Category Archives: Happenings

Retailer Spotlight: SEED People’s Market

SEED People’s Market is one of Krochet Kids intl.’s beloved retailers and long-time supporters. They always go above and beyond in helping us share our message of empowerment and we were stoked to join with them for a special display for our Spring/Summer line. We had the pleasure of sitting down with two of Seed’s Manager’s, Mona and Bryan, and asking them a few questions. Check out their answers…

When did your store first open?
Seed opened in June 2009. Its goal was to provide an alternative shopping experience. The mantra is “products with a purpose”.

How did you first hear about Krochet Kids intl.?
Mona: Here at Seed, actually! I remember seeing it when I started working here. I fell in love with the products and then was caught by the story.

Why are you excited to be carrying our products?
I love that it empowers people in less fortunate countries- it gives them a chance to rise above their circumstances. Besides the fact that its such great product, the story behind the product is so impactful. Such a great thing to be a part of.  

What is your favorite product from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection?
Bryan: The Amor beanie in grey – I wear mine all the time!
Mona: The iPad mini case- it was something suprising to see and they’re so cute and well made! Everyone was so stoked on them.  

What sets your store apart from other retailers?
Mona: That fact that we’re so environmentally aware. The whole concept came about ten years ago and was way ahead of its time. Not everyone was on board, but we knew this was the way it needed to happen. Especially in the Costa Mesa area. Its all about where things are sourced from. The founder got shut down for a long time, but he pushed through until others saw his vision. Its awe-inspiring. Now every single thing we sell is either environmentally friendly, supports a cause, or is made by a local artisan.

What summer adventures do you have planned?
Bryan: Whale watching and deep sea fishing!
Mona: My personal adventure is getting to explore more of California. I came from Brooklyn and I’m still learning about all that California has to offer.

Do you have a message to share with the KKi retailer community?
Be open to every new idea! And support those presenting because you never know what they might turn into. It could be the next Krochet Kids! There is so much potential in everyone and we all need support. The domino effect that things like Krochet Kids intl. can have is incredible.  

KKi x SXSW

At the Krochet Kids intl. HQ you’ll often find us jamming to a variety of different kinds of music. We also love when we have the opportunity to collaborate with musicians around the country who share our passion of empowering people, having a good time and playing great tunes.

This year at SXSW, we were excited to meet up with the Kopecky Family Band, Ivan & Alyosha, Seryn, Branches and Propaganda to shoot a few intimate KKi exclusive take a way videos. We met up between sets and found a few secret spots that would give us a great backdrop and the best sound! It was a fun opportunity to meet up with good people, good friends and great musicians who support KKi.

SXSW 2013

Our events team is at SXSW in Austin, TX this week! We’re excited to have them out there spreading our message of empowerment, meeting our supporters and experiencing the awesomeness that is the SXSW festival! Check out this previously unreleased video we shot at last year’s festival, featuring The Lumineers playing their song “Classy Girls”, and get excited for what’s to come!

Here’s a break down of where and when you can find us this week. We’ll also be tweeting where you can find us as well. Can’t wait to see you out there!

Our designer visits KKUganda

Our designer, Cristina, recently returned from a product development trip to Uganda. We love when she has the opportunity to visit our projects abroad to work with our beneficiaries on new designs, and you should be excited too because that means new exciting items are in the works! Cristina has a unique perspective of our program because she gets to sit down and work alongside the ladies.

Read this interview learn more about her trip!…

Can you share with everyone what the purpose of your trip was?
The purpose of my trip was to work on new product development for our Spring 2014 line. I sourced new materials and worked with the ladies on creating new product samples. Also to get a better understanding about how our program runs in Uganda.

What surprised you the most about Uganda?
I was surprised about how hot and dry the dry season really is. Inches of red dust cover everything!

Who were you able to work with?
I worked primarily with our group leaders – Jennifer, Welsy, Teddy, Dorine, Cinderella, Christine – and our tailor Betty Fashion.

Tell us about working with the beneficiaries…
Working with the beneficiaries is one of the best parts of my job. I get to work with these incredible women who are working so hard to change their lives. They are very skilled at what they do and are so fun to work with.

Is there anything specific that happened during your trip that will resonate with you?
On my last day some of the beneficiaries and mentors did some traditional dancing for me and a few ladies spoke about how glad they were for me to visit and how appreciative they are for Krochet Kids intl. and the opportunities it provides them with.

What was the highlight (or highlights) of your trip?
Being at the compound when the Harlem Shake was filmed was for sure a highlight. All of the ladies really got into making this video and had so much fun with it. Everyone was cracking up about it.

Also going on a safari – the landscape of Uganda is incredibly beautiful and we got to see some pretty amazing animals.

Is there anything else you want to share with everyone about KKUganda?
Our beneficiaries wanted me to share that they take great pride in the work that they do and are so grateful for everyone that supports them by purchasing a Krochet Kids product.