Sedona, AZ -- After consulting for a
relief agency in Africa during the Rwandan Civil War
in 1994, Mary Schnack of Sedona, Arizona had a strong desire to return
to developing countries and help increase the
economic opportunities for mothers, children,
families and communities.
During the next two years,
the relief agency sent her to seven other countries,
including Russia and countries in Africa and South
America.
She was in awe of the women she
met.
"Their courage, strength and commitment to
supporting their families and communities are an
inspiration, despite the challenges they face on a
dailybasis," said Schnack. "We take so many things
for granted in the developing world."
Schnack created
Up from the Dust, to support the global growth
of women microenterprises in developing countries.
The mission of Up from the Dust is to help women from
developing countries grow their businesses by
accessing the U.S. market with their products and
open new distribution avenues; mentor women with
artisan marketing suggestions and business resources;
and target sales to women in business so they have
the opportunity to help their sisters around
the world grow their businesses—and support their
families.
Everything started to come together in
2005 when Schnack attended a World Bank Conference in
Ghana and brought back handmade items by women which
gained a lot of interest from both friends and
colleagues. After meeting women around the world who
had great talent and skill, but little or no market
outlets, she started importing their products and
selling them at U.S. women business conferences.
Today, she imports jewelry, purses, and home decor
from women entrepreneurs in Kenya, South Africa,
Ghana, Guatemala, Egypt, Swaziland,
Cambodia, Afghanistan, India, Palestine, and China.
"By purchasing one of these products, you help
improve the lives of thousands of women and children
by funding numerous employment, training, and
educational programs," said Schnack.
"Socially responsible
buying is becoming more and more popular. The idea
of getting a unique product, while helping those less
fortunate, is the ultimate way to shop." All the
items Up from the Dust sells are created by
businesses owned by women – nothing is mass-produced.
Schnack buys all the items herself; nothing is sold
on consignment, and she pays the asking price. Most
of the products she sells are one-of-a-kind, such as
the EcoChich and bags from India, created from plastic
bags that would have littered the streets of New
Delhi – no inks or dyes are added so the handbags are
environmentally friendly.
Other big sellers include pearls from China, necklaces from South
Africa, placemats from Swaziland, and woven handbags
from Guatemala, where proceeds are shared among 22
women and help send children in one of the
poorest areas of the country to school.
"For example,
I just started sourcing these beautiful beaded necklaces and belts from a breast cancer support
group in Kenya," added Schnack. "Most of these women
have been left by their husbands and fired from their
jobs during the time of their surgery and treatment.
They are now depending on these sales to support
their families and give them back their dignity."
Schnack would like to see Up from the Dust expand to
more countries. They are refining their website and
adding home and virtual parties to increase sales. "I
want to grow this business and help create
million dollar businesses for the women I work with
in these countries," she said. "Their businesses do
not have to be non-profit. It's a great business
lesson—to grow a sustainable business that can help
support your family and community for generations."
A
specialist in communications for almost 30 years, Schnack owns a variety of businesses focusing on
communications, which includes her public relations
firm, Mary Schnack Media Services, Inc. She
conducts communication seminars around the world and
is an award-winning writer, reporter, and women's
business advocate. For more information visit
www.UpFromTheDust.com or contact Schnack
at 928-204-9834 or
mary@CommunicationBridges.com.
Related article:
Mary Schnack selected as a "Top-Idea Maven"
in the 2008 Women's Advantage Calendar
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