I want to apologize in advance for the excessive amount of exclamations points I will probably use during this post. Words can not describe the day a few of us had yesterday. Saying I had the best day of my life would totally be an understatement! Matilda Jane has provided me with more than a place of employment. You build life time friends who are more like family and for me personal Matilda Jane has been the source of many dreams and accomplishments I never thought I would do or be apart of. For instance, If you were to ask me the one place, any place, that I would love to travel to, I would with out hesitation say “Africa.” Visiting a place that I imagine to be so different then the US, and place full of people who live each day as it comes and who are beyond grateful for the little things. That is my idea of a vacation.
The past 2 years we have been donating our slightly damaged goods to a orphanage in Nigeria. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we love the idea of clothing these children. A mother of a friend of mine is the one who founded it and although I have never met her it is nice to help someone who does good things just for the sake of helping others. Last year, we had great intentions of visiting that orphanage. A little Matilda Jane Mission per-say. Due to lots of circumstances, the trip was postponed. But as everyone knows, where one door closes another one opens.
Let me get back on track to why yesterday was THE BEST DAY EVER cause I am sure you are wondering why or what I am talking about!!!! I feel like I have to mention something before I tell you the details. See Denise is a little tricky. She emailed Kiara, Alicia and I an email that looked as if it was just intended for each one of us (Not as a group). In the email she mentioned that she needed to meet with me to go over some emails and how to address them. I am going to be honest, I started to freak out a little. I am totally a people pleaser and the idea that I might be in trouble was a little terrifying. As I walk into the meeting, that I thought I was the only one in, I see Alicia and Kiara are also seated at the table. A little confused Denise hands each of us a piece of paper. We begin reading and suddenly I find myself shaking. If you asked me what was on that piece of paper at that time I would not have been able to tell you. All I could focus on was this picture.
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Needless to say this meeting had nothing to do with emails and how to address them. Denise was simply being a brat (Yep I can say that). She was actually giving us the gift of giving, and for me making a life time dream come true. I am not sure how many of you are familiar with Noonday. If you do not know about Jessica and the wonderful things she is doing you need to go to the website and read about it. Although, I have personally not met her she sounds WONDERFUL. Read her story, but in a short version, she travels to poverty stricken villages in different countries and the proceeds from Noonday pay for job training for roughly 10 women. After these women have been trained she reaches out to companies in order to find these women work. They sew anything from bags, wallets, or jewelry. Her heart alone is inspiring and I can see why Denise jumped on board. Matilda Jane will partner with Noonday and these women from Rwanda in manufacturing goods we will later sell. In doing this, these women will be able to better provide for their families which is the ultimate goal.
Starting next week Kiara, Alicia and I will design and upload on Platinum an item or two that we have personal design, packed, and everything else. We even get to decide how to package and market each item. We are required to raise adequate funds before May in order to cover the expenses. All sales from these items will go to our Noonday Mission. In May, we will travel to Rwanda for their graduation and bring samples of the items they will be creating. We are all soooooo excited for this opportunity this not only gives us but more importantly what this will mean to these women and their families!!!!!! You ladies are so supportive of everything we have done along the way and I know this will be no different.
We have so many ideas floating around of things we are wanting to make. Do you ladies have any ideas of products or items that you would love to see. I would love to hear your feedback. Stay tuned next week for our first upload, you will not want to miss it.
XOXO
Kayla
This is AMAZING! Another example of why I am proud to tell others who ask about the browh Matilda Jane Label why this company rocks! I want to be part of this project!!! How about something adult…then I can really brag the project up!
Awesome!!! What a amazing little adventure for you and the girls!! And bags are always in demand!!
please please make african themed dresses,tops anything
Best ***post*** ever! So excited for you …; it is just amazing how you all come up with such a fun way to make such a significant -truly life-changing- difference in people’s lives. So very inspiring. I am not exactly the “creative-type,” so no suggestions as to product-related ideas; nonetheless, I can hardly wait to see you girls’ creations!
just INCREDIBLE! I am jazzed for you just reading the excitement in your blog post Kayla!! Special messenger bags? Hats? Oh , so many things can be done!
I could only think of Tangled’s Rapunzel when I saw the title of your blog.
What an amazing adventure and wonderful opportunity for these women. Wow! I hope their samples will include items made out of traditional Rwandan fabrics/batiks. I would love for you all to work on a few women’s skirts or casual tops for Platinum. Why let the little gals have all the fun anyway?? Congrats to you, Kiara, and Alicia!
