THE LOYAL WORKSHOP – A FREEDOM BUSINESS
The Loyal Workshop is a small ethical leather company perched on the edge of the second largest red-light area in Kolkata, where an estimated 1500-2000 women are still trapped in the sex trade. Loyal Workshop is fighting slavery by providing an employment alternative: they teach these women to create beautiful, ethically tanned and hand-stitched leather satchels, and other goods. The Loyal Workshop is a freedom business.
After spending three years living in Kolkata, forming friendships and developing business plans, founders Paul and Sarah Beisly started Loyal Workshop with the training of just five women. They are now on their third recruitment of women and look forward to expanding even more in the coming year.
Where are they
Kolkata, India
What makes them unique
The Loyal Workshop is a part of the slow fashion movement. They create long-lasting quality goods that are designed to become faithful companions for years to come. Each product design is minimal and timeless, wearable in every season. Each satchel has the signature of the artisan etched into the pocket. You can find out more about each artisan, on their website. http://www.theloyalworkshop.com/meet-the-artisans/
Their impact
Each satchel purchased from The Loyal Workshop creates one and a half days labor for one of their artisans. She takes great joy in stitching each product from start to finish and signs her name on the pocket with pride.
Next steps, more dreams
Other than giving women employment, The Loyal Workshop offers healing. They are looking to transform one of their current storage spaces into a counseling center. Their dream is for this space to one day to used for one-on-one counseling session as well as a group therapy. They will need funds to repair walls, purchase paint, purchase a sofa, desk, chair and cushion.