Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.
To address some limitations to microfinance, Nest has developed a new way to assist women; they call it “microbarter.” They provide women, or cooperatives of women, with loans that allow them to purchase the supplies, training, bazaar space or raw materials needed to make their crafts. However, rather than requiring repayment in cash, they encourage women to repay their loans in product, which they would market and sell in the United States. These beautifully crafted pieces are available on their website under “Shop Loan Recipients” and at selected retail outlets.
Nest microbartering has many benefits. One, it encourages women to develop businesses using skills they already possess. Two, it supports ancient artistic traditions. Three, Nest does much more than lend money. Through their mentoring by established designers, their financial and business curriculum, their western marketplace and their wrap-around services, they fully support women as they move from poverty to self-sufficiency. Fourth, they provide you, the consumer, with expertly handcrafted merchandise from around the world.
According to a May 17, 2010 press release, “Lord & Taylor, together with UNICEF and FEED Projects, is selling an exclusive “FEED 1 Guatemala” pouch and “FEED 3 Guatemala” tote. Purchase a FEED bag from Lord & Taylor and FEED will provide nutrients for one or three children for a year respectively through UNICEF’s nutrition programs in Guatemala. Look great and feel great by getting your bag today either online or at a Lord & Taylor store!
The FEED Guatemala bags are handmade by Nest, a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. The Guatemalan Nest artisans used their traditional Ikat fabrics to make the fun and handy “FEED 1 Guatemala” zippered pouch and the sturdy and sizable “FEED 3 Guatemala” tote bag. The variety of colors and woven patterns reflects the vibrant Guatemalan culture and gives each customer an array of colors and patterns to choose from. Purchase of the bags celebrates the traditional crafts of Guatemala and supports women artisans, while also generating funding to help UNICEF provide micronutrient supplements to children so they grow up stronger, healthier and better equipped to move beyond extreme poverty.”
To learn more about Nest, please visit their website. To read the press release in its entirety, please click here.
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