Meet Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Hirokawa Lin, two social entrepreneurs with a passion for fashion, and helping others. The two friends, who have their roots in southern California, launched the Austin-based Raven + Lilly brand as a platform to utilize their passions to alleviate poverty among women in developing countries.
The current collections of Raven + Lilly include handmade and eco-friendly jewelry and accessories from North India and Ethiopia. The beauty of each modern, organic design reflects the beauty and culture of the woman who made it. Here is an excerpt of how some of the African collection jewelry is made:
In the mountains of Northern Ethiopia, farmers supply bead makers with artillery shells (from former war conflicts) that are found on their lands. Through traditional techniques passed down for generations, the village artisans melt these shells down to produce handmade, delicate beads. The beads go through several stages to achieve the final polished look, and then they are sent to the women at Entoto Mountain. The Entoto Mountain is a place where those suffering with HIV/AIDS (ostracized by their family + society) come because they believe there is “holy water” that might cure them of their disease. Most women are uneducated about their disease and resort to begging in order to survive. Our partnership helps employ women from this area and also provides HIV care and educational opportunities for their whole family. These women skillfully create our exclusive jewelry designs in a loving, community environment. What was once intended for harm now brings hope and life.
To read more about the bead-making process, check Raven + Lilly’s blog. Be sure to check out our great deal on Raven + Lilly’s hand carved leather journals here.
