We delight in the opportunity to share the story of how a coveted fashion accessory arrived in our closets. Many times, these pieces remind us of specific travels, conversations, friends, or emotions. With a pledge to our project, we invite you to take these
stories deeper into the accessory itself. Share the story of the woman who made your piece by hand, a story of how the accessory you're wearing empowers her to rise above poverty and gain access to the same opportunities that we often take for granted in the
United States.
With this project, we will be working with a marginalized community of women in Cochabamba, one of the poorest parts of Bolivia. These women are challenged with no pumped water, no functioning sewage systems, no access to transportation, and limited electricity. This
project gives hope through employment, and the opportunity to change the future of this community and its decedents.
THE PROJECT
A year ago, the Tikas Women's Group approached us with great determination and desire to join our mission. Known for their artistic expression and entrepreneurial spirit, they had originally come together to sell their drawings at local street fairs while continuing
to working multiple, laborious jobs to make ends meet. We worked hard to find a market and a product that they could adapt their skills to. What we created was a project centered around a material indigenous to South America: the açaí seed. This readily available,
natural resource was a no-brainer. However, we ran into the challenge of creating desirable designs for American consumers in order to build sustainability in the project, which would allow the group to put aside all their other jobs. After multiple design
collaborations, mistakes, and dye workshops, we identified a low-impact dye that holds to the seed and is safe for our artisans to use daily.
WHO ARE WE?
GREENOLA Style is a young, entrepreneurial fashion brand that believes in the vision of "good" business to a full, transparent extent. We passionately believe everyone in our supply chain should be treated with dignity, starting with a fair wage. We utilize
art and travel experiences to inspire designs that celebrate artisan skill and cultural heritage. At the same time, we show great respect for the fragile earth we live on and always work to utilize materials that are easy on the earth.
WHY BOLIVIA? It's the poorest country in all of South America. Bolivia is a landlocked country in the heart of South America with limited access to raw materials, where citizens' skill levels are underdeveloped, and the infrastructure is weak.
51 percent of its people live in extreme poverty, with 63 percent struggling with little to no access to medical resources. The average Bolivian makes a mere 22 cents per hour of hard labor. Due to the excessive absence of opportunity and hope, the need for
enterprise in Bolivia cannot be disregarded.
Today, we work hard to keep up with both the demand for our products here in the U.S. and the demand from artisans to have an opportunity to work with us in Bolivia. Our office in Bolivia is often overloaded with visits from new groups, artisans, and families
who have heard of our work and are looking for the same opportunity of empowerment. One of the most beautiful things we have seen as a result of our work in Bolivia is that we are creating more than just a job through our partnership. We create artistic expression,
foster a new hope within women to take ownership of their own futures, advance women's abilities to contribute to their family's income, and, most importantly, GREENOLA Style inspires dreams of a greater future for succeeding generations.
GIFTS FOR YOUR PLEDGE
THANK YOU NOTE: a beautiful, written hug of our appreciation.
BUMPER STICKER + BUTTONS: Show the world you support ethical fashion (and look good while doing it!)
ACAI BANGLES: Choose your favorite style + color.
ETHICALLY PRODUCED T-SHIRT: A StartSomeGood exclusive design, inspired by beautiful Bolivian textiles.
ACAI NECKLACES: Choose your favorite style + color.
