Sseko Fall Collection 2020

Travel “Beyond” with Sseko

At Sseko, we’re doing what we can to help you look Beyond the current crisis and witness women make the world a better place

I am excited to announce the launch of the Sseko Fall “Beyond” Collection launching today. at 11am PST.

Bring on darker shades, luxurious layers and all the patterned prints. The Fall 2020 'Beyond' Collection has a gorgeous array of versatile apparel pieces, stunning bags, handcrafted statement jewelry, and eye-catching footwear– You’re sure to find everything you need to complete your perfect fall wardrobe.

Because of the current climate, it is just Beyond incredible that Sseko was able to launch a collection this Fall. COVID-19 has hit the fashion industry hard and we all have seen stores closing and big, chain companies are cancelling orders. Fashion industry workers are not getting paid for work they’ve already done. The workers who are most vulnerable are now even more so.

Sseko believes in a larger mission. We believe that it’s not always about the bottom line, but by building a business together, and being true to all of the employees, we create a model that works and supports everyone. At Sseko, many of our pieces are being made by women employed by Sseko, those that are not Sseko employees are part of the Fair Trade Movement. It is because of this collective ambition and commitment, our family isn’t just surviving - we’re thriving.

Our CEOs, Ben and Liz Bohannan are launching the collection LIVE on Facebook at 5pm PST. Let them explain just how much work went into launching this Collection during COVID and how Sseko is helping to keep the women who create these beautiful products in Uganda, Ethiopia and India safe and employed during this global pandemic.

Something Sseko cannot predict is how quickly the items will sell out. Keeping our Sisters safe overseas during the pandemic means lower inventory and slower shipping. If there is something from the new collection you can’t live without, I would encourage you to click that “Purchase” button quickly!

If that “can’t live without” item is a struggle financially, you can schedule a Facebook Trunk Show with me and I’m sure your friends would love to get together on a Zoom party with a little wine and their credit cards. You could earn those big ticket wish list items quickly. Contact me for details ….

In the meantime, I will be getting ready to click my own “Purchase” button for the things I can’t live without and provide a little support to my Sseko Sisters globally.

A few things to point out:

• “Like a Girl” black tee is back with limited quantities in sizes 2-20.

• The new “Say Yes to Adventure” tee is our latest t-shirt in a beautiful wine color.

• The Kawa print is back by popular demand in gorgeous bags, clothing and accessories.

• We’re introducing the short black kaftan for those extra COVID pounds to wear for all your holiday gatherings, but also to show off those gorgeous legs! Add a little heel or sandals and your favorite bling and you’re ready for anything.

Watch my IG posts for items I purchased today …

Introducing The Fall 2020 Beyond Collection. Somewhere beyond our wildest imaginations, our darkest doubts, our insecurities, our wounds, and our naysayers. Beyond me and you, there is us. And we are better together. We can't get there by going over or under, only through.

Who made your bag?

Meet Aidah (āidäh)

Aidah is from Kampala and joined us on August 23rd, 2018. Since then, she has been thriving in our sewing department making our Market Totes and apparel. Aidah first heard about Sseko through Joyce, who is another Veteran on our team. When she is not at the workshop, she loves to dance to Gospel music and spending time caring for young children in her community. Her dream is to live in a beautiful house of her own someday with a family.

A friend asked about my circle purse the other day. She asked if it was a Dooney … happily I said “no, it’s better! A lovely young woman in Uganda made my purse and I am supporting her efforts to live a live of purpose, safety and security.” Each item made for Sseko helps women in West Africa attend university or earn a living wage for their families. We protect our ladies from harm and sickness and give them options. Does your Dooney do that?

FYI: She ordered the Oiled Black Vintage Satchel that same day. ;-)

Just a mutt hiding among the Irish

What’s a Pollock doing here?

