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Gifts That Give Back – Lotusland Imports Maasai-Made Jewelry

Earlier this year thanks to my friend Leeta Liepins, I met Susan Bibbings after admiring the beautiful jewelry she imports. As I’m thinking about holiday gifts (yes I am already!), I can’t think of a better way to give something beautiful while giving back to the women who make them and I’m suggesting you give this some thought too.

Bibbings found a Montessori school in Kilimanjaro, where she became aware of the beautiful bead-work of the Maasai. The necklaces that the tribeswomen wear are rather extravagant, but she came across a variation that was a little bit different and decided to collaborate with the University of Italy in Milan. Students in Italy design the jewelry collection as part of their coursework, and then the Maasai women create the pieces. In the beginning there were just five Maasai women beading and now there are over 200. It’s Italian high fashion with Maasai beading tradition!

Not only does this partnership provide income for these women, but it also prevents deforestation in the area. The women previously had no other work other than turning trees into charcoal. Now they are making more money and able to work at home, stay in their own ancestral lands and look after their children. Bibbings has seen emancipated youth become healthy as the women’s families that work on this program are given access to medical attention. Teenage girls now going to high school and these Masaai women actually own company and set price. The project teaches them about business, marketing and bookkeeping.

I’ve the proud owner of one of these pieces and I always get compliments. Prices are totally reasonable and vary from piece to piece. Why not treat yourself and a few others this holiday season?

Gifts That Give Back – Lotusland Imports Maasai-Made Jewelry

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