Not Every Nepal Bracelet is Created Equally: Who Made Your Nepal Bracelets?
You've probably seen Nepal glass beadwork bracelets for sale all over the web.
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In fact, hundreds of U.S. businesses and individuals buy Nepal bracelets from large dealers in Kathmandu city who farm out labor to village women at rock bottom prices. Many times, these U.S. businesses believe that their patronage is supporting fair labor practices and empowering village women artisans or at least think that some work is better than no work.
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But let's be real here.
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These women are not one big, faceless group of "Nepali woman artisans." They are women with names, voices, and stories who deserve to be visible in the commerce process.
When Nepali dealers farm out labor to various groups of village women, bracelet quality and consistency not only suffer, but the women receive no ongoing social support, training, or assistance with financial planning.
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Work that means receiving a mere pittance that barely makes ends meet is hardly dignified.
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Because honestly, Nepali women- like most people around the world- don't just want or need meager pittances or handouts that leave them stuck at the bottom of the barrel. They want skills, opportunities for growth, and the means to save so that they can gain financial independence and invest in their education, their families, and a brighter future!
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| Lotus Sky girls Sangye, Rekha, Lemon and Nima (L to R) in front of the Lotus Sky Studio in Kathmandu, Nepal. These are motivated, educated young women who have either completed college or are working on their degrees. We are so proud that their work with Lotus Sky can empower them to be contributors to their communities and receive college educations! They truly are role models to younger girls in Nepal who can see, in this talented group, that gender need not be a barrier to education and careers. |
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Lotus Sky women become empowered members of a company and their larger communities with marketable skills, income that can be put toward education, healthcare, and improved quality of life, and ongoing training opportunities!
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That is the Lotus Sky difference. Lotus Sky women are members of a team that cares. Our team members have ongoing opportunities to learn new skills and grow within the company to become leaders. They do not just have occasional work contracted by third party dealers, but careers with ongoing growth potential!
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| Rekha, Nima, and Lemon crocheting in the Lotus Sky studio in Kathmandu, Nepal. Rekha has been with Lotus Sky for over 3 years, Lemon has been a team leader for 2 years, and Nima has head up our custom order division for 1 year. While Rekha has completed college, Nima is currently earning her bachelor's degree in Business Management, while Lemon is studying Computer Science. |
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Fair trade principles suggest that artisans receive a living wage, but at Lotus Sky, we believe in a wage that does not just make ends meet, but permits savings and investment for a future that matters. A living wage is often just not enough for young women who want a college education!
So, the next time you want to add to your arm candy collection with bracelets from Nepal (and who doesn't??), ask yourself , "Who is the maker behind this bracelet? How many hands did it pass through before it ended up on my wrist?"
Because at Lotus Sky, its direct from our hands to yours!
Check out some cool bracelet options you have when you choose to order direct from your makers:
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Completely custom bracelets in the pattern and colors of your choice, made to order just for you- even if all you want is single bracelet: Design Your Own Bracelet
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Matching custom Mommy/Daughter bracelets: Matching Mommy/Daughter Bracelets
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Custom made-to-order confetti style bracelets in the colors of your choice: Design Your Own Confetti Bracelet
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Wholesale Opportunities: Lotus Sky Partners Program
So to all you high stacking bracelet lovers out there, "Keep Stacking!" And, thank you for being a part of Lotus Sky!
