When you want to accomplish something, society tells you to work hard for it. Want to write a book? Start writing daily. Want to own a business? Create a solid business plan. Want to become a professional athlete? Get ready to practice harder than every person standing next to you.
Anyone will tell you that achieving a goal requires time and persistence. But after months or even years of putting in effort day in and day out, it’s easy to wonder if hard work pays off. When you hit a few obstacles or face multiple rejections, doubt can easily creep in. You can start to question your dream, purpose, and why you even started down the path you’re on today.
Things can get so discouraging that you may start contemplating giving up. It’s the easy thing to do. Quitting is much simpler than staying the course, so throwing in the towel is always tempting. However, giving up should only be an option if you’re sure your hard work won’t amount to anything.
If you can say with full confidence that your efforts won’t lead you closer to your goal, then quitting is a good idea. But from what Khutsala Artisans has seen in Eswatini, Africa, hard work does get you closer to accomplishing your goal. It leads to success if you stay patient and persistent.
The hardships in Eswatini
In Eswatini, a small southern landlocked country in Africa, there are over 1.1 million Swazis. While a smaller country, Eswatini is battling many issues, and they’re not problems you can easily solve overnight.
For example, most Swazis in Eswatini live in poverty. One research report indicates that the country’s national poverty rate is about 63 percent. Another report by the World Food Programme states that 58.9 percent of the rural population lives below the national poverty line while 20 percent of Swazis in Eswatini are extremely poor.
On top of the widespread poverty is a high unemployment rate. While it’s hard to find an exact number, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs puts the unemployment rate at 41 percent. However, Heart for Africa, a faith-based humanitarian organization, has heard estimates that reach 70 percent.
With few employment opportunities and extreme poverty plaguing the country, other issues like hunger and poor access to education are bound to pop up. Most Swazis, particularly children, are malnourished and starving because their parents can’t afford food. Additionally, many Swazi children do not complete school because their parents can’t afford it.
Khutsala Artisans believes in hard work
Khutsala Artisans, a Heart for Africa initiative, was created out of the desire to help Swazis in Eswatini overcome their biggest hardships. But reducing poverty, unemployment, hunger, and poor access to education isn’t easy, especially if you want to achieve long-term results.
The only way to decrease these issues is through hard work, and that’s what Khutsala Artisans focuses on every single day. In fact, “khutsala” means hard-working, so it’s a reminder that with consistent effort, the team at Khutsala Artisans can achieve their goals.
And that’s not to say that hard work alone is the key to unlocking everything. Other factors come into play, like opportunities, resources, and adequate training. But once those things are available, it’s easier to put in effort, knowing that it won’t go to waste.
That’s why Khutsala Artisans has done everything possible to offer the puzzle pieces that Swazis need to ensure their hard work pays off. In Eswatini, Khutsala Artisans provides Swazis with job opportunities, a fair wage to increase their financial resources, and the ability to train in their field. And it’s because of these stepping stones that Swazis in Eswatini are starting to see the benefits of their hard work.
Does hard work pay off? Swazis say yes.
Swazis at Khutsala Artisans make beautiful home decor and jewelry. These artisans come to work every day ready to create pieces that customers will love, and their dedication to their craft has started to change the trajectory of their lives.
It's not an understatement to say that their hard work is paying off. For instance, by working at Khutsala Artisans, Swazis in Eswatini now have the capability to do three significant things.
Without a regular income, it’s impossible for Swazis to take care of their families, much less themselves. They can’t afford food when they have no means to buy it. And even when they do have some money, most Swazis have to contemplate whether they should spend it on food or other things like medicine, which is really important given the fact that Eswatini has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
However, with a well-paying job, Swazis don’t have to decide between food and medicine. They don’t have to go home to an empty kitchen and comfort children with empty stomachs. Instead, they can use the money they’ve earned from working to buy food and support their family's needs.
While primary school is free in Eswatini, secondary school is not, which is why so many Swazi children don’t attend. Most parents in Eswatini can’t pay for their children’s schooling and school supplies when there are more pressing needs to fulfill, particularly ones that could mean life or death.
But again, when Swazis in Eswatini have a job where they can work hard and succeed, they don’t have to make these hard choices. They don’t have to choose between paying for their children’s education and buying one meal. Instead, they can afford both. Their hard work and consistency can open the door to giving their children a great education and ending the cycle of poverty.
Because poverty is such an issue in Eswatini, it’s common to see Swazi adults abandon their children. Of course, it's not something these parents want to do. Leaving their kids behind is usually the only solution they see to their problems.
