Interview with Andrea Soong

Andrea Soong was one of the initial Kickstarter funders for WORK+SHELTER. Recently she took a trip to New Delhi and got to visit WORK+SHELTER!

We asked her a few questions about her experience there and what it meant to help start WORK+SHELTER

 

1. What drew you to be a kickstarter funder for WORK+SHELTER?

Theresa is a good friend of mine from undergraduate days at Michigan. I must have seen something on Theresa’s (or the Lotus Odyssey’s?) facebook page, but I hadn’t heard of Kickstarter before then. It sounded like a really innovative way to support a great cause, especially because my school and work background has largely focused on women’s issues.

2. What made you want to visit the Shelter in New Delhi?

I was traveling to South India for a research project and contacted Theresa for some general travel tips and suggestions, and it just kind of worked itself out! I wanted to see Delhi for a few days, and Theresa needed to send some more materials to the ladies at WORK+SHELTER. So, I packed up 15 lbs of yarn from Theresa, and flew to Delhi where her (wonderful) mother-in-law hosted me and brought me to the shelter for an afternoon.

3.What was your experience like visiting the Shelter?

It was exciting to see the Shelter in person, and honestly, very fulfilling to see the funds in action. It is one thing to read about the organization and the womens’ bios on the website, but it is quite another to see it all in person. I was impressed with how the actual space was set up and organized. Everyone was working hard, yet the atmosphere was really cozy and friendly. The women were delightful–we didn’t speak each other’s language, but had a few laughs trying to do so!

4. Do you feel like WORK+SHELTER is making a positive impact on the lives of the women?

Yes! I believe it empowers women in a tangible and sustainable way.

 

Thank you to Andrea Soong for supporting WORK+SHELTER and telling us about her visit!

You too can help support WORK+SHELTER by purchasing any of the products on The Lotus Odyssey!

 

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T and Seema talking about the new cotton bag from W+S!

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Update from Caitlin Wicker of Sweatertoys!

IMG_1927We asked Caitlin Wicker of Sweatertoys to share her thoughts on working with WORK+SHELTER, read what she had to say!

“I’ve really enjoyed working with WORK+SHELTER. I had been looking for an opportunity to expand my business but was always hesitant to outsource because I didn’t know where to begin. Anjali and Theresa are very involved in every step of the process, and are dedicated to ensuring that the finished product is exactly what I’ve asked for. Their professionalism and experience in the industry is very reassuring. I’m confident that this relationship will continue to grow.”

A big Thank You to Caitlin!

 

If you are interested in sourcing through WORK+SHELTER, visit the Sourcing page and contact us at [email protected]!

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T giving Seema a hard time!

T was hassling Seema about her English classes, challenging her to be ready to say more than, “I’m fine” by next Monday! 🙂

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Hello Beautiful WORK+SHELTER Ladies!

Today we talked about the following, and more! :

-Seema’s computer classes – her course has finished – has she been practicing?
-How Renu likes W+S
-Bangles we’re developing for a client
-Experimental knit penguins and narwhals
-The snowy weather in NYC

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Happy Birthday To W+S Co-Founder Jorel Van Os!

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Sourcing Story – Lindie and Friends

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WORK+SHELTER is working with Lindie and Friends!

Creator Kara Lesondak answered some questions so you could get to know her and Lindie and Friends better!

Read our interview and then visit the Lindie and Friend’s website and order yours today!

 

1. How did you come up with the idea for Lindie and Friends?

Lindie & Friends/Crafty Kids was born out of my desire to combine my love of making toys with my background in education. With Lindie & Friends I make toys and with Crafty Kids I teach toy making to kids in NYC and Kenya.

2. How did you hear about WORK+SHELTER and what made you want to start working with us?

I heard about WORK+SHELTER from Kari Litzmann, Founder & Director of Rubina. I loved the idea of manufacturing my dolls in a women’s cooperative where I knew that giving the women work would improve their lives.

3.What was the process of getting samples made like?

Getting samples made by WORK+SHELTER was a great experience! The process was fast and efficient. Theresa was very communicative and a pleasure to work with. The samples were fantastic!

4. How will working with WORK+SHELTER enable you expand and grow Lindie and Friends?

Working with WORK+SHELTER will allow me to expand Lindie & Friends by being able to sell wholesale to stores. It will also enable me to spend more time on growing the business by spending more time on marketing and sales.

 

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W+S Co-founder Namita on India, W+S and “My World”

Namita working hard at WORK+SHELTER New Delhi

Namita working hard at WORK+SHELTER New Delhi

 

After a recent trip to WORK+SHELTER New Dehli with Theresa Vandermeer and Jorel Van Os, Namita Krul shared with us some of her notes on the progress at the shelter and some goals for the coming year.

“I realized,after visiting the shelter once again, how much progress the ladies have made. Not only with the knitting quality but more importantly with building self-confidence. They are a happy group of ladies who are turning into a very friendly team. There were no tensions or  under- currents, as such. A fact that can usually be so when ladies work together so closely, day in and day out. This makes the shelter indeed a safe space and the atmosphere is warm.

 Anjali fits in very well with these ladies as an operational manager and we’ve got good support from her. She is absolutely flexible with her time and has no 9 to 5 mentality which makes our work conducive.
We had set up many goals to achieve within a short period of our stay. Not all of them were realized as time flew by and fatigue took its toll. Yet, looking back, we have come far in this first year.
 The inauguration of the shelter was held on the 8th of December 2011
Happy birthday WORK+SHELTER”
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You can read more about Namita on the Leadership page and read her interview in Dutch magazine “My World”.
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Watch the interview with WORK+SHELTER founder Theresa Vandermeer from Working Woman Report here and hear the powerful story behind WORK+SHELTER, then make sure you visit The Lotus Odyssey and help us support the amazing women of WORK+SHELTER.

 

 

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