Introducing the GORGEous Gals of Nada

October 8, 2008

The jewelry-making co-op called GORGEous Gals is quickly making a reputation for crafting fine jewelry at an affordable price.  Borrowing upon the name of the Red River Gorge located in their area, GORGEous Gals is a mentoring group for teenage girls and women and an Open Hand Enterprises economic development initiative led by Paula Settle who serves as CBF’s Together For Hope field personnel in Nada and Owsley County, part of CBF’s larger rural poverty initiative in 20 of the poorest counties in the United States.

Creating jobs is an essential aspect of Asset Based Community Development, which is the primary function of the Together For Hope movement.  Through this co-op, the women of Nada can earn a decent living and begin to see things in a positive light instead of through the negativity often associated with poverty.

The business works like this: the women make the earrings that sell for $10 per pair.  $3.40 of that covers expenses to make and sell the product.  The women make a $6 profit, and then give 10 percent back to the community, whether it’s to support a local ministry or another community betterment project.

Two days a week the group meets to make earrings.  An adult mentor starts the session with prayer and a devotional, and then the work begins.  Using their own creativity, they combine different colored and textured beads - and they always sign their name on the back of the packaging that holds the finished product.

The idea for a jewelry-making co-op started in March 2008, when Wanda Kidd of North Carolina realized her jewelry-making skills could be used by a ministry.  Through the efforts of Ben and Leonora Newell in Helena, Arkansas, she helped to organize Delta Jewels in May 2008, the pilot project for this economic development program.

In the co-op, Kidd’s not-for-profit business - Embracing Hope Design - operates as the wholesaler that finds materials at affordable prices.  GORGEous Gals produces the product, and Open Hand Enterprises - an economic development nonprofit that birthed out of Together for Hope - helps with sales.

KBF has GORGEous Gals earrings available for purchase for the holidays.  Please contact Joshua Speight for more information on how you can make a purchase (502-426-1931 or josh@kybf.org)