Our Friday night is looking pretty awesome now!
With wine and snacks in hand, we will be tuning into ABC's Shark Tank this Friday to watch
Sseko Designs!
In 2014, Sseko turned FIVE and they've come a long way since 2009. We've blogged about this amazing company several times and have carried them since the beginning - wow how they've grown:
Liz, a former student at The University of Missouri, started Sseko with the mission of using fashion to provide employment and scholarship opportunities to women in poverty within Uganda. Sseko, continues to fulfill their mission statement, expand their company and employ more and more women looking to create a future for themselves.
Since 2009, Sseko has been able to expand their product lines and employ skilled artisans from other areas of Africa:
Hobos & Wallets: leather is sourced locally by Ethiopian artisans who earn a fair wage. This partner organization employs women & subsidizes their education - and in turn these locally sourced pieces support the Ethiopian economy.
Scarves: handcrafted by skilled artisans who receive a fair wage while using locally produced Eri silk and Ethiopian cotton. These scarves are handwoven on traditional looms by skilled women who have learned their craft through past generations.
Totes & Clutches: these pieces are crafted by skilled artisans from Kenya who earn a fair wage and are made from locally sourced material found in East Africa. These bags are produced to promote the pedigree of locally sourced materials and the indigenous handcrafting skills of Kenyan artisans.
Not only has Sseko expanded to five product lines, the basis of their company - The Ribbon Sandal - has evolved over the past five years as well. The signature leather base has been re-vamped and brought to us in brown, black and beige. We've also been introduced to a variety of ribbons: chiffon, silk, formal, patterned, solid and even leather.
We can't wait to see what the next five years has in store for this inspirational company. We've enjoyed watching you grow Sseko and we will continue to support your cause!
Don't forget to support this amazing company by tuning in to Shark Tank this Friday at 8PM!
