I'm a Sseko Fellow!

I’m officially signed up to be a Sseko Fellow!! 

I am so proud to be a part of this group of women supporting women in need. Sseko Designs is an ethical fashion brand that hires high potential women in Uganda to make sandals to enable them to earn money through dignified employment that will go directly towards their college educations and ensure they will continue pursuing their dreams. To date, we've enabled 87 women to continue on to university. We currently employ 50 women in Uganda from all walks of life. We believe that every woman has a dream. When she is given the opportunity to pursue those dreams, we are collectively walking towards a brighter and more just and beautiful world.

In addition to our work in Uganda, we design and source ethically made products from East Africa. We believe that good business can be an incredibly powerful force for positive social change. Sseko products are all made in Africa and create jobs, empower artisans and help end the cycle of poverty by building healthy communities and economies.

I hosted an online trunk show last Friday upon my return from Vegas to rave reviews! I am looking for a few more orders so you all can receive your orders and see why I'm so excited! I'm joining forces with my two great friends, Katie Johnson and Katie Hathaway, lovingly known as Gabby and The Katie's! LOL This relatively new company, with the headquarters in Portland, Oregon, is one helps our global community. At this stage in my life, I love the idea of helping the planet, being a better person and giving back.

My trunk show ends tonight. If you find something in the catalog you enjoy, please let me know or place your order online.

Taking the road less followed ...

The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world ... are the ones that do.

Ya'll have heard a bit about my new obsession with Sseko, a company supporting women in Uganda, free trade, improved working environment and safety for the 50+ women who work for Sseko and the 19 young women who it has sent to a Ugandan university just last year! Over the past few weeks, I have come to appreciate this little Northwest company and feel very inspired by it's story. I feel compelled to join this small group of entrepreneurs to give back to the wonderful world that we share. 

Not only has Sseko inspired me, but has also set a flame under my youngest daughter and a friend of mine. We have decided to take on this new adventure together! My daughter will take a collection with her to the University and share the story with her new friends. My friend and I will be creating a buzz on this side of the mountains with public markets and trunk shows. This handmade products will create quite a stir in our little "do-good" area of the country.

I have decided to take a step back from Chloe + Isabel and turn my attention to this new adventure. I will continue to sell C+I, but will begin hosting Trunk Shows for Sseko as a "Sseko Fellow." For those of you loyal C+I customers, I will still be available for pop ups in your home, and will be happy to take you through the latest and greatest collections. I will keep you appraised of sales and promotions - and of course I will happily give personal styling advice!

Sseko designers have created the most beautiful fine leather bags, purses, small leather goods and big, beautiful travel cases. In addition, they create many of the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn with leather and ribbon that are fully customizable. They've partnered with a swimsuit designer to create one-size-fits-all clothing and scarves. Finally, they have trendy, simple jewelry with interchangeable charms and bold designs. 

Everything I have seen and felt is so finely made with care by each of the Sseko tradeswomen. Each and every piece is signed with love from an inspirational woman on the other side of the world - and you can find she and her story on the webpage and see who your purchase has helped.

If you would like to see how a trunk show works and buy your first pair of ribbon sandals, I will be hosting a trunk show of my own with the help of my Sseko Fellow Monique on May 18th at 7pm. She is in Texas but we will be hosting a Facebook Group event so you can see just how much these beloved pieces need to be part of your everyday.

I've attached some of my favorites and invite you to request your invite to the Trunk Show, support women of the world and kick your summer off with a bang! I'm feeling mad-inspired by this little company and I can't wait to share the products with my friends!