Bukavu, the City of Opportunities
In 2022, we finally made that long-awaited trip to link up with our fam, Douce and Placide, in the heart of the DR Congo. What an adventure! The vibe, the energy, the people—straight-up inspiring. We’re bringing back some fire new projects from Bukavu, all packed with love. We’re on a mission to create new jobs and future opportunities using local resources, and we want you to roll with us. So, join the movement, and peep more about our projects and future plans.
Let’s make this journey together!
Maman Charleen: Our Journey to Bukavu
In 2022, after a two-year delay, we finally kicked off our journey to Bukavu, DRC. This trip wasn't just about visiting family; it was about meeting some truly dope people. One of them is Douce, a fashion lover just like me. But unlike me, Douce doesn't design or sew—she rocks the fashion game by wearing it. Fashion is huge in Congolese culture. Just Google "Les Sapeurs" and you'll see how fashion is lived in the DRC.
Back to the story: Douce and I had this idea in 2019 to start a fashion biz with Maman Charleen. But you know how it went down—a global pandemic put everything on hold. Fast forward to 2022, and we finally made it. Steven and I met Maman Charleen and saw her and her crew in action. Their artistry and passion are inspiring, and we knew we had to support and share this joy of unique, handmade fashion with Europe.
Maman Charleen's got 15 years of experience and runs a team of 10. She uses manual sewing machines, so even when the power goes out, the work keeps rollin'. And get this—Maman Charleen sets the prices and the production times. We ain’t about pressuring them for unmanageable deadlines or unethical wages. It’s all about safe working conditions, living salary, and spreading that fashion joy.
Join us on this journey, and let's make some noise with Maman Charleen's amazing creations!
Uwezo Afrika Initiative: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
Let me also put you on game about the Uwezo Afrika Initiative, founded by our incredible Douce Namwezi. Douce is breaking taboos around menstrual health and supporting young students. This initiative makes washable and reusable sanitary pads, selling them at affordable prices or even giving them out for free to those in need. We could write a whole book about Douce—she's that impressive. But she’s humble, so she might not want the spotlight. Too bad, Douce, because we’re proud of you! Named one of Forbes' 100 Most Influential Young Africans, she's a force to be reckoned with. Douce is an activist, businesswoman, wife of a lawyer, amazing friend, sister, mom, and overall ass-kicking woman!
Uwezo is buzzing with creativity, and Nathalie is a prime example. She crafts earrings, bracelets, bags, and more from leftover wax-print fabrics she gets from Maman Charleen. Initially, this hustle was to finance her studies, but now it’s a shared dream with Douce. They're giving young women a chance to fund their education without resorting to the streets. Nathalie, a mother of two, dreams of a secure, independent future for Bukavu's girls. Her drive and creativity are unstoppable, leading to a wide range of products—from earrings and bracelets to shopping bags and kitchen gloves.
Together, Douce and Nathalie are changing the game, one creative, sustainable product at a time. Join us in supporting their mission and rocking their unique, handcrafted swag!