MOCS THAT TELL A STORY
Me to We Artisans work with Maasai Mamas in Kenya to craft hand-beaded art forms passed down from mother to daughter. Each woman who participates in the program is able to turn this traditional handiwork into a livelihood, empowering her to do things she never believed possible.
Me to We is a social enterprise that creates products that benefit their international charity and educational partner Free The Children. Minnetonka is partnering with Me to We to join the beautiful bead work of the Maasai Mamas with the classic handcraftsmanship of our mocs to create mocs with meaning.
BEADED BY THE MAASAI MAMAS OF KENYA
Me to We Artisans work with the Maasai Mamas in Kenya to craft the hand-beaded designs for Minnetonka. The Mamas bead using art forms passed down from mother to daughter through the generations. The circle design featured on the moccasins is a traditional design featured in Maasai culture.
Each woman who participates in the Me to We Artisan program is able to turn this traditional handiwork into a livelihood. Minnetonka sponsors financial literacy training for the Mamas to help empower the women with the knowledge to build up their savings and do things they never would have believed possible, without giving up her traditional way of life.
ME TO WE SUCCESS STORY
Maasai Mama - Toti
Mama Toti, a mother of four, had long dreamed of owning a goat as a source of milk and income for her family. She joined a community beading group for Me to We Artisans and with that received financial literacy training. With her first paycheck, she bought two goats. As her herd grew to twelve goats, so did her confidence. By earning a living beading with traditional Maasai techniques, Mama Toti has not only improved her life and the lives of her children, she stands tall and proud as an example of what women can do.
