Today’s outfit post is extra-special because it features a gorgeous clutch designed by a fellow Houstonian—Joy Kennedy. She’s the gal behind the pretty quilted clutches from Priya. As pretty as they are—what’s even more beautiful is the cause behind the bag—Priya clutches are made by women who have been rescued from human
trafficking and forced prostitution. Read more about the cause here.
trafficking and forced prostitution. Read more about the cause here.
Gorgeous, huh? Love the little gold tassel and hardware! It’s perfect for an evening out, travel and even to keep in your handbag if you need to quickly switch from a day bag to an evening bag (perfect if you’re super busy and always on the go!)
…and here’s Joy! (isn’t she beautiful!?)
I asked Joy to tell us more about what inspired her to start Priya and here’s what she had to say.
What inspired you to start Priya?
I was inspired to start Priya after I met with several groups of women in Kolkata, India who were rehabilitated after horrific months and years living in captivity as prostitutes. They were so proud of their new jobs as seamstresses and artisans that I recognized the importance of business as a long term way for them to provide for themselves and their children.
I was inspired to start Priya after I met with several groups of women in Kolkata, India who were rehabilitated after horrific months and years living in captivity as prostitutes. They were so proud of their new jobs as seamstresses and artisans that I recognized the importance of business as a long term way for them to provide for themselves and their children.
Tell us about the company and the women who make these stylish clutches.
Priya is a for-profit fashion accessories brand that is committed to employing women in dire need of income whether it be because of human trafficking, forced prostitution, or extreme poverty. Currently, we work with 19 women in Kolkata, India and are expanding this summer into Managua, Nicaragua.
How did you get interested in fashion and why did you choose bags when you started Priya?
I have always known I would do something in the fashion industry eventually, I just was not sure what or when. Before graduating from university I threw some ideas around about opening a boutique or starting a line, but it wasn’t until that initial trip to India that it really “clicked”. I realized I could still have the creativity of the fashion world and combine it with my love of culture and travel by giving it a socially conscious element. The bags came along because I have to design around the skills of our women. They were skilled at making purses and tote bags so clutches were a natural first product line for us. We hope to keep expanding as our women’s skills do.
I have always known I would do something in the fashion industry eventually, I just was not sure what or when. Before graduating from university I threw some ideas around about opening a boutique or starting a line, but it wasn’t until that initial trip to India that it really “clicked”. I realized I could still have the creativity of the fashion world and combine it with my love of culture and travel by giving it a socially conscious element. The bags came along because I have to design around the skills of our women. They were skilled at making purses and tote bags so clutches were a natural first product line for us. We hope to keep expanding as our women’s skills do.
Where do you hope to see yourself and the company five years from now?
In five years, I would love to have dramatically increased the number of women we can support. I want our project in Managua to take off and have a long-term and successful relationship with the women we are about to partner with. I also hope to see Priya carried by a national retailer.
How has learning more about human trafficking and its victims impacted your life? What is the message you hope to instill in others?
Learning more about human trafficking victims has brought things close to home. It’s easy to watch the stories on TV and think “How terrible” but the stories feel very far away. When you get to know these women you realize how much you have in common as a female and you can put yourself in their shoes and imagine what that actually might be like to be kidnapped from your family (or in some cases sold by your family) into sexual slavery and captivity. I think the message I want to get across, that I have learned from these women, is that they still haven’t given up. They have been through unimaginable heartache yet they still have a desire to be productive members of society, the still enjoy the simple girlie pleasures in life like dessert and nail polish, and they still, amazingly enough, can laugh. To me, this is the definition of true perseverance and strength.
What might someone who doesn’t know you be surprised to learn about you?
People who don’t know me are always surprised to learn I started Priya on my own at 22 without the support of a non-profit organization.
What have the women you work with to create these bags taught you about yourself?
Over the past year these women have shown me how much I believe in the importance of educating and empowering women. I realize more and more how as females we need to be supportive of each other’s triumphs as well as struggles. You can’t do life alone and the encouragement of like-minded women is essential in becoming the women you aspire to be.
Priya clutch- buy it here
Top- J.Crew (similar)
Skirt- Zara (similar)
Necklace- Banana Republic (similar)
Shoes- Nine West (buy them here)
Shoes- Nine West (buy them here)
Joy has generously offered to host a giveaway open to my US & Canadian readers for one Priya clutch of your choice. There will be one winner. Please read the entry rules below on Rafflecopter. You must enter via Rafflecopter to have your vote counted and you must leave a comment below telling me which piece you like most from the Priya collection. Thank you for entering!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Gretchen says
I love the fold over clutch in blue! The PB clutch is cute, too.
