THE CITIZEN INDEX

▼

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Inspiration: The Nakate Project


Last month, with the intentions of an interview, I met Shanley Knox, the founder of the Nakate Project. Inspired by her recent trip to Uganda, Shanley decided to do more than just wish for a better world, she decided to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: be the change she wanted to see in world. She started the Nakate Project and sells the necklaces made by women in a small Ugandan village in efforts to help them help themselves. 

I was so enamored with Shanley and her vision, that I decided to join her on a trip to Seattle, where she was invited to participate in a Sugar Does Production, an L.A. based company that promotes independent designers, art, music and culture. The result of my trip are the following pictures as well as a renewed sense that the future of fashion is ethical fashion.

Founder Shanley Knox, prepares a model for the runway of Sugar Does Seattle.
My article about Shanley and the Nakate Project was recently published at CBS Local Sacramento. You can read my article here:  Nakate Project: Fashion For a Cause.


"Our plan: start a woman off making beads and pay her well above market rate while teaching her business management skills while she works. The added income allows her to save money for investment in a new business which she can then start without the risk and burden of debt."-Shanley Knox, The Nakate Project
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
       -Gandhi
"I'm a twenty-something who got caught up in the stories of people and while caught on their stories, made a commitment to help change their lives." -Shanley Knox
For more information about the Nakate Project, please visit:
Photo Credit: Bella Q

This post is part of a FULL TIME FABULOUS community event. The topic this month is INSPIRATION. For the Citizen Rosebud, there is nothing more inspirational than to see women use fashion as a means to transform not only herself, but the world she lives in. For me, inspiration comes from soul sisters like Shanley Knox of the Nakate Project who are working towards an ethical and sustainable future.                           

See what inspirations the Full Time Fabulous Community: http://www.fulltimefabulous.com/

15 comments:

  1. Please may I?August 17, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    What a fantastic story!

    Unless we commit to helping things will never change.

    Good on them.

    I wish them all the luck.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 17, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    how wonderful!
    Sometimes I think i forget that the entire world is in turmoil.........
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    xXx
    Reva

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pam @ over50feeling40August 17, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Love everything about this, Bella. Thanks so much...it is inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 17, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    and makes women self sustaining! I love it! These beads are beautiful! I hope you are right, that the future of fashion is ethical...what a great idea! hugs! ~Serene

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownAugust 17, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    This is incredible, and so completely inspirational. I see why you chose it. I am so moved reading this!! Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KimberleeAugust 17, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    An amazing story - love her hair! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. FASHION TALESAugust 17, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    warms my heart to read this and loved your article. Such a great project and beautiful pieces.

    "The added income allows her to save money for investment in a new business which she can then start without the risk and burden of debt." - I think that is beyond important, and love that she invests her time in creating a cause to help change the world... our world. Great woman.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    the beads are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Casee MarieAugust 17, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    This was absolutely lovely, charming and - yes - completely inspiring. Thank you for sharing Shanley's story with us, Bella!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Style CroneAugust 18, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Great project. Love the veil!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    LOVE Nakate Project! I think really there is so much social entrepreneurship going on right now and it's so beautiful to read all the good intentions that go behind these businesses. Wonderful choice of inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  12. JenmarieAugust 18, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    What a story! I really love all the chunky beads and gorgeous colors! I hope to see more pieces like these in my favorite stores!

    ReplyDelete
  13. FashnlvrAugust 18, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    I really enjoyed the article you wrote for CBS Sacramento! The beads are so beautiful and creative. It warms my heart to see things like this!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. SanjaFashatudeAugust 18, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Wow.. this actually inspired me too... I wanna do something like that.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kristy ElenaAugust 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    i'm a little late getting to everyone's posts but i am finally here!!! i love your post so much. not only is the jewelry beautiful but the story behind it is amazing. i always feel that fashion is made all the more better with a good philosophy behind it to back it up. this actually reminds me a bit of the jewelry i posted about during earth day, made by mushana!

    and i agree with you... the future of fashion IS ethical fashion!

    i've missed you so much, i can't wait to finally meet you this NYFW.

    so so many hugs, thank you for this beautiful post.

    kristy

    ReplyDelete

You are rad. Thanks for your comment!