My Leap of Faith

April Wagner
Jun 16, 2016
2 min read

Hi Everyone,

It's April. I'm so excited to share my new business with all of you. I chose this name because I believe it truly encompasses our mission. I came across the word, "Ubuntu" when I was researching African names for our jewelry last month and couldn't get it out of my mind. It means "I am what I am, because of who we all are". How cool is that? Wikipedia defines Ubuntu as: an idea from the Southern African region which means literally "human-ness", and is often translated as "humanity towards others".

This name, this word, feels too big for a mom from Mattawan, MI to try to comprehend, let alone share with others. When I think about the meaning it literally takes the breath from my chest, and I feel afraid. I'm afraid that I will fail. I'm afraid that I won't do these beautiful women and their stories justice. I'm afraid that others will judge me. But I cannot let the fear of failure and criticism keep me from trying. So, I push through the fear to share my passion with all of you.

So, what is Ubuntu Goods all about? Our mission is simple. We purchase handmade, fair trade jewelry from artisans through non-profits and fair trade cooperatives around the world, who are in turn able to earn a fair wage and support their families. Then we give a portion of our proceeds to a local charity and it goes right back into our community, supporting those who need it most. It feels so full circle and is such a fulfilling part of my life that I just keep wanting to do more, give more.

So, I've added a few new products besides jewelry (hence the "Goods" part of our name) and we're now supporting artisans in Malawi and Zambia . And I'll keep adding fair trade products that support artisans and give back to our community, so please spread the word of our new name and the same mission, giving back globally and locally. I truly, from the bottom of my heart, appreciate all of your support in this new adventure and will continue to share the progress in blog posts to come.

From my heart to yours,

April