Somo Beads: #78
An education is a beautiful thing. It is something that we might take for granted in the United States, but for many people around the globe, a thorough education is an unattainable luxury, thanks to high costs of schooling. But there are few things that can change a life like an education—and that's where SOMO Beads come in.
The Good News...
Founded back in 2008 by Heidi Schroeder, the company seeks to address the problems faced by women and children in Gulu, Uganda by employing local artisans to make lovely beaded bracelets and necklaces out of recycled paper. Not only do all proceeds from the beads go to helping cover the costs of schooling, SOMO also provides Ugandan women with a market for their goods—and a living wage for their work.
In Northern Uganda, it costs roughly $150 a year to send a child to school—too much for many families to afford. But SOMO helps send children to school by covering this cost. The mission is even in the name: SOMO comes from the Lou word for "to study."
Why We Love It!
The beads themselves are gorgeous treasures—and every single bead is totally unique. Long ropes of colorful beads make a great statement piece to dress up a black dress, and if you look closely, you can see the delicate layers of paper that make up each and every bead. Eco-friendly, candy-colored and one-of-a-kind. Does it get better than that?
Price Check
Make your outfit a show-stopper by purchasing one of their confetti strands for $25. Want to DIY? You can also buy a bead kit for $10.
