ARTISANS

Spring/Summer 2014Vol. 6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!Celebrate life’s milestones with our new rafikis

TRUNK SHOWSFrom Kenya to your doorstep

WelcOme TO TORIANAA Kenyan coastal retreat

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INDEPENDENTBEADING GROUPS

SEPARATECOMMUNITIES

800+mAASAi Women emPlOYeD

THE IMPACT OF ME TO WE

ARTISANS

Dear friends!

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation—with an abundance of inspiration all around. This year, we looked to the white sand beaches and warm weather of the Kenyan coast as the genesis for our newest Me to We Artisans collection.

The vibrant colours of the Indian Ocean, the exquisite seashells found along the coastline, and the traditional brightly coloured kikoys worn by coastal women are all part of the story you’ll discover in these pages, photographed at Toriana, our Me to We beach house.

Our biggest inspiration continues to be the Maasai mamas who put their heart and love into each handmade piece. It is my hope that every time you wear Artisans, you feel the love and connection to the mamas and the communities you’re supporting.

This year, we are rolling out a signature initiative, Track Your Impact, on more Me to We Artisans pieces to connect you even further to the impact you’re making. Select items will come with a unique eight-digit code that can be entered at trackyourimpact.com to find out how your purchase gave a life-changing gift to a child or family overseas.

With more than 800 mamas now working as artisans with Me to We, every item, every trunk show, and every purchase will make an even bigger difference—and as always, connect the wearer of each piece to the people they’re helping.

On behalf of the entire Artisans team, thank you. Without your incredible and committed support, this change would not be possible.

With love,

Roxanne JoyalCEO, Me to We

A NOTE FROM

NEW! Connect to the cause when you shop with me to We. now, more me to We products than ever come with a unique eight-digit Track Your Impact code so you can see where in the world your life-changing gift was delivered. Turn to page 14 for all the details.

TRACk YOuR IMPACT

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Hand of fatimaFeatured on the stunning Bahari Ocean Charm Necklace, the Hand of Fatima (fat-uh-muh) is a universal sign of protection. Each necklace is finished with a genuine pearl attached with brass wire. Pair it with the Bahari Ocean Charm Necklace with its delicate brass shell charm.

1 (Opposite page) Bahari Ocean Charm Necklaces 2 Transformation Charm Necklaces in 18” and 28”, Transformation Charm Bangles 3 Neno Word Bracelets

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fEATUREDBOHO BRASS

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WEAR A PIECE OF INSPIRATION ON YOuR SlEEvE WITH THESE HANd-STAMPEd bRACElETS.

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RECYClINglOOkS SO goodOur brass is made from reclaimed metal scraps, transformed by melting down and hand-pouring them into custom moulds for unique Me to We Artisans pieces.

Transform your look by mixing and matching these stunning brass Transformation necklaces and bangles (on left).

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gOINgCOASTAlTake in Swahili culture at TorianaBreathe deeply. Stretch your arms. Embrace the people around you. Take the time for reflection.

At Toriana, these things just come naturally. Designed with graceful Moroccan arches and a soothing Swahili palette of natural materials, the house and its smiling local staff will welcome you in relaxed coastal style.

Toriana Beach House is designed to give you a peaceful space and time to think. It’s up to you whether you stay local and take in the beachside view only a few steps away at Bofa Beach—or jump into adventure sailing on an authentic dhow sailboat, taking in a visit to the abandoned Swahili Gedi Ruins, or visiting the old town of Mombasa, including the World Heritage Site at Fort Jesus overlooking the harbour.

We invite you to start with an energizing stay at Toriana before your Me to We Volunteer Adventure begins, or reward yourself for your week of volunteering with some time to relax and recharge. This tranquil space is exclusively for the use of individuals, families or groups travelling with Me to We—so join us at Toriana and enjoy fresh meals served al fresco, overlooking the palm-fringed Kenyan waterfront.

Learn more at metowe.com/toriana

Toriana is a starting point to experience Swahili culture in its birthplace. Wiggle your toes in the white sand beaches of the indian ocean, breathe deeply and connect to the people around you.