A story of acceptance and love …

Despite my late mother-in-laws hard and fast belief that her only son marry a lovely Irish lass, he chose me, a very American mutt with a crazy last name. She even held out hope after the birth of our first child when she invited us to dinner with the girl he “was supposed to marry” from her Irish hometown. Thankfully, my ever patient husband held true to his heart and we’ve been married a glorious 24 years. One thing I have always been certain of, is the love and acceptance I’ve received from my husband’s Seattle Irish Community.

My husband and his family were among the founding members of the Irish Community since the late 60’s. I don’t believe my husband has missed an Irish Week in Seattle since his birth 50 years ago. He’d been helping his dad, and then eventually took over, the St. Patrick’ s Day Parade around 1994. Immediately following the birth of our first kiddo, I started volunteering my mommy-time to help Mary coordinate the rest of the Irish festivities in and around the city. Both of the girls grew up with dozens and dozens of surrogate grandparents, aunts and uncles, including dignitaries and city officials. it’s been quite a ride!!

Which is why following Christmas Day, the Jacobsens skip right to shopping for green items to wear to some of our Irish social events. Annually, when the kids were little, I was forced to start shopping for their new green clothing items because wearing the Irish sweaters were a “no go” for most of their young lives. Ever tried finding a new green turtleneck for kids when your MIL insisted on the itchy Irish sweaters? It’s not easy, let me tell you. A recent green sweater purchase this week reminded me that each new year my eye is immediately drawn to everything green. Which is why I was SO THRILLED to see the Agave green pieces in the new Sseko Designs collections. The Agave crossbody arrived at my house this afternoon and so my hunt for the green is now complete!

Our Irish community members enveloped me in their arms (literally and even after Dave explained my personal space bubble). They loved on me, and my mom, and my girls with such honesty and exuberance that they have all become part of our family. I never feel alone in this world knowing that Mary, Heather, Ida, Suzie, Mary Catherine, Maureen, and dozens of other ladies are standing in for my mom at a moment’s notice. I worry when they are sick and delight in spending time with them. Irish Week is like a big family reunion, full of laughter and catching up. Heidi, Fiona, Kaileen, Barbara, Caron and many other ladies are like my sisters whose kids have grown up alongside mine and who I have such lovely memories with.

We are not a political or religious group (shoot, I’m not even Irish). The clubs were formed to promote Irish history, culture and a community for new Irish to Seattle to call family. Throughout the years we have been challenged to choose a side, but we have remained constant in our belief in family, community and sharing the love of the Old Country. One that, funny enough, I have never seen!

After the birth of our children, and the medically fragile condition of the first, we found it quite difficult to take the family on a journey to travel Ireland. It’s on our bucket list, but maybe after the 13 years of tuition finally comes to a close and we have enough time to actually take our time and visit all those places I can see quite vividly through the words, songs and stories of the last 25 years.

A BIG thank you goes out to all my Irish family who have taken in this small town all-American girl with the crazy last name and made me yours. I love you all and can’t wait to see you next month! The countdown is on!!

All my love,

Gabby

Instructions on ordering your "Like a Girl" tee shirt ...

“Like a Girl” is a Compliment

$39.99

Many of you have mentioned how much you liked the “Like a Girl” tee shirt, so I’m making this quick and easy.

1. Click the button below to go directly to the page. (Size 1 fits sizes 2-8, Size 2 fits sizes 10-16.) You can order your own through this link.

2. Venmo me $50 (which includes tax and shipping) to @gabby-jacobsen-3 along with your address, email, telephone number and size wanted. I will place the order for you.

If you thought the white 2019 version was difficult to find, then the 2020 black version is going to be gone soon. Don’t delay!

Also in a Reusable Tote

$19.99 a perfect gift!

If you are looking for more of the Spring/Summer Hopefully Yours collection, here is the digital catalog.

For the Spring 2020 "Hopefully Yours" Collection, we traveled the world in search of the most stunning materials and the most beautiful stories. We shot this catalog in Joshua Tree National Park as the Joshua Tree is a symbol of faith, hope and resilience in the midst of harsh conditions.

