SOKO : Lalesso
When Joanna Maiden visited Ukunda, a coastal town in Uganda in 2007, she learned of a program that employed local Kenyan tailors by paying a living wage and helping them meet a gap in the market. Joanna saw that the program was in need of the resources and staff to facilitate its growth. In February 2009, Joanna made the decision to move to Kenya to establish SOKO, a project aiming to create sustainable and creative long-term solutions in Ukunda, Kenya by providing international markets with community driven, ethical and environmentally aware fair trade products. After being in business for 7 months, SOKO has produced for several international fashion brands such as Lalesso, and seeks to create a sustainable business model that can be replicated in East Africa.
SOKO focuses on aiding men and women in poverty due to the economic downturn by providing training and employment in tailoring, sandal making, and accessories. 70% of SOKO’s profits are used to benefit local projects supporting orphans, disabled youth, schools and rehabilitation centers while 30% is used to expand the business.
SOKO has already succeeded in lifting 120 Kenyans out of poverty. Phillip, a levelheaded and gentle 45-year-old man. Phillip walks 1 ½ hours to work each day and lives in a hut. Phillip and his wife were held at gunpoint and robbed in his home. Since people are in desperate need for employment in Kenya, the robber took everything from their home including pots, pans, food, charcoal for cooking, and toiletries-everything. To rebuild his life, SOKO is able to provide Phillip with half a month’s wage, half of which is a gift from SOKO, and a loan that he will be able to pay off within months. Through SOKO’s sustainable business model, Phillip is now employed and is able to keep his dignity and support his family.
Thank you Soko for partnering with Freedom and Fashion to feature your LALESSO brand on the runway! See you in November!
To make a purchase, click here to visit: www.Lalesso.com
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