# Hope-Promoting Handmade Bags The 94 Store Employs Historically Disadvantaged South Africans By Tiana Reid | Published 2012-01-18 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/94-store References: [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/the94store) & [the94store](http://www.the94store.com/) The 94 Store sells bags that were handmade by people in South Africa that have been historically disadvantaged. This [social business](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pieta) creates opportunity by offering training and employment to these individuals. "There is an old saying, 'Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime,'" write the 94 Store on its about page. "We believe this is a key concept when engaging in social justice. Employment is a sustainable solution to those facing poverty. That's why we're making it our goal to train and employ as many people as we can." Hope and empowerment are important words when it comes to social marketing for this company, which was founded in 2010. On its [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-education) page, the hashtag #carryhope is a call to action for people to spread the word. The featured gallery showcases some of the [vibrant designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily), which typically feature one bold shape such as a heart or the outline of the continent of Africa, as well as some of the 94 Store's employees at work. **Contact Information** 94 Store [website](http://www.the94store.com/) 94 Store on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/the94store) 94 Store on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/#!/the94store) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Employment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop training programs and employment opportunities for historically disadvantaged individuals in various industries. - **Social Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize the power of social media and hashtags to create a call to action and spread awareness for socially conscious businesses. - **Vibrant Designs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore unique and bold designs that represent cultural symbols to create visually appealing products. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate sustainable employment practices into the fashion industry and promote socially conscious brands. - **Training and Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create specialized training programs that empower and uplift historically disadvantaged individuals in various industries. - **Social Entrepreneurship:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Foster the growth of socially conscious businesses that prioritize social impact while driving economic growth. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Racism-Combatting Handbag Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antiracist-handbag.md) - [D2C Artisan Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-marketplace1.md) - [Design-Led Lifestyle Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-lewis-partnership.md) - [Social Good eCommerce Directories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/socially-minded-companies.md) - [Social Good Brand Practices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dignity-coconuts.md) - [Awareness-Raising Shoe Store Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soles4souls-canada.md) - [Contemporary African Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily.md) - [Purpose-Driven Popcorn Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-popcorn-snacks-and-gifts.md) - [Awareness-Raising Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hats-for-hope-movement.md)