Confidence is Sexy .. and the heat wave is a-comin’!

Feel your inner Elizabeth Taylor

The kaftan is back … only shorter and sexier.

Sseko is a fashion leader in bringing back the kaftan … in fact … I bought my first Sseko kaftan a full year before the big name fashion designers have been adding them to their runways.

Many ladies may think the kaftan, this big, flowing, unshapely dress can’t be sexy. I’m here to tell you that it can, but better than that, Sseko Designs has upgraded its kaftan style to include 3 (a 4th on it’s way soon to you in a capsule) new short kaftan styles.

• Black heeled boots, felted hat

• Nude wedges, long necklace, statement earrings

• Short boots, jean jacket

• Black leather sneakers, Moto jacket

• Sseko ribbon sandals

• Any kind of sandals

The possibilities are endless, but in the end, you’re looking at sexy legs!

• Skinny jeans, ankle boots

• Leggings

Tie it up a little on the side and you’ve got a beautiful tunic over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings. The prints and the fabrics are gorgeous and very travel friendly. I’m definitely adding them to my bags next time we travel!!

Give one a try for your next wedding or summer vacation.

https://ssekodesigns.com/?u=gabbyjacobsen

Time for a little truth

Do I stay or do I go?

How does this chapter end?

My mom’s Avon lady

When I was little, my mom would have a monthly (or maybe weekly, who knows) party around our kitchen table with all her neighborhood friends. Mom’s friend, Ione Bannister, would come over with her Avon loot and the ladies would shop and talk. There may have even been Tupperware parties here and there - but I always remember Ione and getting a bath with Skin-so-Soft that night.

Fast forward to when my mom passed away and I used my home sales business to keep my mind occupied and make a little money to help with those things she used to help us with, and then some. My little home business paid for cheer fees, swim fees, groceries and eventually our vacations. It was a wonderful little thing I had going! But all good things eventually come to an end and I found myself looking for another company to sell for 5 years later.

In came Sseko when I fell in love with the belt bag I saw on a friend of mine. I purchased one from her party, then hosted my own, then quickly jumped on board with this gorgeous company of inspirational women selling products in order to support our Sseko sisters in East Africa and India. But guess what, my regular customers were more of the bi-monthly, smaller purchase people. They loved the idea of new collections happening 4-5 times a year, with price points at less than $100 and lots of incentives.

Just recently a friend said “I’ve been watching your Sseko business, but it wasn’t until I actually received a piece, smelled it, felt it, that I realized just how high quality it is.” People still love their name brand bags no matter how often I ask them if they know where it was made or whether the leather was ethical or whether the purse helped women globally. I can’t share just how much it means to me that a women made the bag that I carry every day and that my bag is helping her live out her dream of attending university and building a better life for herself.

To be honest, I’m completely overwhelmed with work these days! I LOVE my new job!! I’m crazy about working with my new boss, and I have fun nearly everyday. I get home completely exhausted and between my job, spending time with family or over at Crescent Bar as much as possible, I just don’t have time for vendor shows or in-home Sseko events.

So here I sit, at a Starbucks (which I haven’t had time to do in awhile) wondering just how much longer I can keep this up. Do I hang up my hat on the whole home-business business?

I honestly miss all my old customers and our monthly communications. I wonder how they are all are … and I love watching their lives unfold on Facebook because we’re all still friends!

Oh what to do … what to do. I WILL be placing orders next week for some friends who will be ordering the “Like a Girl” is a Compliment tee shirts. Another friend has her eye on a few of the sale items. Maybe ya’ll just need me to reach out and nag you a bit more because you forget you liked something when I post about it.

If you read this and have an opinion, please let me know! I’d love to hear from you, whether it be to say hello, to tell me you want to order, to tell me to continue with Sseko because you believe in the mission, to go find another jewelry business to sell for because that’s your jam, or to throw in the towel because should try doing something different. Regardless of the reason, I thank God that I’ve had such a great run with home businesses because I feel confident about my ability to now live without my mom and it’s given me so many more wonderful people in my life.

