Meet
Rebecca Kousky, Founder of
Nest, a non-profit online boutique that works to empower female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.
Just two weeks after receiving her masters degree in social work, Rebecca took a huge leap of faith and started
Nest. She says it was a huge risk to take but it has definitely paid off. Just one and a half years later, the site features clothing, jewelry and home decor items from more than
80 designers and has loaned funds to 55 aspiring business women and artists across the world. The loan recipients, who all live in poverty-stricken areas, then repay their debt by selling their wares through the Nest boutique. "Our business model is unique," Rebecca says, "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."
Seaweed Wall
Hugo Guinness
Sea Wall
