The New Year is well on its way with enthusiasm and promise.  Giving back is a common addition to the New Year’s resolution list. Many non-profits exist today with creative business models.  One to consider is Krochet Kid’s International.  Krochet Kids is an organization that empowers women in Uganda and most recently Peru.  The empowerment begins with the simple skill of crocheting, allowing the women to earn a living.  This is where us fashion forward or chilly shoppers come in! 

The women of Krochet Kids int. make hats that are then sold internationally.  The profits go back to the women who then use it for education, new businesses, and hopeful dreams.

Krochet Kids’ CEO and Co-Founder Kohl Creceliusto, was kind enough to chat with BRINK on the background of the organization.  Here is what he had to say.

When did you decide that an organization like Krochet Kids intl. was needed?

We traveled to Uganda and witnessed first hand the situation the people of the north part of the country were in.  That is to say that they had previously been living in fear of a rebel army (for 20 years!), but were experiencing relative peace and a desire to take control of their own lives and change their circumstances.  We decided we would do our best to help them do exactly that by providing them this skill we had (crochet), and opportunities through work and education. 

Discuss your most memorable success story.

As an organization, we define our success by the triumphs of the people we work with in developing countries.  One story that comes to mind is from Uganda and a lady named Beatrice.  She has taken the opportunity while at Krochet Kids Uganda to not only earn a great wage but to be learning and saving her money in order to start her own business.  She recently started a local community store where she is selling cooking ingredients and materials to her neighbors and gaining a profit.  It’s amazing to see!

What is planned for 2012?

Where to begin?  As with each New Year our team is excited about all the new products coming from our project areas in Peru and Uganda.  Keep an eye out for some brand new products this Spring.  We also have some collaborations that we can’t yet discuss, but that are going to be AMAZING, so keep an eye out for ways to continually get involved with Krochet Kids intl.

How can people help?
First and foremost, people can help by purchasing our products.  In doing so, our goal is that you would not only get an accessory that you love, but that would learn the story of the lady that made it by finding her name on the inside label and searching for her on our site (http://www.krochetkids.org/projects/ladies/).  By doing this, you have the chance to encourage and inspire her through a written note, as well as sharing her story to your friends and family.

Please also join along our story on Facebook (http://facebook.com/krochetkids) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/krochetkids).

Thanks Kohl!

Krochet Kids products can be found at KrochetKids.org or Nordstrom Stores 

One fashionable way to make a difference while fulfilling a dream.

-Trisha Connell