Mushmina is an accessories brand and retail store of global fair trade fashion with a social mission of employing artisans in developing countries. We custom design our line of handbags, jewelry, and scarves and work in collaboration with over 85 artisans in Morocco to produce our collection. Using traditional techniques in combination with Western design, Mushmina’s products bridge the gap of craft and western fashion.
In an age of fast fashion it is difficult for customers to know where to purchase items that are socially responsible and sustainable. At a mid-range price point, we are not fast fashion and our customers are educated women between 30-65 willing to pay for products that reflect integrity and authenticity.
I started the business with my sister in 2009 as a way to share artisan craft on a global scale. We opened our first retail shop in Philadelphia in 2012 and have recently expanded our boutique to a new location in Wayne, PA.
Our stores offer unique diversified collections of fair trade, handmade, and sustainably produced fashion along with the Mushmina brand. We provide our customers with an educated shopping experience that enables them to contribute to our social mission of employment, empowerment and education while taking home a fashionable product.
Our future vision is retail expansion. Our goal is to open multiple locations in order for Mushmina to be recognized as a global retailer and pioneer of sustainable fashion. Our challenge as we position ourselves for growth is marketing; spreading the word about our brand and mission.
We are proud to be the recipients of a FedEx small business grant and also recognized as Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business scholars. Along with the many individuals and communities that benefit from our work, Mushmina opened the Flying Camel Women’s Training Center in 2013 to employ, empower, and educate women in rural Morocco. Morocco has a great need for access to basic education, literacy, and vocational training, -particularly for women. The Flying Camel Center was Mushmina’s first pilot project and provided classes and workshops for women in sewing, pattern-making, and literacy. We would like to partner with local and international NGOs to continue to support the education and literacy of women in Morocco; the creation of centers where women can learn new skills and also have access to work in order to gain financial independence.
Please watch our FedEx Small Business video for more information about our social enterprise, Mushmina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFf8w7lBrmU