I am so excited to finally get to put this post up, as I
have eagerly been awaiting the launch of an awesome new company started by a
good friend, Anna Sibley! Anna has started a scarf line called
A.Barclay. She has designed
scarves and wraps that are to die for- silk and linen fabrics with screen printed
designs, made in Italy….what more could a girl want? These factors are enough to want to buy one of her
luxuriously oversized, winsome scarves BUT there is more! Anna decided to
combine her line with a philanthropic cause. This is when we got in touch…after many emails and a skype
call from Vail to Arusha, the cause was conceived: for every scarf purchased,
an item of necessity is given to a Tanzanian orphan. The fact that a child in need will receive an item which
will make life just that much easier is not where it ends…. The second and just as exciting aspect of the project is that the items
will all be purchased within Tanzania, which means A. Barclay and its customers
will be contributing to the stimulation of markets in Tanzania. Buy an A.Barclay scarf and you will be
the ultimate glam giver!
In a similar vein, I’d also like to share with you all the
new community development jewelry project which we have started in Mwiba:
"The Mang’ati Jewelry Co-op was started in early 2012. Inspired by their musical language, unique ceremonies, colorful and meticulously crafted bead and brass jewelry we asked a local family if they would like to begin a project. Together, we decided to share their art, through a micro-finance loan project.
A tribe which few visitors see and who many mistake as Masai, the Mang’ati pride themselves on their familial structures, bush prowess, cattle and warrior status. Although there are several branches of the Mang’ati tribe, each who specialize in a particular craftsmanship, all branches wear each others jewelry. The Mang’ati Jewelry Co-op is made of up six women and two men, each who bring different talents to the group. By purchasing this jewelry, you are taking home a unique piece of Africa and helping to financially empower a very special community."
