Around the World: Hello from Ethiopia
Our lead designer, Lori Fox, left last week on a month-long journey visiting our partnerships around the world. Lori will literally be flying around the world— Africa, India, Cambodia, and back! Her first stop is Ethiopia, where she is working on designs with the artisans. Enjoy her first update from her travels:
The women have been so enthusiastic about the new designs. Today I did some experimenting with new jewelry construction. Even when I don’t know how to produce a design I’ve sketched, the women will usually figure it out. They are so smart and crafty, and we are a good team. Today was filled with laughs as they were modeling each design they were making, wanting me to take their photo. They are getting very good at model poses, especially after two photo shoots with Esther Havens. As I snapped their photo on my phone and then showed them the resulting picture, a roar of laughter would erupt.
They are quite gregarious and the language barrier frustrates me. All I can do is say the few Amharic words I know or put my hand on their shoulder while someone translates. Ethiopians love touch. They are very loving and caring in that way. At least there is no translating needed there. A smile goes a long way too.
As the day was coming to a close I gave them some new pieces to start on tomorrow. I’m so glad they have work. I’m so glad they have hope.
Going back to the city this evening I was riding in a public bus (and hoping I got on the right one!). The side door slid open (think 1980’s Astro Mini-van). A woman who was walking with shoes on her hands and dragging her shriveled legs behind her came over to our bus to ask for money. Subconsciously I found myself thinking, “she has hands and fingers, she can make jewelry if someone would help carry her there.” Just as soon as the thought crossed my mind the door slid closed and I tried to not feel overwhelmed. It is sad that there are so many people with no hope in this world. So many who will never see their potential.
All is not lost though. The program here is growing and other women who were also once begging on the streets and waiting to die are now working and making a new future for their families. I have to focus on that. Each new design that I bring on behalf of R+L is one more plate of food, another months rent, another years school fees for their children, another chance at a better life. In that regard I can’t help but feel their excitement about the new collection too.
New and beautiful things are coming this year, in more ways than just jewelry designs. I hope you are able to feel this direct affect that you are having on their lives through your purchases.
From Ethiopia,
Lori Fox
Lori teaching news designs to our artisans, Tizeta and Asnakech.
