So Much More Than a Gift: Part 2 of 4

This next company is based right here in Memphis, TN, and it's one of my favorites. I first stumbled upon Ekata Designs at a street festival, and feel in love with the dainty, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

I also love it that the line is created by refugees from Bhutan, a people group whom I've had the pleasure to build relationships with over the past year. These jewelry-making women are ethnically Nepali, but for the past few generations they have lived in southern Bhutan.

There are currently 15.2 million refugees in the world. The vast majority of them are women and children. A refugee is someone who is forcibly displaced from their home by persecution, war, or natural disaster. They flee their home country often traveling for days in order to survive.  Refugee camps, marked by thousands of tents or huts, meant as temporary solutions, become their “home” for years and even decades.  They are often not accepted into their new country. Returning home means great danger and persecution. Remaining in the camp is a hopeless, purposeless existence.

Ekata Designs was started to break the silence surrounding the plight of refugees and empower them to succeed in their new life.  They are privileged to work with several strong, beautiful, and talented refugee women in Memphis, TN, and teaching them to make and sell high quality jewelry. This is a small step in helping them become self-supported.

For more information on Ekata Designs, and to see the women who are making this wonderful jewelry, go to www.ekatadesigns.com or click HERE. To visit the Ekata shop on Etsy, click HERE. The jewelry is lovely and affordable. Let's make a difference for this amazing women here in Memphis!

The Jewelry Makers!