A DOSE OF INSPIRATION

A few weeks ago I went to the Dose Market, an indoor Market filled with diverse vendors selling food, clothes, and more. And while feeling inspired in such a creative environment is expected, I wasn't planning on being affected to the degree that I was when I walked out that day. Being interested in the unique bracelets that quickly caught my eye, I stopped by the BADALA station to chat with the founder, Joelle Gnotek, a passionate girl whose beauty transcends what's visual.  The simple question of "What's your story?" left me so inspired, I was compelled to get the word out.

BADALA is a microeconomic initiative supporting women in impoverished communities, specifically single mothers who would otherwise be forced to prostitute or beg in order to survive. The bracelets that are sold, which we just so happen to LOVE, are aiding these women. Check out my interview with Joelle, where she explains the evolution of BADALA and how the purchase of one bracelet can make a huge difference.

We love the bracelets! How are they made and what is the BADALA process? So glad you like the bracelets! We have two locations where our items are made: Kibera, our urban location in Kenya (and one of the world's biggest slums) where the bracelets are made, and Kayonza, a rural location where our holiday items are made. The women there are paid a monthly salary so they're able to provide for themselves and their children. The bracelets are then sold in the United States and the profit either gets re-invested into the microfinance program or our education program. 

When did you first hear about the struggles these women in Africa face? I first heard about the struggles women in Africa face when I went to Africa in 2008 and 2009 and they told me their stories. I met women who were abandoned by their husbands and forced to prostitute and beg and they stole my heart. These women became some of my best friends and I decided that something had to be done for them and the millions of others like them.

What does the word "BADALA" mean? BADALA is the Swahili word for instead. Our goal is to find alternatives to people in poverty instead of turning to abusive relationships, instead of prostitution, instead of begging, etc.

What is next for BADALA? As for our work on the ground in Africa, we'll be starting saving and loan groups so that our women can graduate from our microfinance program and start their own businesses which would allow us to continue to hire more single moms and take them out of prostitution and abuse. It is also our goal to provide high school scholarships for 20 students in 2013 in our education program. We'll also be expanding our line to include more than just bracelets. We're partnering with Lydia Brockman, the owner and creator of Janice to design a scarf that will be released in the Fall. By the holiday season we also hope to be adding necklaces and holiday items like stockings and ornaments.

Currently their website is under construction, so you can learn more about BADALA and purchase a bracelet on their facebook page. They even offer vegan designs, which I absolutely adore. Make sure to follow Joelle on twitter, as well as BADALA, so you too can connect with the cause.

"We believe that 'Love thy neighbor' does not just apply to the person who lives 
across the street from you, but that we are a part of a global community" - BADALA

Here are a few other pictures I snapped at the Dose Market, including a fellow Chicago Blogger Network member, Wanderlustings! How cute are those necklaces?

Are you hungry yet? Real Kitchen - Chicago

AMAZING designs, with colors that are to die for. Check out C/Fan!

Don't forget to head over to the  Dose Market page, where you can learn more about the event. The next market will be held on May 13th, from 10AM to 4PM at the River East Art Center (435 E. Illinois Street). I encourage all of our readers to go, hoping you will walk out just as inspired as I was.

XX Jill