My alarm goes off, and I know the day is starting again. The mornings are always the same: shower, brush my teeth, fix my hair, and get dressed. The clothes thrown around my closet are signs that someone was not sure what she wanted to wear that day (again). But once my ensemble is finally chosen for the day, I know my look is not complete until I can pair it with something from my jewelry box. Should I wear earrings, a bracelet, a necklace, or a watch today… or all of it?! I know that I can finally start making my way out the door as soon as I get my silver clunky bracelets on.
I have it all, but I never took a second to think about where my jewelry came from or who made it. Now, after hearing about 31 Bits, it occurs to me that perhaps we should care. This organization was started by a few care-free ladies in college who were changed after a trip to Uganda. While spending time there, they met with other women their same age that did not have an education or much hope for future jobs. They just made jewelry — incredible jewelry all made from recycled paper… yes, paper.
Touched by their stories, these creators of 31 Bits came up with an idea for a business with two purposes: “Firstly, we didn’t want to be just another charity selling key chains and t-shirts. We were determined to create a fashionable product that women would buy because they actually liked it. Secondly, these women [in Uganda] needed a lot more then a paycheck. They need educations, health care, and counseling.”
Quite simply, their mission says it all: “Using fashion and design to empower people to rise above poverty.” And after five years of hard work and dedication to their mission, their dream has been realized. When buying their jewelry, you are not only buying a product to complete your cute outfit for the day — you are empowering women to rise above property.
I looked at their site, and they really do have a style for everyone, including long, large-beaded necklaces and dainty bracelets to pair with every outfit of the week. And the best part is that they are located in stores all over the country and even sell their jewelry online to make it more convenient for you. You can read their story and view their beautiful masterpieces and more through 31Bits.com.
I will end by challenging you with one of their values: Hope because hope is the belief that something good can and will happen. Can you be the hope these Ugandan women need to create better lives for themselves and their families?