Without another mouth to feed or worry about, it’s easy to think life will be easier, but of course, that’s not the case. And that’s especially not the case for children who are abandoned. These kids are left to die beside rivers, in the trash, or on the side of the road, oftentimes without any clothes on.
But the Swazis working at Khutsala Artisans are helping reduce this devastating reality. By having a job and regular income, these Swazis never have to consider leaving their kids behind. They don’t have to stress about supporting another person. On the contrary, these Swazi adults work hard to ensure they always provide a safe and stable home for their kids and the other children in their community.
Hard work pays off
While challenges may arise and unexpected obstacles will occur, you can experience the benefits of hard work. Khutsala Artisans can confidently believe this because it has seen its amazing, talented artisans change their lives when they have a foundation that allows their hard work to be fruitful.
By having the building blocks for success—a job, a great wage, and training—the Swazis at Khutsala Artisans show up to work, empowered to work hard because they know their efforts won’t be wasted. They know they’ll be able to take care of themselves and their families, which is a goal that every Swazi in Eswatini wants to accomplish and a result that Khutsala Artisans is constantly working hard to help its talented employees achieve.
How you can help
Khutsala Artisans depends on the sales of their handcrafted goods to continue to provide opportunities for those who want to work hard. When you shop with us, your purchases help us to continue to give those willing to work hard the opportunities they desire to provide for their families. Visit our online store today at www.khutsala.com. Shop with Purpose!
The impact of Covid-19 has touched every person, including those in Africa. Currently, more than 175,000 Africans have died because of the pandemic, and many others have struggled to keep their business afloat.
Tourism is the lifeline for hundreds—if not thousands—of African companies, but Covid-19 has temporarily ruined that lifeline, causing permanent damage to many brands. If you visit Africa right now, you'll hear hundreds of stories about people who no longer have a business because tourism is down.
It doesn't matter if you're talking to a CEO of a restaurant or an African artisan. Anyone on the continent will tell you how hard it's been for companies to stay in business, and while it's easy to point the finger at different reasons, the biggest culprit is a decrease in tourism.
A decrease in tourism is hurting African businesses
The pandemic came along right when Africa was experiencing a boom in tourism. With successful marketing campaigns, the expansion of Airbnb, and easier travel routes, Africa's tourism industry worked its way up to become the second-fastest growing in the world. And while there isn't any research to suggest its ranking has dropped because of Covid-19, plenty of businesses are hurting because fewer people are visiting.
Recently, Safaribookings.com reached out to 306 safari operators and discovered that over 90 percent had experienced a 75 percent or more decline in booking requests and actual bookings. A senior VP with close to 100 hotels in Africa also explained that while they've tried to save jobs where possible, they've had to focus on reducing hours and implementing temporary layoffs.
Additionally, according to the World Bank, Covid-19 has delivered a particularly devastating blow to the labor market in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that's home to Eswatini, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, and many more countries. When the organization looked at a handful of areas across the region, it found that many people had stopped working, the number of employed women shrank, and labor losses affected 82 percent of households.
Most of these people impacted likely worked in industries that relied heavily on tourism, so until that's better, these people's livelihoods will suffer. However, the worst part about this situation is that these setbacks are difficult to overcome, especially when you live in countries already experiencing so many trials.
For example, in Eswatini, a small kingdom in Sub-Saharan Africa, the pandemic has only exacerbated the country's financial challenges. Many Swazis were already experiencing poverty before the pandemic hit, and now the situation has worsened.
Tourism's influence on Eswatini, Africa
One of the biggest industries in Eswatini is the artisan industry. The country is home to hundreds of talented African artisans who make their money off tourism. But now that Covid-19 has made it difficult to travel, the artisans in Eswatini have no income.
In developed countries, this circumstance may not be too challenging for some to withstand. With a savings account and help from the government or family and friends, it's easier to weather the storm. However, in Eswatini, it's impossible to make it even one day without an income.
Swazis don't have a savings account to fall back on as many people do in Western countries. They also don't have family or friends who can help them during a financial crisis because their loved ones are usually just as poor. Additionally, while the government does everything it can to sustain its people, it's not easy to financially support every Swazi.
So when African artisans in Eswatini no longer have an income, they suffer immensely. A lack of financial resources means there's even less food on the table if there's any food at all. Eswatini was already in the midst of a food crisis before the pandemic, and researchers now believe Covid-19 has led to acute hunger in the country.
How Khutsala Artisans is helping African artisans in Eswatini
Until the tourism industry in Africa is better, it will be hard for many businesses to survive. But with help, it won't be impossible.
