Project Sierra Leone
Recently introduced to Project Sierra Leone I was instantly taken with the range of beaded clutch bags on display; a simple idea turned into striking fashion accessories I can immediately see them developing into a fabulous range of design-led products that are not only cool for carrying around day or night, but lend themselves to multiple uses such as make-up and toiletry bags. 

Having lived away from Sierra Leone for 17 years, Project Sierra Leone's founder Margaret Kadi returned to her home country in April 2010 for a holiday and was infused with the renewed sense of energy and activity she could feel around her. During her holiday Margaret met and connected with an inspiring group of artisans whose craftsmanship she admired and made the decision to work with them to help their products reach a wider market. Margaret asked the artisans to create a selection of products, with simple designs that she could take away with her and source appropriate market; and in September 2010 project Sierra Leone was officially born. In addition to beaded clutch bags Project Sierra Leone’s product lines include raffia handbags, embroidered Kaftans and beaded placemats, all locally hand crafted using locally sourced materials. All bags are lined with high-quality cotton wax cloth.

To be able to effectively grow the business and help the artisans as best as she can Margaret made the decision to return to Sierra Leone and run the business full-time, and made the move earlier this year in June 2011; a decision she acknowledges was a good one. At home and working directly with local artisans to produce the fashion and home accessories collections marketed under Project Sierra Leone means Margaret is on hand to oversee matters like product development and fix any arising issues as quickly as possible; and more importantly be more than just a name to those she works with. Like many areas of Africa, craftspeople are reliant on passing trade and tourists to create a sustainable living which can be susceptible to factors like fluctuations in tourist seasons, given that the main ethos of Project Sierra Leone is to help the artisans earn a sustainable income, the artisans Margaret works with are paid the full price they set for each product and are given an advance equating to a 50% deposit for commissioned orders. As of this week the Union Jack Beaded Clutch bags are available to purchase on Agnes and Lola, with more stockists planned for the future. 

...chic accessories, beautifully beaded