Something seen as worthless, turned into something to full of beauty....From trash to treasure, from paper to pearls...

EKISA....means compassion in Luganda. Ekisa began when a southern California gals decided to travel half way around the world- to Uganda. Jessica Miller traveled to Uganda with her church on a mission trip. Touched by the amazing strength of the Ugandan women and the heart-breaking stories of the children, made her want to do something to make a change.

One day, while in the market, she saw many single women rolling recycled paper scraps into beautiful, one of a kind, beads. From that moment, EKISA began. Ekisa buys from the women directly, and gives 100% of all profits back to support women and orphans in educational and vocational programs.

The women work together to make these beautiful beads out of magazine pages. They cut the pages into thin strips, which they then roll on a needle and hold in place with glue. The beads are then dipped in vanish to make them water resistant. They must dry for 3 days before being dipped and dried 2 more times. The process to make each bead takes approximately two weeks. The money these women make from selling the jewelry allows them to provide food, shelter, education, and medical care for their families.

Beyond that,100% of your purchase from EKISA goes to provide vocational and educational programs to children in need in Uganda, Africa.