Margaret Kadi

Female

London

United Kingdom

Profile Information:

Profession / role:

Business Owner

Company / organisation:

Project Sierra Leone

Website (if you have one):

http://www.projectsierraleone.com

My primary role in relation to fashion is:

Entrepreneur

I am looking to discover or buy

Brand Exposure, Stockists, Networking and Collaboration

About me / About business or organisation:

Project Sierra Leone, the home of cutting edge collections designed and ethically made by Sierra Leonean artisans. Purchased directly from independent craftspeople, our handmade products provide a vital source of income for local designers, their families, and their communities.

The project originated in April 2010 when 17 years after leaving Sierra Leone, I returned to the land of my birth for a long overdue holiday. I was immediately struck by the country’s buzz and inspired by the creativity flowing through the Freetown market stalls where artisans were selling handmade beaded place-mats, bags and Kaftans. I was so moved when speaking to the talented local designers of these amazing products that I decided to work with them. By commissioning craftspeople like Bablylove, Lilian and Aunty Fatu to create a selection of products with simple designs, I hoped to give them the best chance of reaching a wider market. This is particularly challenging in Sierra Leone, one of the World’s poorest countries, where artisans traditionally rely on rare sales to passing tourists to sustain themselves and their families.

All artisans involved in Project Sierra Leone receive a fair wage and are able to set their own product prices. They are also paid a 50% deposit for all orders that are placed in advance of production.

The whole philosophy behind Project Sierra Leone is that our products are ethically made in Sierra Leone by talented artisans. Our exclusive handmade collection has been selected with the fashion forward and uniquely stylish woman in mind.

Everything you see on our website is locally sourced and can be customised just for you.

Alternatively you can find us on Twitter (@ProjectSalone) and see additional pictures on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/projectsierraleone)

Career history / Company history:

Worked in Broadcast Media for the last 12 years. Worked at MTV Networks Europe, Sky Sports and Discovery Channel, and Russell & Bromley.

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