Y’all.  As if I needed one.more.thing. I have become a Sseko Designs Fellow and I am.so.excited!!

You’re probably wondering why on earth would I add one more thing to my already-overflowing-plate…?  Andrew actually asked me that question – do you have time to do this? No. I really don’t. But if it matters to me, and it does, then I’ll make time for it.

The true reason that I am adding this to my big ‘ole plate is that it’s a culmination of things: the desire to DO something in the world, specifically by helping and encouraging WOMEN to make a difference in what could be big or small, in their communities.

You see, I was recently at a leadership conference where I heard from two ladies in particular: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, and Liz Bohannon, Founder of Sseko.  The interesting thing about the timing of this was, I’ve recently felt pulled to help women figure out HOW to be difference makers. How to find a voice, how to plow thru the male-dominated world of business and leadership. But I’ve been lost on how to do that {I’m a rather quiet, introverted individual…}.

So at this conference, when Liz’s video came up on the screen I remembered that I had seen Sseko at some point last year on Instagram and had looked at it, but ignorantly decided it wasn’t for me. When the video started my interest was once again piqued. I tried to get on the website right then and there but of course it had crashed due to all the traffic it was getting from the video. I waited until later that night to try again. I looked at several of the products and was trying to figure out WHO this was for – college ladies or just anyone who wanted to get involved. There was a form on their website to fill out if you were interested in learning more.

Of course I filled out the form and set a date/time for the interview with a Sseko representative. The following week, as I walked around HOT downtown Columbia {while at lunch!}, I had my interview with Adrienne. By the time our call was over she was inviting me to join the Sseko Fellows!

You could say that the rest is history, but we’ve also ONLY just begun! And I am really excited at the opportunity, really to share Sseko with you and others – and to let you know that this isn’t about me. It’s not about selling products so that I can earn a commission, but rather, it’s about selling products so that I can be a part of something bigger – where your dollars go to the funding of education for girls so that they CAN go on to University. So that they CAN fulfill the dreams that they have: of being doctors, lawyers, bankers, insurance professionals, teachers and nurses, and the list could go on and on. It’s bigger than just you and me and that’s the most exciting part of this venture!

Wondering who Sseko is? It’s a group of ladies in Uganda, Ethiopia and other parts of Africa who are hand-making these beautiful sandals, totes, clothing and even jewelry. To check out all things Sseko, click here. Those ladies in Africa are matched up with women in America, who are selling the products to fund the education of these ladies. To date, Sseko sales in America have allowed 87 women to go to college/University! That’s no small feat, and we certainly want to send more!

I’ve included pictures throughout this post of all the beautiful products we offer. If you’re interested in learning more about the products either comment below or shoot me a private message: camelliasandcopper@gmail.com.

If you would like join my Facebook Group: Michelle’s Sseko Designs Facebook

Instagram? I’ve got that covered too!  Michelle’s Sseko Designs Instagram

I would be so thrilled if you would join me in this venture.

As always, I am grateful for your support – oh, and in case you’re wondering, YES, Camellias and Copper WILL continue on!