There’s a new website called Nest that I have to tell you about. Rebecca Kousky started it a year ago as a way to help women in developing countries by providing them with business loans. It’s an online boutique that features items for the home like the Alena print above from more than 80 designers. Proceeds have already been used to help 55 aspiring businesswomen and artists around the world.
What could be better than helping other women by shopping? What I think is particularly brilliant is that those who receive the loans repay their debt by selling their own wares on the Nest website. When you purchase something from them, you’re helping them build their business.
Rebecca told Country Living Magazine:
Our business model is unique in that we try hard to be more than just a bank. We make an effort to learn about the women we work with, about their dreams and hopes and family lives.
She says her original idea was to have a physical store, but the bank balked. She was young and inexperienced, and they weren’t willing to lend her the money she’d need for one, so she went online instead.
In Body and Soul magazine, she said, ”I love the idea of microfinance, where you give a small loan to someone who isn’t considered loan worthy–anywhere from $50 to $2,000.” In some parts of the world, $50 can make all the difference to a woman who is struggling to support and feed her family. And if you not only give her the money, but a way of building a sustainable business, Rebecca believes you can make a difference in families and communities around the globe. How inspiring is that?
Here are a few more items that you’ll find at the Nest. The Rio Sambo Pillow (25% off at the moment) would add some fun and color to any room:
The Sky Bowl ($45) from Karen Eriksson is the perfect combination of functional and beautiful. I might have to buy this for my black and white kitchen:-
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This apron is so cute and fun that it almost makes me want to cook something so I could wear it:
For more information:
- Go to Nest.
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Read the article at Country Living.
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Read Rebecca Kousky’s interview in St. Louis At Home magazine, where she says that she continues to work as a nanny so that the boutique’s profits can help as many other women as possible.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great concept, and beautiful pieces too, I espeially like the sky bowl.
Thank you for writing about Nest - it’s a great company and their products are listed on my website. I created a company in memory of my 28 year old sister that died from breast cancer last year that supports giving back through shopping. Uptown Liz (www.uptownliz.com) promotes products from companies whose proceeds directly give back to charitable organizations.
Ramona–
I love that you created a company in your sister’s memory. I’ll be visiting your website soon. Thanks for telling us about it! -Julia