Branching Out

Recently the survivors at our Destiny Center began branching out from just stitching and sewing to also designing - coming up with ideas for bags, wallets, key chains, and various other items. It's the next logical step in their evolution of gaining independence and it highlights how talented these girls are and how bright their futures are with the right support.

In the the short time I've spent here getting to know them I've been amazed at how talented and determined they are. Every day they seem to come up with a new idea or new vision for what they want to create. One day, one of them came up to me and asked to see the passport/wallet I carry around everyday. I handed it over to her curious to see what she was planning. I watched her as she studied it closely taking mental notes and figuring out how she could make one of her own. By the end of the day I got it back and they had already started re creating it with their own twist to the design. I was thinking to myself that I wouldn't even of had the skill to figure out the measurements and what material to use and here this girl is knocking out a very marketable design within hours, literally from memory. It showed me how much they are capable of and how incredibly smart they are. I think many people underestimate these girls or feel sorry for them because of the situation's they came from. I can tell you that if you are one of those people you are making a huge mistake. The determination, hard work, and creativity they exhibit day in and day out would put most people I know to shame. I see them as true artists honing their craft and getting better and better with each item they create. I can't wait to see what these girls will do over the next couple years and I know that with continued encouragement from people like Smarita and Sarah they will achieve things beyond anything they could've imagined years ago. Keep an eye out on the Made By Survivors website for items designed and made by the girls. Destiny Productions now has a page just for their products and it's located under Bags/Wallets with the listing "Destiny Productions". Keep in mind that holiday is coming up quick and giving a gift with meaning behind it is one that people will always remember and cherish. On behalf of the girls, Thank you! Namaste!