What are you carrying this summer?

Well, hello summer …

time to break out my Sseko jute summer tote

Sseko’s Summer Capsule launched and I have been loving the items I pre-ordered. A favorite is this Jute Ring Handle Tote. I’m all about stripes this year - I can’t get enough! The size of this is awesome and it has enough room to fit all my essentials (including my MacBook!) I was pretty surprised!!

As many of you already know, Sseko employs 61 full-time workers in Uganda. Our Sseko Scholars complete a nine-month employment program that enables them to continue on to college. After your purchase, you can read about their dreams and ambitions and get an update on Sseko graduates! In addition to our university-bound class, we employ women from all walks of life. Moms, daughters, designers, and cooks all working together to make the world a little brighter. Meet the women of Sseko Designs! My beautiful bag was made by Binika … from beginning to end … she created this beautiful piece.

$79.99

This Jute Ring Handle Tote is perfect for all your summer essentials. The jute and cotton are locally sourced from our partners in India and are handcrafted with sustainability in mind.

• 13" (H) x 16" (W) x 5" (D)

• Cotton, Jute & Wood Lined with Internal Pockets and Top Zipper Closure 4 1⁄2" Inner Ring Diameter

• Made in India

What’s in your Summer Bag?

Due to the COVID-craziness, I’ve been working remotely. On the days I go into a courtroom to support my judge directly, I am toting my necessities from home. Additionally, when I’m moving my remote office to other locations, it’s nice to be able to carry them all in style. You could say this is my “Apple Picking Basket” (MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone, AirPods … lol)

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• MacBook

• iPad Pro

• iPhone

• Airpods

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (lipstick, chapstick, apple cords, pen, hand sanitizer, business cards, etc)

When our Stay-at-Home order relaxes and we return to regular outings my bag contents will take a turn …

• iPhone

• Sunscreen

• water bottle

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• Airpods

• iPad Pro (downloaded books in the sunshine)

• Readers (for reading books … because blind!)

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (for all small catch all things)

• Keys to our vacation home

• Sunglasses

What would you carry in your new Sseko Jute bag?

Paper Bead artistry

Single strand paper bead bracelet in rainbow

Looking for a fun summer everyday bracelet? This lovely goes just perfectly with my Mexican bracelets for everyday.

$19.99

The colors of our Single Strand Bracelet in Rainbow are bright, celebratory, and joyful. The mix of yellows, teals, and pinks create a modern twist on a classic Ugandan paper bead. This handcrafted statement piece will brighten any outfit in all the best ways. 

• Paper Beads + Elastic

• 2 1⁄2" Inner Diameter

• Made in Uganda

… and if you think this is cool, you should check out the earrings and necklace! The earrings are now a new favorite everyday piece for me. Delicate and trendy.

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Enjoy our beautiful summer day wherever you are. Stay healthy, follow all the COVID Stay at Home requirements and I hope to see you again very soon.

Love,

Gabby

Big Birthday Sale - and Mystery Hostess

It's time for a big Birthday Sale!

... and earn Mystery Hostess credits!

What better time to be introduced to Sseko then during the biggest annual sale of the year! In honor of this event, I'm hosting a Mystery Hostess event and here's how you can earn entries into the Grand Prize giveaway!

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GRAND PRIZE:

ALL CREDITS FROM THE MYSTERY TRUNK SHOW UP TO $500!!

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A new group of favorite items will go on sale each morning - and I’ll make the announcement early in the morning. They will be at deep reductions AND will go quickly as our Spring/Summer inventory is fading away. You’ll want to do some pre-shopping to get items on your Wish List and set your budget. Then watch for my daily posts and check out (maybe on the train to work or while drinking your morning coffee). There will be 7 days of sales starting on July 12th. 

I’ll add another 1 pt to your entries if you email or text me your Wish List so I can keep an eye out for sale items - you may even get a text before the sale opens so you’ll be prepared!! (Hint hint)

Here’s how to win the whole kitten-caboodle :

1 pt - share, tag AND comment this Blog post to your own Facebook page

2 pts - during the above shared post, list your favorite Sseko product

3 pts - refer a friend who places any size order

4 pts - make a purchase of less than $50

5 pts - make a purchase of less than $100

6 pts - host a Facebook event (1 hour online) between July 12-18 with at least 3 purchases

7 pts - book a Home Trunk Show between July 12th - August 31st (credits will be awarded following your event, or 3 early purchases)

I have plans for a Grand Open House in August, but I will be hosting a quick Open House this Saturday morning, July 14th from 10am - noon, in my home. This will allow you to see, touch and try out products you've been seeing online. I will be able to provide additional information on products I do not have. RSVP is mandatory, please let me know by Friday at noon.

How about some mimosas and cupcakes to celebrate Sseko's birthday?

Grab a little girl time before your family activities ramp up for the weekend.

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!