A LOCAL women-owned business, Be Original, and the non-profit organisation, One Village, joined forces to empower local women through a sewing session at the end of August – on the last day of Women’s Month.
Women from different organisations, rural areas, Social Development and Kouga Municipality were present on the day to cut, stitch, sew and iron pieces of material to make bunting flags according to the unique Be Original style.
This fun session marked the start of The Butterfly Project, which was inspired by Revelation 21 verse 5: “The Lord is the only one who can make things new again; He can take what is damaged and hurt and make it new.”
According to Be Original owner and founder of The Butterfly Project, Bernadette Swartz, they will be working closely with various organisations to uplift and empower women who have been adversely affected by gender-based violence, as well as those who are facing difficult circumstances.
“We want to create sustainable employment opportunities by teaching these women sewing and entrepreneurship skills – producing Be Original products,” said Swartz.
Products include handbags, pouches, jewellery, clocks, and keyrings – with not an inch of material going to waste, as each piece of material or offcut is transformed into a colourful item.
“We have already identified several farms where this project will be implemented in the near future,” she said.
For more information about One Village, contact Evelyn Markides at 083 382 5043 or Sonya Hofler at 078 087 2806. Alternatively visit
For information about Be Original or to stock their products, contact Bernadette Swartz at 073 099 3418. Alternatively, visit their website at www.beoriginal.co.za.
