Here’s a little story about how Speaking Love can make cool things happen…
I arrived at the Influence Conference before my friend and roomie Diana did. At first this was a bummer and I was a little intimidated to wander around on my own, but after a quick “self pep talk” I was on my way to the registration table by myself.
I got in line right behind a mother and daughter with some of the most beautiful dark hair I’ve ever seen.
They were both adorable and I couldn’t help but tell them that gorgeous hair was obviously in their gene pool.
It was just a quick comment that I felt a little squeamish about even saying out loud.
But I thought, “It’s a compliment, so why not?”
It turns out Ashleigh and her mom Kathy were super friendly and outgoing and we struck up a nice little conversation.
Later that evening they asked if I wanted to join them for dinner along with a few other ladies and I was quick to say yes!
We all dined on heaping platters of amazing Italian food and shared bits of our stories. Ashleigh and her mom obviously had a fantastic relationship, and I peppered Kathy with questions about parenting and raising two daughters.
Over dinner I learned that Ashleigh is a small business owner. She’s the creativity and talent behind Binti Designs.
In her own words,
Binti Designs was created out of a desire to do good and to inspire others to do the same. “Binti” meaning “daughter” in Swahili, our mission is to connect the daughters of God, all throughout the world.
What an awesome mission!
Ashleigh’s dream is particularly dear to my heart because I lived in Kenya for a year and saw first-hand the needs of so many daughters of God living in that third world country.
Knowing that every purchase of one of Ashleigh’s gorgeous scarves is helping to better the lives of women on the other side of the globe through micro financing is incredible.
According to Opportunity International, “Microfinance is the provision of financial services such as loans, savings, insurance, and training to people living in poverty. It is one of the great success stories in the developing world in the last 30 years and is widely recognized as a just and sustainable solution in alleviating global poverty”.
Gorgeous scarf for you.
Alleviating global poverty for the world.
It’s a win/win, people.
Ashleigh kindly sent me one of her stunning scarves and let me tell you, it was like Christmas over here when I ripped open that envelope!
The packaging could not have been more adorable. The hand tied rope and Binti Designs card were such a special touch.
The first thing I noticed about my Binti Designs scarf was the quality. The fabric was so beautiful & soft and the detailing was gorgeous.
I’ve honestly not seen scarves trimmed with pom fringe, and I think it adds such beauty and a touch of whimsy.
I want to wear this scarf every day now!
It was dark last night, but I snapped a few pics of me wearing my new treasure so you could see how fabulous it is.
I’m no photographer, but check out this professional photo of the lovely Ashleigh wearing the same scarf :)
So this is my proposal….
Let’s consider buying handmade items for our friends and family this Christmas. Instead of crowding the malls for mass-produced, cookie cutter stuff, let’s use our money to buy unique and beautiful gifts that support women around the world.
I’d love nothing more than to bless Ashleigh’s business this Christmas and thereby bless women thousands of miles away who will receive help via micro financing.
You can find her stunning scarves at bintidesigns.com.
She has a bunch of gorgeous designs, but these are 3 of my faves :)
Check out her shop and think of the women in your life who would love one of these unique scarves this Christmas.
Let’s save the world…one scarf at a time :)
*Ashleigh was kind enough to gift one of her scarves to me, but all opinions and ideas expressed in this post are my own.
