“So how do you find all these people to make your stuff?” I get asked this question often. I think people like to envision me trecking through the Andes Mountains, speaking quechua, while discovering ancient treasures. Though I have done some mountain trecking in the Andes during my “pre three children 6 and under” days, that is not usually how we discover the very special people who make our Noonday wares. (Here I am in the Andes of Bolivia back in my early 20's).

I am seriously giddy about our new paper line! A few months ago, I received an email from Megan living in India with her family and also adopting a child from Ethiopia!  They moved to Jaipur in 2010 “following the example of the hero of our lives.  Jesus offered a hand to anyone and everyone, but especially those least fortunate in life.” She emailed me after seeing us listed in my friend Jen Hatmaker’s book 7 (which is a popular read here at Noonday! Thanks, for the props, Jen!) Megan began working with paper makers in one of the slums there, and reached out to see if we wanted to partner with them. “Our goal in working with these women is to build them up financially, spiritually, and emotionally, so they realize how special they are to their Creator, and that they have so much to offer the rest of His creation!”

These women's smiles captured my heart and I quickly began to brainstorm designers who could create Noonday’s very own paper line. Meet Leah Duncan. I first discovered Leah on Etsy, only to learn she lived about 2 miles away from me in Austin! Her aesthetic and talent have been widely admired by Urban Outfitters, Uncommon, and Anthology to name a few.  We are so excited to have her designs grace our new collection of stationary, journals, tea towels, and (coming soon) hand painted cups!  

So how do we find our artisan partners? It all starts with YOU. When you talk about Noonday, wear Noonday, Facebook Noonday, Pinterest Noonday, or mention Noonday in the book that you write, some serious world changing efforts happen! When you host a Noonday trunk show, or become a Noonday Ambassador, you join a movement of women deciding to use their purchasing power to create change in the world! Noonday is truly a village of people- who want to make the world a more beautiful place and who are willing to invest their time and talents to make that happen! Thanks for joining the village!

{Meet Asma. She is 22 years old and lives in a slum in North India with her husband, two children, and her husbands family. Asma does all of the housework for her family. Her day begins at 5 a.m. with cleaning, cooking, and hand washing clothes for the family. Asma only leaves her house when she comes to make paper goods for Megan's group of women, called Ergon. Her humbleness and gentleness are evident as she continuously assists and teaches others. Asma is hardworking and takes pride in making cards and journals. As a mother, she is loving and caring and her children bring much laughter and joy to the center. Through your purchase of our new stationary and journals, you help to provide a job and income to Asma and women like her.}

{next up: behind the scenes of our latest creature obsession!}