Hello Dear Friend! Today we are excited to showcase Forai, Inc., a non-profit social enterprise that embodies a unique blend of empowerment, compassion, and community. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Forai—short for Friends of Refugees and Immigrants*—is changing lives with its innovative approach, offering refugee and immigrant women opportunities to earn dignified, fair-wage incomes through home-based jewelry and textile creation.
Here at Inside Fashion Design, one of our guiding principles is to feature brands and artisans we believe in and want to support. We are dedicated to sharing their stories to inspire others, highlighting the incredible work being done in the fashion industry to uplift communities and promote social change. We hope you enjoy learning about this organization as much as we did!! And by the way, I recieved a pair of their Rana Pearl Threader earrings in Gold and I absolutely Love them!!
A Mission Rooted in Hope
Founded in 2015 by Jennifer Owens, Forai is a woman-led organization dedicated to supporting refugee women navigating the challenges of building a new life in the U.S. For many of these women, caregiving responsibilities can make traditional employment difficult. Forai bridges that gap by providing flexible work-from-home opportunities that honor the women's unique skills and life circumstances.
Forai's mission is about more than income. It's about hope, community, and friendship. Refugee artisans receive fair wages, mentorship, skill development, and a network of support that extends far beyond the workplace.
Empowerment Through Community
What makes Forai truly special is its holistic approach. Each artisan is paired with a mentor or ESL tutor who offers personalized guidance and support. Monthly or bi-monthly meetings provide opportunities for free skills training, and Forai supplies all tools and materials, ensuring artisans can focus on their craft without financial risk.
Artisans are paid upfront for their handmade jewelry and textile products, creating stability and security. The proceeds from product sales are reinvested into the organization, benefiting the artisans and their families.
A Pathway to Growth
Forai doesn't stop at providing fair-wage opportunities. Select artisans graduate into the Administrative Artisan program, where they gain hands-on experience in the workshop, learn computer skills, and receive training in small business management. Many graduates start their own businesses, building a foundation for long-term success.
Friendship in Action
The "Friends" in Friends of Refugees and Immigrants is more than a name—it's a promise. Forai staff and volunteers offer a lifeline of support during life's most challenging moments. Whether navigating insurance claims after a car accident, sourcing furniture after a fire, or helping a child with special needs access school resources, Forai's team offers unwavering support.
Holiday Journey Of Hope Jewelry Collection
The Journey of Hope Jewelry Collection celebrates the resilience and courage of each Forai artisan and every refugee making a journey of hope to a new life!
FEATURED JEWELRY COLLECTION
Creating Beauty and Building Community
Forai's handmade jewelry and textile gifts are stunning and deeply meaningful. Every piece tells a story of resilience, connection, and hope. The artisans from different cultural backgrounds share wisdom, experiences, and friendships that enrich their collective resettlement journey.
Forai's Process:
How can you use their process in your own work? Think about ways you could aspire to these steps for your brand:
Step 1: Unique Design
Develop new designs and sustainably source raw materials
Step 2: Skill-Building
Sample and tutorial created. The jewelry team is equipped with the new design.
Step 3: Home-Based Work
Forai artisans make jewelry at home - allowing the flexibility to care for children and families while earning much-needed income.
Step 4: Fair Made, Fair Paid
Artisans turn in their finished work, earning a fair and punctual wage.
Step 5: From Artisans to You
Each piece of jewelry is quality-checked before it’s ready for you! Proceeds from every purchase are invested back into artisan empowerment.
Step 6: Hope is a Beautiful Thing!
Forai jewelry is handmade for those who make intentional choices for the jewelry they wear.
How You Can Support Forai
By supporting Forai, you become a part of a powerful movement that invests in the lives of refugee women and their families. Every purchase of Forai's handcrafted products is a step towards sustaining this incredible initiative and furthering its mission of empowerment and community.
Other Products:
Gifts & Accessories When you purchase gifts handmade by refugee and immigrant women artisans, you are celebrating and sharing the message of hope.
Visit Forai, Inc.'s website to learn more about the company, explore its story, or shop its beautiful handmade products.
We celebrate Forai's incredible work in creating a brighter future for refugee and immigrant women, one handcrafted piece at a time. Their impact is not just in the products they create, but in the lives they transform.
Like this story? Please share! Did you get inspired? Leave us a comment- we love receiving feedback!
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