Noonday Collection: transformation and connection

I probably have at least 47 reasons why I love being an ambassador with Noonday Collection!  It has been such a privilege to work alongside so many awesome women who all have the same longing in their heart: to make a REAL and lasting difference in the world and provide a tangible solution to poverty where we can.

I could go on and on about Noonday, really, but for today I'll focus on 2 things I love the most...

Transformation

I don't know about you, but prior to a few months ago, I never owned accessories made out of tagua seeds, paper, vhs tapes, and artillery shells!  Our artisans for Noonday Collection are so resourceful!  They use the materials around them and create something new from something old.  One of my favorite artisan groups in Ethiopia is a perfect example...

Shunned by society and sometimes their families, many men and women with HIV/AIDS travel to Entoto Mountain outside of Addis Ababa.  Through an outreach program there, they receive the healthcare they need and an opportunity to make jewelry to provide an income for themselves.  The local farmers who find artillery shells in their fields pass them along to village artisans who melt down the metals to create beads.  These beads are then used to make the jewelry we sell at Noonday!  Every time I wear these earrings or this bracelet, I think of the group in Ethiopia. They are not only transforming war weapons into beautiful jewelry, but their lives are being transformed by healthcare, education, and an occupation.

Connection

One of my favorite things about Noonday is the experience of being connected to each of our artisans.  Every bag, every necklace, every journal or tea towel was made by a person, with face and a story.  No factories or manufacturing plants involved!!  Our home office is in constant contact with our artisan groups and visits them, so we can bring you their stories and we can promise you that lives are truly being changed by your purchases.

We know Bukenya and Coral in Uganda, and celebrated with them as they were able to get married this year!

We know Maria in Guatemala, a single mother of 6 children who lives in a one room home, and takes pride in making our beautiful Stacked Black Earrings.

We know Esperanza and Charlotte, who just graduated from sewing school in Rwanda and are excited to be starting their careers as seamstresses!

On the flipside, we want them to know US as well!!

I had the chance to stop by the Wola Nani group while I was in South Africa in December, and I was so excited to thank them in person for the amazing bowls they craft for us (from paper)!

This fall, every Noonday ambassador made scrapbook pages to send to Uganda and Ethiopia with Jessica, the founder of Noonday.  We wrote thank you notes and attached pictures of us wearing their jewelry.

This photo brings the biggest smile to my face... one of our artisans in Ethiopia holding pictures of my kids, my friends, and me!  Can you imagine??  We've never met, yet somehow we are forever connected through Noonday, and to me that is priceless.

I'm so, so excited to see what 2013 brings for Noonday Collection and my part in it!  I hope you'll jump in and join me on this incredible journey!  To kick off the new year, I'm giving away our super popular Angelica Infinity Scarf... handmade with love in Guatemala!!

All you have to do is LIKE my brand new Noonday page on facebook HERE!!!  I plan to use my facebook page to share lots of wonderful Noonday news with you, along with artisan stories and tips for shopping fair trade!  I will also be selling many of my fall/winter samples on my page to make room for the new spring/summer line that debuts at the end of February!  This will be your chance to snag some awesome Noonday accessories at a discount!!  Stay tuned!

If you're not on facebook, you can also leave a comment on my blog to enter.

I'll choose a winner with random.org on Saturday night at 10pm.  Good luck!!

Next up on the blog train (and another giveaway!):  www.scrogginssarah.wordpress.com