We love this brand to bits and pieces!
31 Bits is one of our fave jewelry brands that gives back to those in need (they’re also a part of our amazing FabFitFun Spring Box)! But how exactly does 31 Bits give back? We chatted with co-founder Jessie Simonson to delve into the company’s backstory and what’s coming up for the jewelry brand:
What inspired the start of 31 Bits?
31 Bits was started by five girlfriends in college. Our classmate, Kallie, had just gotten back from a life-changing trip to Uganda. She met women who grew up in a war and had nothing. They were single moms with no education and no job, and many of them were our age!
What the women lacked in education, they made up for in skill and resourcefulness. They were making incredible jewelry out of old posters. Kallie brought a box of the jewelry back, and we fell in love instantly. We sold the jewelry to friends and ran out within weeks. That’s when it hit us. These women had a skill, but needed a market. We lived in dorms and apartments filled with people who would love this stuff! Together, we could make a business. A few of us went back to Uganda the following summer and selected a group of six women to begin this adventure with. We sat with them daily, making beads, and listening to their stories. We visited their homes and met their families. We laughed together, cried together, and learned from each other.
We started selling jewelry at school events, craft fairs, and home parties. We’d tell our story to anyone who would listen. Eventually we started an online store and a wholesale program. We implemented a five-year holistic development program in Uganda, where artisans receive not only a sustainable monthly income, but holistic education in finances, health, business, and more.
How many women are in the 31 Bits program now?
We currently have 120 women going through the program!
Are you planning to expand to other countries?
There is so much talent in the world and so many people in need of opportunity. We’re constantly researching what it would look like to expand into a new place. As for what’s next…you’ll just have to wait and see!
How many women have graduated from the program since its launch?
We’ve graduated 16 women out of the program, and will graduate another 20 women this June. They each have their own sustainable business in Uganda!
How have women reacted to the 31 Bits program?
For many of the women in our program, 31 Bits means life. It has given them purpose, joy, and a family. During my last visit to Uganda, I sat with one of our artisans named Vicki, who was abducted as a young child by the LRA. She grew up in a war and when she finally escaped, she had no family to return to and no way to earn an income. As she shared her story, she told us, “had it not been for 31 Bits, I’m not sure if I’d be alive right now. I used to think about committing suicide because I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. Now I have a family and I belong. I’m so happy.”
What else can we do as a community to help women in third-world countries?
As consumers, we know very little about where our products come from. We live in a world of mass-produced, fast-fashion, and have no clue if the things we buy were made ethically. I think one of the most important things we can do as a community is educate ourselves on how our products are made, and demand they are made in safe working conditions with ethically-sourced materials and paid for fairly.
What’s next for 31 Bits (new collections, collaborations, etc.)?
We just launched our Summer Collection and I must say, it’s one of my faves yet! It’s inspired by the Spanish Riviera, where colorful shades of Sangria meet the deep blues of the Mediterranean.
What is your favorite pieces and how do you like to style them?
My current favorite necklace is the Marina Sunrise. It combines summery shades of beads with gold chain and is extra long — a perfect laid-back summer necklace.
Which 31 Bits piece is a fan-favorite?
Our fans love to layer, and if they already own a few of our statement necklaces, they’ve been drooling over the simple Minimalist Necklace, which layers perfectly with just about any of our pieces.
Which piece do you think is the most versatile to take from work to a night out?
The Coastal Collar. It will spice up your neutral collared shirts and sweaters, but also turns a black dress into a party dress when you’re ready to hit up a happy hour!
Where do you see 31 Bits five years from now?
In five years, the single most important thing to us is that our current artisans in Uganda are completely self sustainable, while bringing new artisans into the program each year. We hope to see 31 Bits grow into a global brand, where we can continue giving artisans access to the global market and empowering them to be successful in their local community.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
