our workshop: under one roof

2009 On July 1, 2009, we brought all the tailors from the market, Bobi and Unyama to their new workplace: our workshop on Obiia Road. A [pink] modernist building with a flat roof and fake rock facade, which was once a home to a wealthy Acholi family. The spacious rooms are now home to our inventory, cutting, production floor, packing room and office.

After thinking we would buy some land and build, Halle stumbled upon this compound for rent and decided to take the leap. With some support from Greater Good, we made the downpayment to finish up renovations and moved in July 1. One Mango Tree has a home.

our workshop: the IDP camps

2008 We quickly outgrew the space of our market stall, which was about 10 x 10 feet. Lucy brought on more tailors as we grew, but we knew we'd need more than six women sewing to meet the growing demand for our products. We won the Davis Project for Peace, which enabled us to expand our work into Bobi and Unyama - two internally displaced persons camps (IDP camps) outside of Gulu. We spent three months in each camp, training 10 women at each site to sew One Mango Tree products.

Auma Lucy trainging women at our site at Bobi IDP Camp

Aloyo Concy, learning to sew in our training at Unyama IDP Camp

Nagawa Grace, learning to sew in our training at Bobi IDP Camp

our workshop: the market stall

2007 One Mango Tree begins in a dark, cramped market stall

a walk down tailoring row - where it all began

we put up our first sign above the stall

Auma Lucy in the stall with Monica (left), Kevin (right) and Prisca (foreground)

For the first year and a half of One Mango Tree's existence, this market stall was our home. It's where I met Lucy, and where she still has her small business "Mama Lucy's Friendship Store." What was once a bare stall is now packed to the brim with kitenge fabrics and sewing machines. It's still the most popular place in the market.

End of Summer Clearance

We're making room for the new Fall 2009 Collection, so help us clear the shelves - with a huge discount on all your favorite bright prints from One Mango Tree.

While you're online, check out our new jewelry collection. Items are currently for sale, with shipment in early September. Happy shopping!

Retailer Profile: GrassRoots

Our latest retail partner for One Mango Tree is Alaska's first fair trade store - GrassRoots.

GrassRoots is committed to being a positive examples of a successful fair trade business at work. They seek to inspire others to join the Fair Trade Movement and hope that as a result of GrassRoots' work, more Alaskan consumers and businesses will demand that ethical Fair Trade values are present in the marketplace.

We are proud to be a part of that mission. Check our the GrassRoots website.

Revive Eco-Fashion Show at Ingenuity 2009

The photos are up!

Lisa Dunn, of Revive in Cleveland Heights, really knows how to put on a show. Check out the slideshow of gorgeous clothes and accessories - all fair trade and some also eco-friendly. I'm in the line-up - sporting a tiered yellow organic cotton dress from the Maharastra region of India. You can buy it all here, including the One Mango Tree weekender bag featured on one of the models:

www.revivestore.com

Or, if you live in Cleveland, stop by their shop, which is brimming with awesome products.

I couldn't leave without this dress.

Sankofa Fundraiser

One Mango Tree is part of the party in Pasadena this Saturday, July 11th, 1-6 pm, to raise money for the Sankofa Center for African Dance & Culture. The Sankofa Center utilizes traditional African dance, music, and drama to educate youth and adults about HIV/AIDS, and provides free counseling, rapid HIV/AIDS testing, and life-saving drugs for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. One Mango Tree's product line will be a part of the auction, with the proceeds going to fund The Sankofa Center's activities.

Check out their website to learn more about their work and partnership with UCLA.