Morgan says
That clutch is so gorgeous, I think it is my favorite piece 🙂 All of the clutches are just beautiful but I love the pop of pink!
Sarah says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! Such a pretty color!
Olga says
Love the fold over clutch in pink! You styled it fabulously!
Seven says
The Laptop case is tempting but I really love the fold over clutch in pink. Such a fun outfit addition!
Allison says
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean!
vnssa906 says
I'm loving the fold over in pink! Perfect to transition to fall 🙂
Pamela says
The fold over clutches are all great. Love the pink!
ksjordan says
The fold over clutch in cerulean is fantastic!!
ksjordan says
The fold over clutch in cerulean is the best!
Lynn says
I love the pink fold over purse. Love how you are wearing it.
Raquel says
I love the fold over clutch in pink!
Unknown says
I love the fold over clutch in sage its beautiful, such a great cause!
anne says
Pb clutch in pink in my choice!
smithhl5 says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! Very beautiful and versatile!
Jennifer Strei says
What a gorgeous bag! Yay for a Texas designer!!! I love the pink fold over clutch!!!
J.Ryan says
My favorite item is the Fold Over Clutch in Pink. Love the colors used in this one and such a good cause!
Vidhya says
I love the hot pink clutch. Its too beautiful!
Flowing With Grace says
I love the fold over clutch in pink.
sunnyjimsaysso says
If I were so lucky to win, I would love the Fold Over Clutch in Cerulean, please. 🙂
Jen N. says
Love the Fold Over Clutch in Cerulean. Lovely!
Towhead Mom says
Definitely the foldover clutch – PB Clutch Cerulean! SO beautiful! And you model it well! Thanks for the giveaway!
Mrs. D says
I love the blue fold over clutch. What an amazing color!
JCHokie says
I love love love the hot pink clutch. I need this for my wedding in Maui next month!!!
Margaret Ko says
The fold over clutch pink is just beautiful!
Kay says
I love the pink foldover clutch!
marisa says
Absolutely love this! So heart warming. I love the fold over clutch in Cerulean!!!
marisa says
I absolutely love this! So very heart warming. I love the fold over clutch in cerulean.
margaretybarra says
Just entered, thanks for the great giveaway. Loving the PB Clutch in Pink! Such great pieces.
mnm003 says
The foldover clutch in pink is so cute! It's such a great cause as well!
Sara says
Love the messenger bag! Such an inspiring post
Alicia says
I love the foldover clutch, and women who do good 🙂
Shelly says
I like the foldover clutch in Sage the most!
LisaC says
I love the Pink Foldover Clutch. What a great cause and designer!
cbellhaw (at) hotmail.com
Jessica Bouchard says
I love the foldover clutch in cerulean! Such a beautiful color would definitely make an outfit pop! Such a great cause as well! xo
MH says
My favorite is the fold over pink clutch! It's beautiful!
Amanda says
The fold over clutch in Cerulean is gorgeous!
Lauren says
I like the clutch you featured. And the jewelry is gorgeous!
Unknown says
Kate M.:
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean- the lining is a bright, fun pop of color too. Very cute.
Kristi says
This is such an awesome cause, even if I don't win I think I'll try to purchase one just for the support! I definitely love all of them.. but the Fold Over Clutch in Sage looks perfect for Fall!
Whitney says
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean. Such a lovely color and stands for an even lovelier cause!
Ana María says
Love the Fold Over Clutch in Cerulean
strawberry_cupcake says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! So cute!
Beautygirl24 says
I saw your youtube video featuring this clutch and was so touched by the story. She sounds like an amazing girl!
Love this outfit V. The striped top looks awesome with black lace!
Kimmie1112 says
I love the blue fold over clutch. The color blue is a perfect accessory color. What a great cause.
Yasmina says
Love the foldover clutch in cerulean!
-Yasmina
[email protected]
Whitney H says
I love the fold over clutch in pink!
Kelley says
Loving the fold over clutch in cerulean. What an amazing company!
Ming says
Love the Fold Over Clutch in Pink!
Musubi says
I love the fold over clutch in blue. Gorgeous!
Erin C650h8088a says
Love the sage! Great for fall.
Erin C650h8088a says
Foldover in Sage is great!
Erin C650h8088a says
PB Clutch in Sage is great for fall!
