soko

Soko is …

• THE online destination to discover stunning and ethically produced handcrafted accessories from all over the world
• empowering women in developing countries by providing direct consumer access to the global marketplace
• ensuring that the majority of artisans’ profits stay with their local community
• owned and operated by women for women to help “fashion a better world”
• in a word: BEAUTIFUL

A trio of savvy women named Ella Peinovich, Gwendolyn Floyd, and Catherine Mahugu co-founded Soko in 2011 after recognizing “a global need, as well as global opportunity, to disrupt the systemic patterns of poverty found across the developing world’s creative economy.”

“Style can be smart,” says the Soko team. “Soko brings you the opportunity to dazzle your wardrobe with stunning ethically produced jewelry never before available on the international marketplace. Our artisans design their own products, and we encourage them to use natural, locally-sourced recycled and upcycled materials. Not only are the creations unique and exquisite, they demonstrate the resourcefulness of our artisans and encourage a sustainable future.”

Smart, indeed.

As if you hadn’t guessed, Soko is just the sort of entrepreneurial effort that lights my fire, and one of its hottest aspects is the Designing a Difference program.

Heads up: this is farmgirl territory for sure.

Designing a Difference gives experienced designers (YOU??) the opportunity to share skills with small-scale artisans.

How rewarding would that be?

Soko describes it as a two-way learning opportunity. “You can impart technical and trend expertise, while learning about traditional techniques, local materials, and the incredible resourcefulness and ingenuity found in emerging markets. To learn more about this unique opportunity, get in touch with our team at joinus@shopsoko.com.”

And to shop for some feel-good, look-amazing accessories, peruse Soko’s gorgeous goods at ShopSoko.com.