What are Stella Ampofo’s favorite things to do? Style her hair and put on makeup! Expressing herself in this way brings Stella such joy that she also offers the service to others, working as a makeup artist and hair stylist. At least, she used to, back before she got married.
Unfortunately, not only did Stella stop working when she got married, eventually she also became forbidden to do those two things that bring her such joy—wear makeup and do her hair.
Stella has since left her marriage. She is also back to work, this time as an artisan with Trashy Bags. Making fashionable products like your cosmetic bag out of discarded plastic water sachets, Stella is bit by bit using spare income to rebuild her supply of beauty products, so she can eventually resume her calling as a beautician.
Suggested use: As a makeup or toiletries bag—with an easily cleanable upcycled interior! Because this is an upcycled product (and therefore respectful to the environment!), fabric designs are subject to change.
Need to reapply lipstick? Do a hair check? Meet with a friend after eating a poppy seed bagel? Maybe you simply wish to read a secret note written backwards. Or steal a peek at the interesting character behind you in line... The compact mirror, where Marilyn Monroe meets Nancy Drew, prepares you for all of the above situations.
Inspired by the regal motifs of Muslim dynasties and skillfully hand-carved into glowing Indian rosewood, the curlicue heart design of your lovely new piece brings an air of elegance and intrigue to your beauty kit. And of course, it’s super useful!
Meanwhile, your mirror, and woodcraft of all sorts, brings a vital livelihood to Muslim communities of northern India, where artisanal ability is high, yet economic opportunities limited.
Suggested use: Toss in your purse or makeup bag for quick fixes throughout the day.
Aziza was fleeing war in the Congo when she was kidnapped and taken to the forest. There, she lived for two years as a sex slave. She remembers eating leaves to survive and giving birth to her son alone in the woods.
Kenya is full of refugees fleeing war and persecution in neighboring countries. Unaccompanied women and girls like Aziza are the most vulnerable—and the most invisible. That’s why the non-profit Heshima Kenya has chosen to set its sights on just this population. Most of its members are teenage girls. Many of them have children, often as the result of sexual violence encountered on their journeys.
Heshima Kenya provides a full spectrum of services to its ladies, offering them a sense of safety, agency, and belonging that most of them have never known before.
Suggested use: Great for night-time use, as it won’t yank your hair out while you sleep. Because this is a hand-dyed product, dye patterns are subject to change.
Most commonly, having a job is associated with earning the income one needs to survive. But there are other, less obvious benefits that may be just as essential.
Meet Doña Filomena, one of our Oaxacan weavers from San Luis Amatlán. Doña Filomena is nearly 70 years old. Her husband died years ago, and her children have all married off. Doña Filomena lives alone, taking care of her chickens and goats. What’s more, she can’t hear very well, which makes venturing out of the house difficult.
Working with GlobeIn has allowed Doña Filomena the opportunity to emerge from her empty nest and be part of a project with other weavers. Together, the women gather palm leaves from the hills and weave them into vibrant, multi-colored baskets. Together, they generate a vital sense of agency and connection.
Suggested use: As a holder for hairpieces, or perhaps as a toiletry kit for house guests!
