Beautiful Bags + Bracelets: powerful L.I.F.E line products

L.I.F.E. Line (Livelihood, Invest, Future, Empower) is a sewing project that improves the lives of a special group of women and children in Kenya. The group is called Malaika Mums and this sustainable program provides the opportunity for these women to earn an income for their families, support an education for their children, and create products that improve the environment.

In Kenya, some cultural traditions hold that handicaps are a curse, shameful, and reason to ostracize a child and his or her family. By working together, helping each other, and building a sustainable business program, the Malaika Mums have breathed new life into the community of Maai Mahiu while supporting the development of Malaika Kids, one of the best special needs education programs in Kenya.

These bracelets are handmade by the Maasai tribe in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Beaded upper, leather bracelet, snap closure. Leather backing features “life in every stitch”. Size and color vary.

• Currently employ 26 mothers who were previously unemployed, ranging in age from 22-49 years old.
• 19 of the Mums have children with special needs in the Malaika Kids program, and 2 of the Mums have physical disabilities themselves.
• Began sewing L.I.F.E. Bags (reusable cotton bags) in 2008. The mums work in three-week rotations consisting of cutting, ironing, making strap seams, and finally binding and attaching the straps.
• Expanded to a second product, the L.I.F.E. Jacket, in 2011.
• L.I.F.E. Jackets are reusable cotton coffee sleeves that protect your hand while protecting the environment from wasteful paper sleeves.
• Over 200,000 L.I.F.E. Jackets have been sold since 2011 and the Malaika Mums program has tripled.
• Just one L.I.F.E. Jacket can save 17.9 pounds of trash a year
• All L.I.F.E. Line products are made from 100% East African cotton and screen printed in Kenya.