Gotta run and pick up my kid who’s home from college this weekend.

Gabby out .. for now.

For the Spring 2020 "Hopefully Yours" Collection, we traveled the world in search of the most stunning materials and the most beautiful stories. We shot this catalog in Joshua Tree National Park as the Joshua Tree is a symbol of faith, hope and resilience in the midst of harsh conditions.

Need all the flip flops!!

Sseko Leather Flip Flops

What made me kick my Havianas to the curb!

During my visits to Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, I would plan a whole day around picking out new Havianas flip flops to add to my collection. I loved them and packing for trips became very easy when I’d just throw in a few pairs of flips and call it good. LOL But then, came Sseko and their leather version of my favorite shoe.

My husband was floored the first time I grabbed my Sseko over my plastic Havianas. I’d been eyeing them for some time, but when I took the leap, it was like I’d stumbled on the promised land of sandals. (Ok, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but they really are glorious!)

But DID YOU KNOW, you can order them as part of our CUSTOM workshop? You can order varied colors for the base, sole and straps. Monogram these babies and the customization is complete! My goal is to grab them in the black, but then perhaps custom some in the navy blue. Or maybe white.

You can find the CUSTOM shop at the bottom of my Shop Gabby’s Sseko Design page. Need help? Just ask and I’d be happy to walk you through. It takes at least a month to ship CUSTOM products, so if you’re thinking of that beach wedding or cruise this summer, start thinking ahead.

Other than heading into the water, these are my go to summer shoes. Dressy enough for summer dresses on vacation but looks just as trendy with my cutoff jeans and tanks at our Crescent Bar home. Get your pedicure on point and pick up a pair of these for your summer plans.

Available NOW.

Order your Customs Today!

"Like a Girl" is a compliment

Hopefully Yours …

Spring/Summer 2020 Collection

“Like a Girl” is a Compliment

I’ve posted quite a bit over the last year about this tee-shirt and this particular saying. The reaction I’ve received from men and women everywhere has been inspiring and long after it sold out in white, I’ve had to tell others to watch my Sseko site for a re-release. Well guess what my lovely people, its coming back even better than before, in black!

My white tee has been to other countries, over jeans and skirts, to work and to play, dressed up and dressed down because no matter where it goes, it’s giving life to an amazing truth. Girls are amazing and we can do anything.

We have all shopped online for tee-shirts and I’ve come up short with an ill-fitting and stiff tee more than I’ve been lucky. What I’m telling you now, being as picky as I am, is that this shirt is truly perfect. V-neck. Soft. Boxy and washes like a champ.

It’s going to sell out quickly, so you’d better get that reminder on your phone now … shop my Sseko site after January 28th.

Like a Girl Black Tee-shirt $39.99 (Size 1 or 2)

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A few of my favorite things …

For the Spring 2020 “Hopefully Yours” Collection, we traveled the world in search of the most stunning materials and the most beautiful stories. We shot this catalog in Joshua Tree National Park as the Joshua Tree is a symbol of faith, hope and resilience in the midst of harsh conditions. Our Oiled Agave leather is a celebration of the sweetness that can be found in the struggle. The rainbow stripes are a call to believe that storms bring unparalleled beauty. And our stunning mixed metallic leather is a reminder that sometimes the reward is not just on the other side of the struggle, but in who you become when you dare to hope.In this collection you’ll find more artistry and artisanal excellence than ever. From handcrafted legacy leather goods to handwoven and block printed textiles, each piece in this collection is truly something to be treasured and celebrated. Just like you. We promise these pieces will become treasured items in your collection, telling not just a story of your personal style but of hope, resilience and belief.

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Hopefully Yours

Watch my Blog as I share my favorites with you!!

Happy new year to all my friends and family!

