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 Epaulet presents Mad Imports Mad Imports is a socially & environmentally responsible company that markets handmade handbags from Madagascar & Kenya. Their colorful accessories blend the traditional and contemporary design ideas of International artisan partners who incorporate renewable raw materials to create original clutches, totes and shoulder bags. The sale of their products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. Laurel Brandstetter launched Mad Imports in 2003 as an outgrowth of a Madagascar-based development project started by her relative, James Sellers. With a background in community development, urban planning and volunteer public health work she realized an opportunity to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in Malagasy and Kenyan communities through the sale of handmade accessories. Mad Imports invests in several development efforts. They work with youngsters and staff at the Akany Avoko orphanage to provide supplies, training and funding for the center’s craft workshop. They provide market readiness training workshops to artisan groups and small businesses in Madagascar and Kenya. And they have facilitated the construction of several clean water wells in rural Kenya with the generous support of private funders. Mad Imports continually supports sustainable economic development and provides a significant venue for artistic expression. Needless to say, we're madly in love with them. We think that you'll love their products too! Click through this microsite to see images of Mad Imports' production and read an interview with Laurel Brandstetter. |