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Inspiration October 11, 2018
"Demand quality, not just in the products you buy, but in the life of the person who made it." – Orsola de Castro
Although extremely energy-consuming, art is often underpaid. Specifically, female artists are often underpaid. Fortunately, there are influencers out there who compensate and support these artisanal women. One of these influencers is Kara Ross, who founded non-profit organization UNLEASHED.
UNLEASHED celebrates female artists all around the globe. The non-profit uses cinematography as a way to promote these women and their work. As part of their initiative, they have launched a “Connecting Thread” short film series, one of which is “Connecting Thread: Unleashing India.”
“Connecting Thread: Unleashing India” is a touching short film that tells the story of Indian female artisans. Accompanied by authentic, enticing music, it invites the viewer into the homes and lives of these incredibly hard-working women.
The short highlights the non-profit’s mission to support and empower female artists. Here are some of the resources and opportunities UNLEASHED provides.
In partnership with Kiva, a worldwide charitable institution, UNLEASHED gives loans to their female creators. This start-up money allows these entrepreneurs and artisans to build, develop and grow their ventures.
On their website, UNLEASHED boasts “lending” to over 90 female entrepreneurs with a 98% payback rate.
NOVICA is another one of UNLEASHED’s important strategic partners. Working in association with National Geographic, NOVICA provides the means for artists around the globe to sell their work. It offers a free platform for them to showcase their art and reach potential customers worldwide.
The platform also educates, trains and provides infrastructure. With the help of NOVICA, artisans around the globe have received over $88.4 million.
The female artisans in “Connecting Thread: Unleashing India” come from poverty and work brutally to support their families. So, getting fair wages for their work is crucial. In 2017, UNLEASHED commissioned 42 women to embroider at 1.5 times the wages paid by couture brands.
Thanks to the non-profit, the women’s work debuted at FDCI Amazon India Fashion Week in Delhi. It is important to note that UNLEASHED is the first non-Indian brand to ever be shown at Amazon India Fashion Week.
For Gudia Khan, the heroine of “Connecting Thread: Unleashing India,” attending Amazon India Fashion Week was a horizon-broadening event. She doesn’t have much time to think of herself; she’s too busy working to support her family.
Thanks to UNLEASHED, Khan was able to secure a new home for the next two years, so she can save money for her future career.
“I will feel happy to see someone wearing what I have made,” she says on the way to Delhi. Later, at the event, she tells Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, “You work in movies and your life is different. Perhaps I will also be successful and have something of my own. That’s why I am here.”
UNLEASHED creates a strong sisterhood in real life and online. In their blog via Medium, an online publication, the non-profit covers important female issues. It also offers engaging interviews and educates women about entrepreneurship.
From “Kate Spade & Female Mental Health Epidemic” to “The Twin Thing: An Identity Story,” their content is informative, inspiring and thought-provoking. Clearly, the foundation is “connecting threads” on all types of platforms.
The “Connecting Thread” series itself will do wonders for global exposure. Working alongside Amy Berg, an Oscar-nominated female director, UNLEASHED plans on using the short films to build a platform for these women. The series will allow everyone to better understand the stories behind UNLEASHED female artists.
In addition to filming, UNLEASHED actively raises awareness on their social media.
Female creators across the globe struggle due to their gender and economic situation. UNLEASHED supports female artists and gives them the opportunity to achieve financial success.
If you’re inspired by their mission, check them out on their website and Facebook. Get ready to connect threads and unleash potential.