Erin C650h8088a says
PB clutch in sage is gorgeous!
rachels818 says
Fold Over Clutch in pink is such a nice pop of color to an outfit!
Jodi says
The fold over clutch in cerulean. that lining is amaze!!
APainter says
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean! Such a great cause also!
Keli says
The pink clutch is so cute!!
Keli says
Love the pink clutch!
jen says
I love that Joy has found a passion for what she does with a good cause in helping others.
I love the pink fold over clutch you modeled, so pretty!
chicastic says
Joy is seen beautiful in this outfit with red colour bag in his hand add more to her beauty and outfit. These bags are in different shades and design and look trendy with the different outfits worn by you.
blue clutch purse
Angela Furin says
The cerulean clutch is soo cute! 🙂
Christina Marie says
what a great cause! I love the fold over in cerulean
talesandtrenchs says
I like the PB clutch in cerulean 🙂
Kristy says
Cerulean fold over clutch.
Rosie says
This is such an amazing cause!!! I would love to do something like this as well, it is so inspiring!! =D And yes, Joy is beautiful!!!
xoRosie
https://teacupsanddresses.blogspot.com/
Julie says
The Tribal Necklace is beautiful! Thanks for introducing this brand to us!
Julie
Danielle says
Love the fold over clutch in cerulean. It is amazing that Joy started this company at 22!
Jess says
I love the Fold Over Clutch in pink!
ascote727 says
The fold over clutch in pink is gorgeous, my favorite color!
Priscila Monteiro says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! Adorable!
Shana says
Love the blue foldover clutch!!!
shanahattis at gmail dot com
TaraMixandMatch says
I love the fold over cerulean clutch!
Legszebb says
Love the fold over clutch in pink!
Heidi says
I love the fold over clutch in Cerulean! I keep hearing Meryl Strep chew out Anne Hathaway and tell her where cerulean came from in the Devil Wears Prada.
RowJen says
Am I missing something?? Maybe I am completely losing it here, but this is the second Rafflecopter giveaway that you have hosted… and both posts said to "see below" how to enter on Rafflecopter… I can't see any link or explanation of what or how to get into Rafflecoptor for this giveaway. What am I missing??? Thanks!
Ali says
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean and sage. Hard to choose between those two!
Me says
The Sage Fold-over Clutch is amazing! Such a wonderful cause. I've bookmarked Priya for future shopping. Such amazing Christmas gifts…my sister-in-law would be gaga over the Pink PB Clutch…my niece would love anything in that beautiful blue…..
Steph says
the fold over in sage or pink (gah, can't decide!)!
Sarah O'Hearn says
Love the pink foldover!
Sara says
Thanks for the giveaway! I really like the fold over clutch in pink. Such a pretty colour!
landoftheglam.blogspot.com
Likyla says
I love the fold over clutch in sage. Everything is beautiful and such a great cause!
cindspectus says
Not entering the giveaway but definitely keeping this brand in mind. So reasonably priced for all of that hand-stitching! And of course, it would go to a great cause :).
Gisell-Teresa says
The Fold Over Clutch in Cerulean is beautiful. You can rock that color in every season.
Caroline says
I'd get the Foldover Clutch in Pink!
This is such an amazing cause/story, thanks for sharing! Socially conscious fashion is the best kind of fashion there is!
michelle wong says
love the Silk Bangles mwong241 (at) gmail (dot) com
Christine says
I would love the fold over clutch in sage!
Jill says
The fold over clutch in blue is beautiful
littlebeaniebear says
I love the cerulean fold over clutch!
KimmySue says
Thank you for bringing us such a fantastic and inspiring story! I like the pink foldover best! and I don't have a pink clutch. I will definitely be supporting this company!
regina says
Love the fold over clutch and the tribal necklace!
Lauren Wells says
I like the iPad case in eggplant. I've been looking for an iPad case and that would be perfect.
diolospice says
How much of the retail price goes to the women artisans?
willie4 says
I like the on clutch in pink.
Kasey says
Hi Veronika! Just stopping in to say thank you for supporting Joy and this great cause (and fab bags). She is a friend of mine and is doing amazing things with her talent and it's wonderful to see another young, beautiful woman supporting her!
latanya says
Fold Over Clutch Sage
Madeline says
I really like the wine-colored lap top case too!
6ea44796-1b89-11e1-ab85-000bcdca4d7a says
Kat E.
