Veronika's Blushing

style, beauty, home decor

The Bag that Looks Good & Does Good: Priya Clutch Giveaway!

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.

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.

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.
 
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) 
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

Reader Interactions

Comments

  40. 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!

    Reply

  44. 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!

    Reply

  60. 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!

    Reply

  75. 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.

    Reply

  76. 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!

    Reply

  78. 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…..

    Reply

  83. 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 :).

    Reply

  85. 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!

    Reply

  90. 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!

    Reply

  95. 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!

    Reply

  104. 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.

    Reply

  105. 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.

    Reply

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