POSTED AUG 04 2013
PUNJAMMIES
Written by Matilda Bress, Photographed by Farrah Fox
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It all started with a trip to India. Founder Shannon Keith visited the nation in 2005 and was shocked by what she saw. Venturing through the red light district she was exposed to the daily horrors of many unfortunate Indian women. In India over 2 million women and children work as prostitutes. Keith wanted to change those staggering statistics, so she did.
Keith flipped the old bible verse, “give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime,” on its head. Although charities donate money and supplies to help support these Indian women, it’s not permanent. At some point the money runs out and all the food gets eaten. So she made something permanent and called it The International Princess™ Project.
These pants are then exported to the US where they are sold all over the nation. Where does the money go? Right back to India to help the brave women feed and clothe themselves and their families.
These women are brought into the Punjammies factory and taught to sew. One of the first things they learn to make is the beautiful bag Punjammies come in. Each pair of colorful punjammies are super soft and lightweight, making them perfect pajamas. The patterns are so cute you can ever wear them as regular pants with a tank top.
Punjammies are the perfect gift for all occasions; for the hostess, your friends birthday, or as a holiday gift. They are also very easy gifts to give. Since all products come in a beautiful handmade bag that matches the pajamas inside, all you have to do is put a gift tag on it. Punjammies are all around 25$, and every pair you buy helps a woman and her family in India.
In addition to Sewing lessons, the women are taught valuable life lessons. The Punjammies team works hard to make sure that these womens’ income isn't just based on how many pajamas they sell. When talking to Kelly Casicotta who is in charge of marketing and design she said “We do our best to ensure that every aspect of our programs there in India are empowering and skill-building so that once they move on from our sewing centers, they are healthier, more empowered women who are able to provide for their families without returning to the brothels.” To the women, its more than just a pair of Pajama pants, its an honest income.
The Punjammies company is currently making 3 styles of pants; Full length, crop and shorts. My personal favorite are the shorts, which are the perfect length. Go buy some and tell me what your favorite style is!
To learn more about Punjammies or purchase Punjammies, CLICK HERE!
THE MISSION
INTERNATIONAL PRINCESS PROJECT
International Princess™ Project has a simple business plan. Fabric is sourced in India and then sent to Indian women who have been in the sex trade.They are given dignified work sewing and making pajama pants called “Punjammies.”
CONTACT: CRESTINDEPENDENT@GMAIL.COM
BUSINESS: CRESTBUSINESS@GMAIL.COM
WEBSITE CREATED BY COURTNEY GARKANI 2013
THE ARCHIVE 2013-14
