beyondBeanie - Rock a Beanie Change a Life

beyondBeanie is a clothing company with a conscience. Founded by Tito Alvarez and Patricia Lucero in 2014, beyondBeanie sells the beautiful creations of local female artisans in La Paz, Bolivia.

Committed to providing sustainable employment for the local women and supporting the orphans of the Salomon Klein orphanage in Cochabamba, beyondBeanie sells handmade beanies, ponchos, handbags and bracelets.

Each of the items is personally signed by the woman who made it, and you can read all of their stories on the beyondBeanie website or even contact them personally if you wish. For each of these items that are sold a donation of meals, school supplies, uniforms and dental care is made to the Salomon Klein Orphanage, directly supporting the 38 children who currently call it home. 

Always looking to expand, Lucero is constantly looking for more artisans to incorporate into the project. With a focus on impoverished females who are traditionally shunned in Bolivian society -  single parents, victims of abuse or those who may be infected with HIV - beyondBeanie provides a steady source of employment for those who would normally have to rely on the walk-by tourist trade as they sold their crafts on the street.

As this aspect of their business grows, it is hoped that they will be able to expand beyond the Salomon Klein Orphanage, and begin to work with other orphanages to create better futures for the 9000 + orphans in Bolivia. This is already in process, as they are forging new relationships community centres around La Paz and Cochabamba.  

If you’re interested in helping out this amazing organisation and purchasing a beanie, bag, poncho or bracelet, head to their website at www.beyondbeanie.org and enter NIDSKI15 at the checkout for 15% off!