Recently, Khutsala Artisans decided to promote other artisan products on its site. These African artisans live in Eswatini and desperately need a new sales channel that can help their business stay afloat. And Khutsala Artisans is providing that sales channel by showcasing the beautiful, handmade pieces that Swazis throughout Eswatini are producing.
If you make a purchase from this new collection, you won't have to worry about loving your items. You are sure to appreciate every product these African artisans have carefully crafted. And you can also rest assured that the Swazis who designed your products will appreciate your purchase.
You buying something plays a direct role in their livelihoods. With your purchase, you help African artisans in Eswatini put food on the table and take care of their families. So if you want to help make a difference during this pandemic, check out Khutsala Artisans' new collection. In fact, here's a quick preview of some of the items you'll find.
A beautiful accent to any room, the Jacaranda Wood Bowl is a fun conversation piece. It's hand-carved and comes directly from the jacaranda tree, even taking on the shape of the tree to deliver a unique finish.
Buy the Jacaranda Wood Bowl HERE.
Made by Ngwenya Glass artisans in Eswatini, the Beverage Chiller is a beautiful handmade piece that's great for wine, tea, lemonade, and any other drink that you want to keep cold. The item comes from recycled glass, making it a unique, eco-friendly chiller. And it's easy to use. All you have to do is add ice to the opening on the side and pour in your favorite beverage of choice.
Shop the Beverage Chiller HERE.
Nothing says relaxation like lighting a candle and enjoying its sweet scent. Handmade by African artisans in Eswatini, each candle has a different pattern. When you buy this set of four, it'll include the zebra, giraffe, cheetah, and heart design. Fun but elegant, these candles are a great way to lighten up your space and add a touch of African decor to your home.
Purchase the Swazi Candles (Set of 4) HERE.
Support African artisans in Eswatini
There are many more products in Khutsala Artisans' new collection. This article only highlighted a few pieces, but you can also find exotic African stools, nested grass basket sets, checkerboards, and other candles.
If you start shopping the collection, you should have no problem finding something you want to buy. The African artisans in Eswatini who contributed to the collection have tremendous work to showcase and offer, which is why there's no doubt you'll enjoy what's available.
So buy one of the new products at Khutsala Artisans. Not only will you love your purchase, but you'll also support the Swazi artisans in Eswatini who need your help the most.
Shop with purpose by checking out the Swazi Artisan Collection.
At Khutsala Artisans, we pride ourselves on making beautiful handmade jewelry and home decor that people can enjoy all of the time. Whether it's a beaded animal, Christmas ornament, or a wooden charcuterie board that's perfect for entertaining, each of our products is a special piece that our Swazi artisans put a lot of time into crafting.
But the desire to create beautiful items didn't just spring up. It also didn't bubble to the surface because we had a unique skill set that allowed us to create timeless pieces. In fact, the heart behind Khutsala Artisans is deeply mission-driven.
Our goal is to help bring HOPE to Eswatini, Africa, a beautiful country that's experiencing complex challenges. While home to fun safari tours, great people, and picturesque landscapes, Eswatini is battling a growing hunger issue, an orphan crisis, poverty, and a poor education system.
Most Swazis in Eswatini live in discouraging, destitute conditions with little hope that the future will get better. However, Khutsala Artisans exists to help change that mindset and give Swazis the tools and opportunities they need to fulfill their dreams and live a great life.
Why Khutsala Artisans exists
At Khutsala Artisans, our focus is two-fold. First, we want to provide jobs to Swazi adults because employment breeds empowerment. Research suggests that Eswatini is a lower-middle-income country. With over 1.1 million citizens, 58.9 percent of the rural population lives on less than US$1.90 per day, which is below the national poverty line. Additionally, 20 percent of Swazis are considered extremely poor.
Because so many people in Eswatini don't have the financial resources to live comfortably, it's extremely difficult for them to afford their children's schooling and give them a better life. In worse-case scenarios, a lack of funds even convinces some parents to abandon their kids.
Our team at Khutsala Artisans never wants to see people struggling to provide for their families or pondering whether they should leave their children behind, which is why we're so dedicated to increasing employment in Eswatini. Currently, more than 100 Swazis work at Khutsala Artisans. And as our team continues to grow, people in Eswatini will have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives, support their kids, and keep their family unit intact.
However, this focus on employment is just the first step that Khutsala Artisans is taking to instill HOPE. We also want to care for the many Swazi children who are lonely and suffering.
