingled softly as they made jokes and exchanged stories of motherhood. This jewellery is made from ...
November 13th, 2015 read moreFor us, daily inspiration comes from every possible corner—and right now, we’re over-the-moon-thrilled about the inspiration filling up Instagram…from YOU! So many of you have posted awesome photos of yourselves rocking Rafikis and other ME to WE Artisans products. We’d just like to take a moment to say THANK YOU and send a virtual high-fiv...
June 19th, 2015 read moreWhen you choose a ME to WE Artisans piece for your mom, it’s so much more than just a gift—it’s wrapped up in a story of love, empowerment, and new possibilities. Working with ME to WE Artisans is just the beginning of the journey many mamas take to transform not only their own lives, the well-being of their families, communities a...
May 7th, 2015 read moreHow can a necklace or bracelet empower two generations of women in Kenya? You create an initiative for women, by women. Together, ME to WE and women in Kenya are celebrating beautiful handmade jewellery that reflects Kenyan culture—and looks great in your wardrobe. Attached to each piece is an even greater story of transformation. With every...
April 16th, 2015 read moreThe journey of the Tatu Bracelet starts in a little place on the outskirts of Nairobi. Here in our atelier, artisans craft the bracelet that will travel across the world to you. The atelier where Fundis (leatherworkers) and mamas work on Artisans products is surrounded in lush greenery and bright flowers, and is only steps away from this ...
March 6th, 2015 read moreNeed to amp up that little black dress for party hopping this season? Whether you’re exchanging gifts with friends or celebrating at a family gathering, you can transform your outfit into a whole new look—one that’s stylish and world-changing. All you need is one of your favourite black dresses and a few pieces from our Artisans line of jewel...
December 12th, 2014 read moreA canopy of leaves stretching across the horizon balances atop gnarled bark. It’s where lean silhouettes of giraffes mark the ground as they graze its branches and it’s where one woman’s journey to empowerment began—beneath the Acacia tree. Mama Leah was the first woman to join Artisans. Shaded by the hot Kenyan sun, she sat under th...
September 25th, 2014 read moreForty-year-old Rahab Sopiato gave birth to the first of three children when she was just 12. She bursts out laughing when I ask what happened to the father (so do all the women sitting around her with colourful beads on their laps), but makes it clear that he didn’t stick around, so she scratched out a living making charcoal. It was gruelling,...
December 18th, 2013 read moreMama Margaret has eight children. And like any mother, her greatest wish is for them to be happy, healthy and have everything they need. Today, this dream has come true. Since Margaret joined ME to WE Artisans, she now has a market for her traditional Maasai beading, a skill passed down from generation to generation of Maasai women. (more&hellip...
April 18th, 2013 read more