I love the Tribal Necklace in cerulean:
https://www.shoppriya.com/collections/jewelry/products/tribal-necklace-1
neonkatt007 ( at ) aol { dot } c om
Small Town Gal says
Love the sage fold over clutch!
Rebecca S. says
Love the foldover in cerulean!! Xo
Emily says
I love the silk bangles! What an incredible cause. I'm looking forward to researching it more!
Nalas says
i love the laptop case in eggplant
H. W. says
Love the adorable laptop case! Such a great cause.
Alicia Carter says
I think I love the Fold Over Clutch Pink that you feature in the blog. On a side note, I looked at some of the accessories and the Tribal Necklace Round (in black) is amazing! Great fashion for a great cause.
Alicia Carter says
The Fold Over Clutch Pink featured here is my favorite. On a side note, I checked out the other accessories and I am in love with Tribal Necklace Round (in black). Great fashion for an amazing cause.
Annmarie Cessa says
I love the foldover clutch in blue. Colorado is amazing!!
Rachel says
Love the fold over clutch in sage 🙂
Unknown says
Love the PB clutch in Sage ..thanks for the giveway.
Unknown says
Love PB clutch in sage..thanks for the giveaway.
– Raha
Vanessa and Jeff says
The fold over clutch in pink is my favorite!!
Pam Rauen says
Love the Fold Over Clutch in Pink
Olga says
Love the foldover clutch in sage and pink.
Miranda says
Love the foldover clutch in pink!
Perseph0ne says
The Foldover Clutch in Sage looks perfect for fall.
Sarah says
The foldover clutch in pink is gorgeous!
Sarah says
The foldover clutch in pink is gorgeous!
Bettina Marchetto says
Love the foldover in cerulean! Thanks for this giveaway and for letting us know about this great cause!
Bettina Marchetto says
I love the clutch in cerulean. Thanks for this giveaway and for letting us know of this amazing cause!
Sophia says
I love the Fold Over Clutch Cerulean. The blue is stunning.
Cassie says
All of her pieces are great, but I'm really drawn to the fold over clutch in cerulean. So pretty!
Coco in Pink says
i like the pb clutch the best! 🙂
Yocy says
I am in love with the fold over clutch, but I am torn between the colors. But as always! Pink wins!
Allison says
The PB Clutch in sage is beautiful!
Grass Skirt says
I love the PB Clutch in Pink. So pretty!
https://thegrassskirtblog.com
Laura says
On clutch in pink is so cute!
midwestdomesticbliss says
The PB clutch in pink. What a beautiful purpose for these handbags!
cyndi says
foldover clutch pink!
[email protected]
britneyfan says
My favorite is the fold over clutch!
BOBAEROSE says
The fold ove clutches are divine in any color! What a great cause to a part of!
xxB
Kristyn says
I love the fold over clutch in cerulean is amazing. I also love it in pink as well.
Kat Duchnicky says
I love the fold over clutch in sage! A beautiful handbag for a wonderful cause!
Meaghan says
Loving the Priya Foldover Clutch in Pink! So lovely & such a wonderful cause!
xo Meaghan
District Sparkle
Melanie says
Such cute clutches! I love the fold over in cerulean!
Jen says
I love the fold over clutch in pink!!
Casellan says
I love the Fold Over Clutch Pink. It is a great clutch!
Jennifer P says
I LOVE that tribal beaded necklace in cerulean! Great opportunity – thanks in advance!
Clarissa VanHousen says
I really love the fold over clutch in pink! I'm in need of a clutch and this one is perfect!
Clarissa
Amy says
I like the key ring — the little bag is so handy.
Alexis says
I love the foldover in pink!
Alexis
StacyANeal says
The fold over clutch! Cant decide between cerulean or pink.
Carla Martinelli says
Hi! Great giveaway!! I really like the fold over clutch in pink and tribal necklace (that's 2 but I couldn't help it)!!! Thanks so much for chance to win 🙂
Lauren K says
I love the silk bangles, but my favorite is the Priya clutch in pink! So great!
…Lauren
prettipenny says
I love the folded over clutch and the laptop case
marathonsnmartinis.com says
I love the Fold Over Clutch in Pink….love that shade of pink!
Laura says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! Such a pretty color!
Alicia says
I love the fold over clutch in pink! Thanks for the opportunity to win it! Alicia
Jennifer Freeman says
I love the foldover clutch in pink! The color just makes me happy 🙂
Lena Wieland says
i LOVE LOVE LOVE the foldover clutch in pink!!!!
Dawn says
I think the messenger bag is super cute!