Today we’d like to introduce you to Marit Woods.
Hi Marit, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Liberian-born, worldly-raised, fashion-impacted, and an evolving culture enthusiast. Due to the civil war in Liberia, my family left Liberia, resided in Europe, and moved to Minnesota 21 years ago. At the age of 9, I got my first dose of travel experience to Accra, Ghana. Since then, my obsession with traveling has led to my constant itch to see and experience new worlds. This involves hearing stories of unknown inventors from random strangers, constantly hopping on the TaTa(bus) to my next destination around African markets, roaming European cities nostalgically, acknowledging the fascinating glare in Asian markets, and riveting at the similarities found in South American and Liberian cuisine. Unfortunately, and fortunate, through my travels and work as an aid worker, I witnessed firsthand the dire situations young people were subjected to. Initially started a comedy show in Liberia as a way to use comedy to heal communities, through Laugh out Loud Liberia I met several artists in various realms. Witnessing the dire economic inequality facing talented youth left an impact on my worldview. However, my interaction with these young people and love for fashion was the catalyst that led to the creation of Ar-way Bags.
AR-WAY..( KRU Language) translates as: Beautiful. The ARWAY Bags experience started in 2018, however, ARWAY has been inspiring sustainable economically driven endeavors through collaboration with young artistic Liberians since 2015. ARWAY uses Art as a vehicle for social change. The sole objective is to engage Liberian youth in the Art sector; thereby encouraging collaboration with Liberian Artists to create appealing products. The end goal is to create beneficial economic opportunities for all involved while enhancing skills.
ARWAY bags are made from the finest West African Ankara and cow/sheep hide (leather), to ensure durability. We handpick clothes, skins, and wood that make our bags and accessories unique. Since the beginning of time, Africans live off the land, we cannot stray from tradition, but find means of helping our tribes keep with tradition. Thus, we buy skins directly from local hunters, contributing to their livelihoods. We strive to use materials produced locally or recycled when feasible.
ARWAY produces luxury treasures that brings out the beauty in you! By using your consumer power to express who you are, you are adding a drop of water to a bucket. Thank you for economically impacting our lives!
To ensure our impact is broadened, we informally developed STRIVE, a nonprofit that seeks to create education and skill opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs seeking to advance their education or ideas with 10% of the profit generated Arway Bags. Unlike most scholarships, we do lifetime support. From ages 6-18years, we partner with three organizations working with orphans to select candidates for our scholarships. Our business loans are interest-free but must focus on art and education. More importantly, as we make progress with our vision, we want to ensure we create a workforce that values the importance of producing quality work, elevating their community, and appreciating the path to individual growth is knowledge acquisition and economic empowerment.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
NOOOOO!!!. I believe it will get harder before it gets smoother, yet we are learning how to persevere through the rough times. Having a dedicated team with a beneficial skill set enables the struggles to be less prominent.
Finding funding and expanding to grow is a struggle. We have been seeking partners that can help elevate ARWAY bags to the global stage and that has been our struggle, finding the appropriate partners that share our vision and mission seem like an endless battle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a result-driven international professional with specialized training in procuring services and products for various sectors, 13 years of professional experience managing, analyzing, and implementing complex strategies that yield results. Ability to strategically plan to meet business objectives, while utilizing the established ability to employ, guide, and encourage others to surpass established goals. Seeking long-term opportunities with an emphasis on cultivating relationships with clients.
I utilize my experience as an immigrant and to empower institutions working with immigrants and youth to understand how they can empower their constituencies, by cultivating a culture of inclusivity. As a mastery trainer, speaker, and project implementor my aptitude to use intercultural practices has resulted in various entities augmenting their workforce dynamics, and improving company culture. I am a certified ESL instructor, currently working as a project manager consultant.
In addition to being a board member of the Tom Kamara Foundation, I worked with prominent Nobel peace activist Leymah Gbowwe. I was once Miss Earth Liberia, and in the process of publishing a children’s book (https://www.strivepublishing.com/news/2019/10/22/winners-of-the-2019-african-american-voices-in-childrens-literature)
I hold an M.A in Intercultural, Leadership, and Management with a focus on Sustainable Development/Conflict Transformation, and a B.A in Sociology with a Minor: Youth Studies.
My ability to see the world through a non-tradition lens set me apart from my peers.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family, and business, these are the two areas in my life I can create and have the ability to impact lives with clarity.
Pricing:
- Products are from $20 to $500 to ensure it is affordable for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arwaybags.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arwaybags/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arwaybags
