A year ago I took some of the profits earned by selling my recycled clothing crafts and made a Kiva microcredit loan. I figured I should put my money where my mouth is and support someone doing ace crafty stuff and trying to make a money out of it, in another part of the world. Obviously it’s a bit hard for me to cruise down to a market in Mexico, so instead, I made a microcredit loan to a woman called Maria.
Maria is an amazing embroiderer and needed some start up capital to buy some supplies so she could make some of her amazing clothes to sell to tourists. This photo shows Maria and some of her amazing work.
So 12 months down the track, Maria has paid back her loan and I’m reinvesting the money.
This time I decided to go a bit closer to home and find someone I could support in the Pacific Islands. I found a woman called Janet who is from Samoa. Janet is a printmaker and uses the traditional elei style printing. Janet wants to turn what has been a hobby into a business. And she had such a cool tshirt, I had to pick her!
So hopefully my loan will help her. At the time of posting, Janet needs another US$250 for her loan. So please consider supporting her.
This is called Mutual Aid. Not Colonial Aid. Not Corrupt Government Aid. Not Missionary Aid. Not Celebrity Ego Enhancing Aid. Rather, Actual Aid.
So 12 months ago I said I’d find another Maria. This time I’ll say that in 12 months time, I’ll find another Janet.
10 Comments
Wow, this seems so simple. I think I should check around here to see if microcredits exist too…
Liliths last blog post..Grande question n°3 : Pourquoi tant de triskaïdécaphobiques ? Et c’est quoi cette histoire d’échelle ?
Hey I already noticed that the last time I posted a commment, I find it amazing (yeah, I’m a bit naive) : your blog tells my last blog post ! Wow !
Your blog’s an ace ;o)
Liliths last blog post..Grande question n°3 : Pourquoi tant de triskaïdécaphobiques ? Et c’est quoi cette histoire d’échelle ?
Yeah it’s CommentLuv, a new feature I’ve been meaning to point out. The little box below the comment box, if ticked, will parse a link to your latest blog post. It’s a nifty wee wordpress plugin. All wordpress users should install it! Luv Luv!
Love your blog…
Interesting to use some of your profits to support Kiva entrepreneurs. This software company just dropped their entire Google Adwords budget and will put all the money towards Kiva loans…Cause related marketing meets guerilla marketing.
Erick B
http://www.KivaB4B.org
http://www.b4bCommunity.org
What a great idea! I’d be keen to do this also
That is such a simple and awesome idea! How amazing to watch the journey of someone else trying to make a living out of their craft and know that you helped them along that path. The next time I have spare cash from selling my crafts I’m going to invest in a Kiva loan.
by the way, I’m new to reading your blog but I’m a huge fan already
City the NZCQs last blog post..NEW - Eat cake. Worship Satan tshirts!!!!
Sounds ace, really really ace. More reason for me to start scheming & dreaming up money-making ideas.
caseys last blog post..Julie Andrews: cuntface
Yay excited people! Pleased to report that Janet’s loan has been filled and she should get the cash real soon.
And Hi!! Cupcake Queen!! Welcome to the posse.
I’m not a huge cupcake maker but I made these
It was for the Operation 8 solidarity stuff last year. You should join the Radical House Wives Baking Club and Terrorist Society!
Hey… awesome stuff. Feeling inspired to investigate and put some of my money toward a decent cause instead of shoes and yarn.
Nikkis last blog post..Something disturbing…
This is a very great thing of your to invest your money into someone else. I’m sure they are ever grateful for the help you have provided them.