The bohemian spirit is very much alive in the modern world, if in an aesthetic-driven way, and the Etkie Jewelry embraces this truth. Yet it does more than focus on providing women (and men) with stylish accessories. Etkie Jewelry keeps a tradition alive while enlisting the skills of formerly unemployed Native American women to create the stunning pieces.
Handmade in New Mexico, Etkie Jewelry was founded by Sydney Alfonso along with her daughter, Kerry. She says, "We're basically Etsy on steroids. We provide collective design support, branding, partnerships and the market to help our artisans reach larger audiences, which, in turn, allows them to focus more on their craft." The results are beautiful beaded bracelets.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Bohemian-inspired Accessories
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a platform that connects artisans from different cultures to create unique bohemian-inspired accessories that preserve traditional craftsmanship.
- Socially Responsible Jewelry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a jewelry brand that empowers marginalized communities and creates employment opportunities through traditional craftsmanship.
- Empowering Artisans
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online marketplace that supports artisans by providing them with design support, branding, partnerships, and a global market reach.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Accessories
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable and ethically produced fashion accessories that incorporate traditional craftsmanship techniques.
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Launch a social entrepreneurship venture that creates employment opportunities and economic empowerment for marginalized communities through artisanal skills.
- E-commerce Marketplaces
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create an inclusive and diverse e-commerce marketplace that connects artisans from various backgrounds with global consumers, allowing them to showcase and sell their traditional crafts.
