From Coast to Cacao-st
Chocolate has a long history in Africa, but we'll keep this short and semisweet.
From coast to cacao’st, farmers around Africa are growing cacao. Once the tree trunks are choco full of pods, it’s time to harvest.
These pods are harvested by hand…
to make sure the unripe pods aren't mousse'takenly harvested and only the ripest are picked.
The pods are opened, exposing white fruit and beans which are then left to ferment for no morsel than a week.
The fermented beans are finally sun-dried and shipped worldwide to feed chocolate nib'blers across the globe.
Meet Jean, Raphael, and Cylvain—farmers in Cameroon whose fields of cacao have bean passed down from generation to generation.
These farmers will receive microloans to buy equipment for their cacao fields thanks to the fabric finds of two chip’per travelers who explored Cameroon themselves...
(Cameroon Tote by Danielle Chambers)
(Cameroon Tote by Jodie Pelusi)
And here are a few other fabrics found by travelers who em'bar'ked on journeys to Africa to fund their own microloans too...
(Rwanda Tote by Kelsey Friedman)
Here’s to exploring Africa coast to cacao’st and to feeling good—because after all, it’s Friday!
-Jack & Alley, Co-Founders
(Find fabric on your next trip)
Also in Feel Good Friday
A Stand for the Land
The beauty of Nepal will take your breath away.
However, lack of proper waste management in Nepal is beginning to degrade some of that beauty. In many places, around 70% of waste is dumped in rivers or burned on the side of the road. This has contributed to pollution and disease in Nepal’s communities.
It is Taylor’s mission to change that.
Turkish Delight
The Middle East is known for its ancient history, vast deserts, and religious roots.
From being caught in the pyramid-dle of history in Cairo, to taking in the Israeli great views of Jerusalem, to resting on the Abu’ndant sands of Abu Dhabi.
Uganda Love This
It’s been 8 years since the idea for Taaluma Totes was born while on a life-changing trip to Uganda.
Since then, we’ve been able to fund 41 microloans for small business owners living in Uganda.
From Moses, a 24-year-old coffee farmer who used his loan to buy mulch.