Based in Sri Lanka, ApiHappi is a social business that offers hand-loomed stringy bags that work to foster an east-west connection. ApiHappi has partnered with the Cohado Foundation, which is an organization based in Baltimore, USA. This parnership enables both young entrepreneurs in Baltimore City and the women hand-loomers in Sri Lanka. Eventually, ApiHappy would like to create training centers for their artisan producers.
"All the fabric we use for our products is original Sri Lankan Handloom," co-founder Etosha Lankatilleke wrote in an email to the SocialBusiness.org editorial team. "That means it is made manually by Sri Lankan women who are living in rural, poverty stricken areas. Thereby, supporting our company directly improves the lives of our handloomers and their families." The other co-founder is Etosha's girlfriend, Aparna Samarakoon, who acts as the designer.
Contact Information
ApiHappi website
Hand-Loomed Stringy Bags
Social Business ApiHappi Creates an East-West Connection
Trend Themes
1. Artisanal Products - ApiHappi's handmade bags demonstrate a trend towards artisanal products that support local economic development through traditional craftmanship.
2. Cross-cultural Collaboration - ApiHappi's East-West connection is part of a trend towards cross-cultural collaboration that can lead to mutual economic and social benefits.
3. Rural Empowerment - ApiHappi's partnership with rural, poverty-stricken areas is part of a trend towards empowering rural communities through entrepreneurial opportunities and skill-building.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Accessories - ApiHappi's handmade bags and commitment to artisanal products highlight opportunities for innovation in the fashion and accessories industry through sustainable and socially responsible production methods.
2. Social Enterprise - ApiHappi's commitment to social impact and cross-cultural collaboration demonstrates a growing trend towards social enterprise models that prioritize social and environmental goals alongside profit.
3. Community-based Entrepreneurship - ApiHappi's partnership with the Cohado Foundation highlights the potential for community-based entrepreneurship initiatives to create cross-border economic opportunities and social impact.