—roxanne Joyal, Ceo, me to We

RETREAT TORIANA BeAcH HOUSe

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COASTAl STylEFASHION FROm KeNYA

SOkO MARkET bRACElETS gO everywhere—FROM bEACH TO POOl TO bARbEquE. lAYER THESE lITTlE bEAuTIES FEATuRINg bRASS dISCS FOR MAxIMuM IMPACT.

1 Tatu Brass Three Wrap Bracelets, Tatu Three Wrap Bracelets, Tatu Brass Three Wrap Bracelets on Nubuck, Transformation Charm Necklace 2 Soko Market Bracelets

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THIS MAASAI-INSPIREd bRACElET FEATuRES A bRASS TRIANglE PENdANT PlATEd WITH 22-kARAT gOld—SIMIlAR TO THOSE WORN bY MAASAI WOMEN, MAkINg A jINglINg SOuNd AS THEY dANCE.

ATElIER CHICArtisans most inspired and specialized designs—made at our AtelierInspired by the Kenyan coast, our special atelier-made items this spring are created with skillful knotting, beading and weaving by the most experienced mamas. Each precious piece is thoughtfully handmade with love—and creates a personal connection between you and a talented Maasai mama.

On a Me to We Volunteer Adventure to Kenya, your last day is spent preparing for your departure home. Spend some time at the Me to We Artisans Atelier and meet the mamas. Enjoy a high tea lunch before browsing through our collection of handmade accessories and fair trade items, collected by Roxanne on her travels around the world. It’s the perfect last day of your Volunteer Adventure.

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ATElIER ChICBY THe SeA

1 Swahili Wrap Bracelets, Ashe Bracelets 2 22K Gold Plated Maasai Triangle Bracelet 3 luxe Pamoja Unity Bracelets 4 Ashe Bracelets 5 hair Bendi

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HONOuR THE MAMAS WHO HANdCRAFT EACH ACCESSORY WITH THE EYE-CATCHINg ASHE bRACElET, NAMEd FOR THE MAASAI WORd FOR “THANk YOu.”

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WITH lOvE—FROM kENYA TO YOuR dOORSTEPHosting your own Trunk Show is easy!1. get in touch. Call or email our host relations team to

discuss the best option for your party.

2. order the kit. our fully refundable $99.99 kit comes with our favourite Artisans items and all your party-planning essentials—plus it’s delivered right to your door!

3. Shop for a cause. Browse our catalogue, try on pieces from the kit, then place your orders online through our printed order forms.

TRUNK ShOW PARTY STYle

1.647.288.0104 x 1913 | artisans@metowe.com metowe.com/trunk-show

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q: What inspired you to host a Trunk Show?Mikayla: I have always been impressed by Me to We and free The Children and I wanted to contribute to the great work of this organization while making my own impact. My 14th birthday was coming up, so instead of having a regular birthday party I decided to host a Trunk Show and invite all my close friends.

q: How did it go?Nancy: The whole process went very smooth and efficiently. Our kit arrived quickly in the mail. We were so excited to open it and host the party—and everyone was so

pleased with what they ordered when the final products arrived!

Mikayla: It was a fun afternoon with my friends, but more importantly I think my friends became more aware of free The Children and the great work they are doing. Plus, we exceeded our goal of $1,000 in sales, which supports the great work of the charity!

q: Wow! How did you do that with just one birthday party?Nancy: I supported Mikayla by taking the catalogue to work. I’m a pediatric nurse, so I know the value of health care for children in developing countries. We worked

together to make this a great success and make the biggest impact we could!

q: What were some of the highlights of your Me to We Artisans Trunk Show?Mikayla: Being with my friends, and doing something to support the mamas. Plus, we loved trying on the samples and picking out our favourite colours!

q: describe your “Host Your Own” Trunk Show experience in three words.Mikayla: fun, inspirational and meaningful!

