Today's outfit post is extra-special because it features a gorgeous clutch designed by a fellow Houstonian---Joy Kennedy. She's the gal behind the pretty quilted clutches from Priya. As pretty as they are---what's even more beautiful is the cause behind the bag---Priya clutches are made by women who have been rescued from human trafficking and forced prostitution. Read more about the cause here.
Gorgeous, huh? Love the little gold tassel and hardware! It's perfect for an evening out, travel and even to keep in your handbag if you need to quickly switch from a day bag to an evening bag (perfect if you're super busy and always on the go!)
...and here's Joy! (isn't she beautiful!?)
I asked Joy to tell us more about what inspired her to start Priya and here's what she had to say.
What inspired you to start Priya?
I was inspired to start Priya after I met with several groups of women in Kolkata, India who were rehabilitated after horrific months and years living in captivity as prostitutes. They were so proud of their new jobs as seamstresses and artisans that I recognized the importance of business as a long term way for them to provide for themselves and their children.
Tell us about the company and the women who make these stylish clutches.
Priya is a for-profit fashion accessories brand that is committed to employing women in dire need of income whether it be because of human trafficking, forced prostitution, or extreme poverty. Currently, we work with 19 women in Kolkata, India and are expanding this summer into Managua, Nicaragua.
How did you get interested in fashion and why did you choose bags when you started Priya?
I have always known I would do something in the fashion industry eventually, I just was not sure what or when. Before graduating from university I threw some ideas around about opening a boutique or starting a line, but it wasn�t until that initial trip to India that it really �clicked�. I realized I could still have the creativity of the fashion world and combine it with my love of culture and travel by giving it a socially conscious element. The bags came along because I have to design around the skills of our women. They were skilled at making purses and tote bags so clutches were a natural first product line for us. We hope to keep expanding as our women�s skills do.
Where do you hope to see yourself and the company five years from now?
In five years, I would love to have dramatically increased the number of women we can support. I want our project in Managua to take off and have a long-term and successful relationship with the women we are about to partner with. I also hope to see Priya carried by a national retailer.
How has learning more about human trafficking and its victims impacted your life? What is the message you hope to instill in others?
Learning more about human trafficking victims has brought things close to home. It�s easy to watch the stories on TV and think �How terrible� but the stories feel very far away. When you get to know these women you realize how much you have in common as a female and you can put yourself in their shoes and imagine what that actually might be like to be kidnapped from your family (or in some cases sold by your family) into sexual slavery and captivity. I think the message I want to get across, that I have learned from these women, is that they still haven�t given up. They have been through unimaginable heartache yet they still have a desire to be productive members of society, the still enjoy the simple girlie pleasures in life like dessert and nail polish, and they still, amazingly enough, can laugh. To me, this is the definition of true perseverance and strength.
What might someone who doesn't know you be surprised to learn about you?
People who don�t know me are always surprised to learn I started Priya on my own at 22 without the support of a non-profit organization.
What have the women you work with to create these bags taught you about yourself?
Over the past year these women have shown me how much I believe in the importance of educating and empowering women. I realize more and more how as females we need to be supportive of each other�s triumphs as well as struggles. You can�t do life alone and the encouragement of like-minded women is essential in becoming the women you aspire to be.
Joy has generously offered to host a giveaway open to my US & Canadian readers for one Priya clutch of your choice. There will be one winner. Please read the entry rules below on Rafflecopter. You must enter via Rafflecopter to have your vote counted and you must leave a comment below telling me which piece you like most from the Priya collection. Thank you for entering!