I still sell stuff ... ya know

From Jewelry to Ethical Fashion

Just a little change … but I still love it

It’s not jewelry - but it’s better!

Just a little reminder that I still enjoy retail sales, especially when it comes to being social through my home business. Selling with Chloe + Isabel meant so much to me and the jewelry was absolutely gorgeous! When I felt the leadership change, I rushed into Sseko Designs, being drawn by the ethical fashion and the inspirational founder, Liz Bohannon. She may be tiny, but she is mighty! She has mighty plans for her little company (founded in Portland, OR) and the products are dreamy.

I would LOVE to set up a time and day to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with your friends and family by sharing the joy and beauty of Sseko Designs. The beautiful leather bags and accessories, clothing, jewelry, shoes and custom ordering. We have something for everyone on your list, even the hard to buy guys.

I’m an almost empty nester ladies and have loads of time to devote to giving you FREE items. Hit me up for dates and times that work with your schedule. NO gathering is too small … I’ll even host in my home if you want to come order from my display and avoid cleaning your house. =)

You know where to find me …

3 bags in ... 1 bag out!

Review of the perfect vacation bag

Travel bag review

Why you need the Sseko Olive Canvas Travel Tote

My family just returned from a beautiful week in Mexico.

My family was loaded down with Sseko bags so I could test them on our various outings. Well, that AND so the rest of my family could look trendy and fabulous with gorgeous Sseko leather bags. My husband carried the Eden backpack, each of my girls carried the Convertible Tote and I brought along the brand new Olive Canvas Travel bag. Here’s my review of each, and why the Canvas Travel bag was the best, hands down!

Mom’s across the world know that they tend to end up carrying everyone’s random stuff. I carefully packed my bag for the plane with LOTS of room in order to allow for the accumulation. I didn’t want to hunt down the 7 passports and boarding passes that I had to carry through 3 airports and customs. It was excellent through my travels on Day 1, including the first trip to the resort pool near our condo.

It was weighed down with about 8 large water bottles, 3 blankets, 6 cell phones and various clothing items during our boat ride to a secluded beach. Unlike the leather bags, I wasn’t too concerned about it getting wet or sandy. The shoulder straps or cross body straps were wide enough to be very comfortable and it kept everything contained.

I was accompanied on our parasailing adventures and shopping by the beautiful leather Eden backpack. It’s definitely envy-worthy, but crazy inconvenient when you have to get in and out of it every 60 seconds. Can you hold my wallet? I need my wallet. Can you hold my sunglasses? Oh it’s too bright not to wear my sunglasses. Being the group photographer … It started making me grumpy having to get in and out of it constantly. I was missing my crossbody bag …

Every time we went to town, I had to carry too many things to use the Convertible Tote, so I left those for the girls to use during our trip. I did purchase the caramel one shortly before the trip, whereas I had only a black one before. It’s REALLY pretty and while I love using it at home, and the luggage strap allowing it to attach to a rolling suitcase is pretty awesome (especially when you’ve got 8 bags and 7 backpacks in your group) it wasn’t big enough for this mom.

So hand’s down, my vote for a travel bag goes to the Olive Canvas Travel Tote! It’s totally worth the $175 price tag, especially since it would go from vacation to highschool football game, dance recital, holiday festival shopping. day trip to Leavenworth, weekender with your hunny, Puyallup Fair day and so many other occasions. The lower zipper compartment allows you to carry those things you don’t want to get in the way of the things you need most. I throw my sweater and small blanket in there for my music in the park evenings, my jean shorts and flip flops for after work errands or maybe diapers and a change of clothes if you’re in that mom-phase of life. Having this stuff out of the way leaves room up top to easily find my Sseko zippered wallet, reading glasses, cell phone and my leather catchall for all my other purse necessities.

It’s pretty awesome! Keep on the lookout for mine - or pick up one for yourself for fall! Olive is a beautiful neutral option …

By the way, our Mexican vacation was epic this year! Practically perfect in every way.