In Eswatini, there are over 200,000 orphans, owing to the country's high poverty rate and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. To curb this epidemic, Heart for Africa—a faith-based humanitarian organization—has created multiple children's homes for orphaned and vulnerable kids. But instead of funding the homes solely through donor support, Heart for Africa started Khutsala Artisans to help generate the money it needs to care for its children.
Since its inception, Khutsala Artisans has given 100% of its profits to Heart for Africa. This money helps buy food, clothes, diapers, medical care, books, toys, and everything else that Swazi children need to become the future leads of tomorrow.
How one Facebook post changed everything
Although our team and profits at Khutsala Artisans have grown, it's not an understatement to say that we have humble beginnings. In fact, we got started because of a simple idea, one product sample, and a well-received Facebook post.
One day in 2013, our founder, Janine Maxwell, had an idea to make a Christmas tree ornament, a fun but simple handmade decoration for visitors to buy when they came to Heart for Africa. At the time, most visitors loved going to the craft markets in town to purchase Swazi-inspired souvenirs for their loved ones, so Janine thought these same visitors would love to buy a Christmas ornament to support Heart for Africa.
After purchasing a small angel for inspiration, Janine and a few helping hands created one ornament. From there, she wrote a Facebook post to see if anyone would be interested in buying five Christmas angel ornaments for $50, and the response she received was so positive that it resulted in orders for more than 600 ornaments. As time went on, she had more than 1,000 orders to fulfill.
Of course, creating this many decorations and having them in people's hands before Christmas required some strategic thinking. Within a short amount of time, Janine and her husband Ian had to create a supply chain, find vendors, and train people to help make the ornaments. But overall, it was a huge success that birthed Khutsala Artisans and inspired a bigger dream.
The fruit of faithfulness
In April 2014, our founding team at Khutsala Artisans built on the success of the Christmas tree ornament by creating another one, which was just as well-received as the first one. In 2018, progress continued when we shipped a 20-foot container of Christmas ornaments, beaded animals, and decorations to a warehouse in the U.S. we had just rented.
Because of the hard work and dedication that our team put into growing Khutsala Artisans, we currently produce various types of Christmas ornaments, and we can make every type of animal into 3D home decor or a keychain. It doesn't matter if it's a lion, dinosaur, flamingo, or unicorn. We have Swazi artisans who know how to do it all.
Additionally, our team makes beaded ballerinas, cheerleaders, and specially designed eggs for the Egg Farmers of Canada, an organization that has always supported our efforts. We also craft customized pieces for sports teams, school teams, and other groups that want to raise money by selling our products. Our Swazi artisans even build Nativity Sets that come complete with a wooden manger and a 12-piece Noah Ark Set.
The growth that we've accomplished in such a short period of time is nothing short of a miracle. We've created so many timeless products because of the thousands of customers who've supported us and our mission to reduce poverty and care for orphaned and vulnerable children. The organizations, people, groups, and vendors that have come alongside us have played a significant role in helping us instill HOPE in Eswatini.
That's not to say there haven't been ups and downs on our journey. Despite so much success, we have experienced many growing pains. However, being faithful and continuing to provide beautiful pieces for a beautiful purpose has produced much fruit. Our efforts have allowed us to employ wonderful Swazis artisans and give opportunities to so many loving children, and having the chance to do that is a gift that we cherish on a daily basis.
Come along for the ride
If you want to help Khutsala Artisans bring HOPE to Eswatini, we welcome you to walk with us on this journey. Whether you want to buy jewelry or become an ambassador, there are various ways that you can get involved, so we encourage you to help us make a difference in the lives of Swazis. With your assistance, we can get one step closer to increasing employment in Eswatini and caring for the future leaders of the country.
Shop with purpose today! www.khutsala.com
Regardless of your style, it's great to switch up your wardrobe every time a new season rolls around. It gives you an opportunity to recreate yourself and wear pieces that you miss and enjoy. And with summertime settling in, you've probably already pulled out your favorite sandals and shorts from the back of your closet. Maybe you've even gone to the mall to buy new clothes and check out the latest styles.
But before you start wearing all of your outfits for the summer, make sure you don't forget the one thing that can help your clothes pop: jewelry, and specifically, handcrafted artisan jewelry that's unique and intricate.
Summertime fun is finally in season. With warm weather and much-needed sunshine, you can hang out at the beach, have a family barbeque, vacation at the lake, or sit on your favorite restaurant's patio to enjoy the fresh air and nice breeze.
During this time of year, there are plenty of activities for you to do. For the most part, the options are limitless, so you can write down just about anything that you want to try. But before you finish planning all of the activities you want to knock out this summer, there's something fun and purposeful that you may want to add to your to-do list: supporting children in Eswatini, Africa.
