Monday’s Food for Thought: Ssekodesigns.com

Do you ever stop to wonder exactly how your clothes are produced?

MC and I have had several conversations with various people over the past few months highlighting that very question – do big clothing corporations that outsource to countries like India and China have ethical practices? Do they take care of their employees, and pay them fair wages? Or is it all mass production?

My cousin recently posted a link for this company on her Facebook page (and since she’s in college, and way cooler than me, I tend to pay attention to what she likes). After reading their mission statement, and seeing their amazing products (how in the world could you pass up those sandals?), I thought you all should see it.

Here’s a snippet of their story:

Sseko (pronounced Say-ko) Designs is a sandal company based in Uganda. We make beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways.

Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. Sseko has graduated three classes of women. Every woman who has graduated from Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree.

In addition to our university-bound team, Sseko also employs a full-time team of women from all walks of life. By creating an environment of dignity, honor, creativity and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

We believe that every woman has a dream. When she is given the opportunity to pursue those dreams, we are collectively walking towards a brighter and more just and beautiful world.

We believe that our stuff has a story and that every dollar you spend is a vote for the way you think the world should work.

Every Sseko has a story.

Here’s a quick peek of one of their products (and my favorite)!:

And a quick tutorial on how to customize your own sandals:

I love the idea that by purchasing a handmade product from this company, you could literally change the direction of a woman’s life.

Something to think about on this Monday morning!

-Mandy