Fashion Statement
Spark up your look with fashion accessories that will make you feel good inside and out.
Look good. Feel good. This simple philosophy is at the heart of Style Nomads. Not only will its non-tarnished lightweight jewelry look gorgeous on you, it will also make you feel good knowing that the items you purchase will go a long way in supporting marginalised single breadwinner mums in Singapore.
Every stylish piece that comes out of Style Nomads’ workshop is handmade by stay-at-home mothers who have no access to formal employment.
“We call this ‘Feel Good Fashion’. You get great products, you look good and you feel good knowing you've helped women less fortunate than yourself,” a shared inspiration by co-founders Kim Ong and Anisa Johnny, who continue to work as volunteers to this day.
The Singapore social enterprise trains single mums to craft quality non-tarnish lightweight jewellery so they can earn a living to support their kids. It pays its mums 40% of the costs of each item, reinforcing its belief in putting people before profit since its launch in 2013.
“We have helped over 50 women with free training to make jewellery. We work with 5 women on a more regular basis,” says Anisa. “Since the pandemic, we have been working with 2 women due to the drop in sales.”
Style Nomads explains its focus on single mums:
“According to the Lien Centre for Innovation about 88,000 single, widowed or divorced women head households with a per capita income of $375. Singapore has the highest GDP in South East Asia but there is no official poverty line in Singapore. The women we help are recommended to us via government organizations such as the Family Service Centre; social workers contact us to secure employment for single women struggling to look after their children. We started at a Hackathon organized by the Arthur Guinness Fund, a UK Charity. The event was set up to find innovative ideas to help marginalized women in Singapore. This has remained our social mission since 2012.”
Anisa continues: We have trained over 50 women with jewellery making skills and with your help we can train more.
While keeping to its “people before profit” principle, the online retail shop also ensures that the pieces you wear are fashionably sustainable.
Style Nomads, which recently launched its latest collection, uses ethical and sustainable materials sourced from artisans, when possible. This also applies to its production process. Each piece is crafted by hand using 14K to 24K gold plated brass and semi-precious stones such fresh water pearls, turquoise, coral, garnet, jet and mother of pearl. Best of all, these stunning jewelry pieces won’t put a hole in your pocket.
With its designs inspired by cultures around the world, you’ll find a gem amongst its timeless pieces to glam up your look as well as make you proud to wear.
Looking to the future, Anisa adds: “We have plans to expand to create work for anyone who needs it : the deaf, elderly, mentally disabled etc. During the pandemic we realized our remit needs to change. The number of unemployed has increased significantly in the last year. “
Look good. Feel good. A fashion statement that’s sure to spark a conversation or two.
Debbie | ws
Listen to Single Mums Speak | For more info and the latest collection: Style Nomads | Images courtesy of Style Nomads