PARTY TIME!We met with Grade 9 student Mikayla Goldie and her mother Nancy to chat about their experience hosting a Me to We Artisans Trunk Show—a birthday party with a purpose!

IT’S THe YeAR OF eDUcATION!

every ABC education rafiki gives one year of

school supplies to one child.

metowe.com/abcrafiki

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TRUNK ShOW PARTY STYle

SPECIAl EdITION TRuNk SHOW TOuRSBring your friends and colleagues into the circle of impact and share your passion for change.We love sharing our passion for changing the world—and our hosts do too! So we couldn’t be happier to offer a Special Edition Trunk Show tour that features some of our most inspiring speakers and special guests—like Maasai Warriors and Kenyan singers—to really get their networks and friends motivated to share their passion!

Special Edition Trunk Shows are a fun and personalized experience, hosted by Me to We staff, and scheduled around the growing success of free The Children’s We Day tours. And it couldn’t be easier—you invite your friends, and we’ll take care of the rest. With a Special Edition Trunk Show, you’ll be able to try on a vast assortment of Artisans pieces, and will get to wear them home that very day!

Colleen giddings, Free The Children champion and mother of Jesse giddings, We Day host.

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MEET OuR TEAMWe sat down with Marlena Migatulska, Associate Director of Corporate and Events Engagement at Me to We, to chat about Special Edition Trunk Shows:

FAll 2014 SNEAk PEEkOur next Trunk Show Tour will feature Free The Children’s Director of Kenya & Ghana Programs, Robin Wiszowaty, introducing her new book inspired by the Maasai women who shaped her stories of women’s empowerment, independence and growth. Book now to secure your spot beginning August 2014!

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“The Me to We Artisans Trunk Show was wonderful. The Me to We staff gave a perfectly inspiring presentation—and my friends were blown away by jackson, the Maasai Warrior.”—Barbara hoskins, Santa Monica, CA

q: How are the Special Edition Trunk Shows unique?A: The Me to We team is on-hand from start to finish to make the experience fun, easy and beautiful. We go to great lengths to ensure these events are as low-stress and easy as possible—so the hostesses can stay focused on making the biggest possible impact while having a great time!

q: What does your team do to create a great experience for the hostess and guests?A: We provide everything, includ-ing designed and customized invitations. We arrive early to set up the products, complete with all the décor needed, and ensure a quick and efficient teardown leaving a light footprint.

q: What do the hostesses of these Special Edition Trunk Shows say about the experience?A: They say it is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to meet special guests, such as the mamas who made the pieces, and the ideal space for introducing their friends to their passion for supporting free The Children.

How to book: 1.647.288.0104 x 1913 artisans@metowe.com

metowe.com/trunk-show

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CONNECT TO A CAuSE: TRACk YOuR IMPACTEvery Me to We purchase supports the five pillars of Free The Children’s Adopt a Village development model. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, Track Your Impact lets you see where you’re making a difference.

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lOOk FOR YOuR uNIquE EIgHT- dIgIT COdE ON THE PACkAgE ANd ENTER IT AT TO SEE WHERE IN THE WORld YOuR lIFE-CHANgINg gIFT WAS dElIvEREd.

Our new rafikis are for you!Rafiki means “friend” in Swahili—and our new Occasion Rafiki Friend Chains help you celebrate all life’s milestones with your friends and family. Each rafiki is unique and handmade by a mama in Kenya and gives a special impact to children and families overseas—like school supplies, clean water or school lunches. Get your Occasion Rafikis at metowe.com/occasionrafikis.

RAfIKISleT’S celeBRATe

OuR NEW bIRTHdAY RAFIkI FRIENd CHAIN—PERFECT FOR gIFTS OR PARTY FAvOuRS!

ON ANYOCCASION…

15ME TO WE ARTISANS

1.647.288.0104 x 1913

artisans@metowe.com

vISIT OuR ONlINE SHOPmetowe.com/shop223 Carlton Street Torontoon m5A 2l2, CAnADA

Photos courtesy of Revival Arts and Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann. (

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HOST YOuR OWN

TRuNk SHOW