Sseko Designs started in Uganda with four women under a mango tree making leather sandals with interchangeable straps. Mary, Mercy, Rebecca and myself. We were impossibly naive and hopeful about the future and the impact that a single girl and pair of sandals could make in her community and our world.
Turns out, we weren’t wrong. Those strappy little sandals took us to places we never could have imagined.
From a patch of grass under a mango tree to a beautiful, light-filled workshop that buzzes daily with innovation and community and hard work.
From a single pair of (very handmade, summer camp craft project looking) sandals to a stunning catalog of thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted goods.
From three girls to 106.
From wondering how she’d finance her education to putting all her energy into studying and then becoming a changemaker and force for good in her community.
From being told she’d need to sleep with the boss to get a job in management to running an international supply chain and promoting a culture of dignity and respect for her employees.
From selling our line through stores to putting our product and brand and story into the hands of a sisterhood of impact entrepreneurs who are creating waves of hope and freedom in their own communities here in the U.S. and for their sisters across the globe.
A lot can happen in nine years.
But none of it could have happened without you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this wild ride. I’m ready for the next nine years. Are you with me?
Xo,
Liz
If you would want to join this wild ride, we would love to talk to you!
As a Sseko Fellow, you’ll be part of an incredibly supportive group of women, you’ll get to style and sell stunning fashionable products that make a difference in the lives of women across the globe, and you’ll earn an income for yourself and your family.