Women-owned business leaders introduce second box – “With Love from South Africa” – as the sustainment program grows in acceptance among subscribers.
Detroit, MI (May 25, 2021) – Launched in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Mana Boxes fashion and accessories subscription program is now releasing its second box to the general public. The quarterly subscription boxes contain handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces created by women artisans in South Africa. Each box features stylish accessories, décor, and popular fashion items.
“The common thread running through this next subscription box is it manifests sustainability for the creators,” said Michelle Klassen Merrigan, co-founder of Mana Boxes. “Every item in the box manifests resilience for women who are responsible for the well-being of their families and their communities while reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit of many artisans.”
Merrigan is one of several entrepreneurial female leaders backing the Mana Boxes program. She is joined in the effort by co-founder Anni Wilhelmi of Cape Town, South Africa. The Mana Boxes program aims to assist 1800+ women who have lost much of the tourism-based market for their handmade products and their small businesses due to COVID-19.
One item featured in “With Love from Africa” is a cozy knitted poncho. More than just a trending fashion statement, the throw befits all outdoor occasions and duals as a nursing mom cover-up. The entire box is designed for the recipient to create more space to indulge, to explore, and to nurture wellness in themselves and others.
After a successful Kickstarter launch in November 2020, Mana Boxes is achieving its primary goal to bring about greater financial stability for women who are the primary breadwinners for their families; as well as to assist creative artists and manufacturers who are striving to establish international footholds. Without the infusion of capital that Mana Boxes provide, many would have shuttered their artisanal businesses due to the pandemic.
The impact of this project has been an inspiration to new subscribers and partners around the globe. In addition to generating employment within underserved communities, a South African Pre-school has opened under the Mana Boxes funding umbrella. The pre-school offers impactful early childhood education to an underserved population of children – including those of Mana Boxes artisans.
ABOUT MANA BOXES
Mana Boxes, filled with layers of love, are an example of sustainable, replicable, scalable economic development for South African entrepreneurs. Compiled for quarterly subscription in the U.S. and beyond, and now offering mini-Mana Boxes for single purchase, each box is an exquisite surprise. Its content, the rich stories, the imagery of the artisans – are all beautifully woven together and are designed to sustain the box giver and delight the box recipient. More information can be found at https://www.themanaboutique.com.
By the numbers: Mana Boxes comprise 33,000 handmade items from South Africa. The successful Kickstarter launch in November 2020, raised more than $30,000. There are more than 100 financial and in-kind subscribers to the program which supports 1800+ South African artisans.
ABOUT MANA PRESCHOOL
Mana Preschool is committed to strengthening the development of the whole child by providing all-inclusive education that encourages independent thought and essential skills, including empathy for others, resilience, personal confidence, and affirmation of individual worth. Mana Preschool reaches underserved preschool learners in unincorporated areas and middle-class children in the suburban community of Milnerton near Cape Town, SA. A community service of the H18 Foundation, and supported by the Mana Boxes program, Mana Preschool opened its doors in February 2021 and is accepting donations at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/mana-preschool-development-of-the-whole-child.
