We regularly train low-income DC women in business methods and creating high quality jewelry. The project will develop a catalog to expand the sales and self-sufficiency of at least 60 grads.
Washington, DC has a very high poverty rate, partly reflecting low skills and poor opportunity for single mothers. We teach low-income women (and interested men) to create high quality jewelry, operate a small business, and manage their money. "Our funders say we are unique in that we not only teach new skills, but also provide a context for our grads to earn income from their new skills." Publishing a catalog of products will expand their market and help grads become more self-sufficient.
A catalog will allow grads to reach new customers, make only ordered items, and have less unwanted jewelry. Says Naomi, a talented grad, “I make lots of pieces but am shy and have trouble marketing. The catalog will help me earn more from my work.”
The catalog project will expand the markets for the handcrafted goods of at least 60 DC low-income women, helping them use their new skills to increase their incomes and provide for their families. The catalog will focus production and reduce waste.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
