What Is Going On Now?

We've been quite busy in the last few weeks. Our two ladies are still at Golden Hands Fashion School, completing their training and every time we speak to them, they are growing more confident with their skills.


Chriscencia at dressmaking school

We have also fitted out our new workshop and moved 7 machines and an overlocker into the room. All the machines have not been used for several years, so they require a lot of new parts and a bit of work. Of course, this eats away at what little capital we have, but we figure the most important thing is to get people sewing!


Our potential sewers inspect the new workshop and machines.

We also had a our first meeting yesterday with some of the women who are interested in sewing with us. Some of them don't feel very confident at sewing our garments yet, so as soon as the machines are ready, we will open our doors and they can come in and practice until they reach our high quality standards.


During our meeting with the women interested in sewing.

We also have started on a very exciting new partnership, with one of the Philippines most prominent fashion designers - Rajo Laurel. He has agreed to design a range for us, give us all his remnant fabrics , stock us in his shops and promote us wherever possible. This is a fantastic opportunity to break into the local market and we will be working with the women to ensure their skills are ready for the challenge.

We met with Rajo through Mark Dvorak-Little, an American who is in the Philippines as a Henry Luce Foundation Scholar. Mark leads Business Development and Communications, working his network of business and media contacts to get us publicity and much needed funds!


Rajo, Natalie and Mark in Rajo's shop - House of Laurel in Rockwell, Manila.

Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting new range of Rajo Laurel designed Smokey garments.