So exciting!!!! Another company that I am beyond excited to support. GOD BLESS!!!!
make some MJC bathing suits!!!!! or jammies!!!! What an awesome and amazing opportunity!!!
This makes my heart happy! What a great project/mission!!!
This is so wonderful! I love telling people about the missions that Matilda Jane have their hands in ! It is a beautiful thing and I just love it!
I think anything with BRIGHT and BOLD colors. When I think of Africa I think of the sunrise over the savannah so maybe colors to reflect that like Red and Yellow. OHH, a silhouette of animals native to Africa similar to the silhouette of the girl on the sparrow knot dress, you know with a removable apron.
Wow, wow, wow!!! What an incredible experience for you guys. Can’t. Wait. To hear about it!! You girls amaze me!!
I am so happy for you. I think anything with BRIGHT and BOLD colors. Red and Yellow. When I think of Africa I think of the sunrise over the savannah so maybe colors to reflect that. OHH, a silhouette of animals native to Africa similar to the silhouette of the girl on the sparrow knot dress, you know with a removable apron.
I was going to say an adult item also….. Maybe a skirt or tank dress. How about some head scarves, or pashminas???
All I can say is “wow!” Goosebumps.
AWESOME !!!!!!!!!! I am tearing up just reading this….once again MJC is Spreading the <3 !!
Can't wait to see what you girls come up with
Just amazing. So happy for you
It’s so lovely that y’all are doing this! The story behind Noonday made me tear up just imagining these women being able to provide for themselves and their families. I would think bags of all sizes would go like hotcakes! Jewelry and hair doodads to match whatever lines you are currently selling would be snapped up too. Blessing and best of luck for your new project!
Lucky you! That is so amazing… And very exciting!
Maybe an adult apron and matching child’s.
Sooooo amazing! I would love to have some mommy platinum – wrap dresses, willows, skirts, etc! Maybe some fun jewelry too?
I would love to see little girl purses. The Joey bags are WAY to big for my 2 year old, would be so cute to see Joey style and messenger bags about half that size!
I can totally see why this was the best day ever!! This is so awesome and I an only imagine how exciting it would be to be a part of it!!
This sounds amazing!!! I LOOOVE how no matter how busy you all are with a fast growing and successful business…you still make time to give back. It’s amazing! Good luck with everything and I can’t wait to hear more!
I am beyond excited for you, what an amazing project to be a part of!! I wish you nothing but success! Bags, Tank dresses, ELLIEs, PJs and how about a quilt/blanket with tons of yummy MJ fabric all over it!
Please make a bag the kids could carry to school–a three ring binder could fit in it. I love the idea of my kids’ school bags helping someone else, and we have to buy them every year anyway. It would be a great daily reminder for our kids too!
This is exactly why I love this company and try and stretch our money every month for my daughter to wear these clothes. The clothes are beautiful but the heart behind this company inspires company loyalty from me forever. SO excited about this new venture!
Nightgowns. My girls love pjs
Exciting!! LEGGINGS, tanks, shorties, sara tops
This is HUGE!!!! AMAZING!!!! AND INSPIRING!!!!
Yet another amazing idea!! I absolutely love it! Any item for charity will be awesome, and I am sure I will be purchasing one for my daughter and her best friend so they can have matching outfits!! Thanks again MJC for spreading the love.
love this mission!!!
how about some clothes for our daughters baby dolls? and not just bambolettas, i could never snag one of those
This is amazing!!! So I put out the question to my daughter who is 4 1/2. If you wanted to design something for another little girl who was unable to have a lot of the things you are able to have what would it be. She said “I would make a skirt and a dress and draw them a picture too”
So maybe it can be something that a little girl dreams of in a drawing made into a print of some sort. Thought I would throw it out to my little one
Once again, another great project from Matilda Jane!
VERY exciting! I look forward to seeing the items you ladies bring back in May. I too would love to see an adult item on Platinum, maybe a “bird” style dress?!?!
I would support you gals no matter what it is that you decide to make!! Good luck and can’t wait to see it!!
Jewlery, Belts, and everything in between! Xoxo
MJC never ceases to amaze with the level of generosity displayed by this company. I’m so excited to see what you creative gals come up with. I’d love more opportunities for bags. They always sell out so fast and then end up on ebay for double the price. I love all the suggestions I’ve read so far. Platinum for us (older? no that doesn’t sound good…more mature…yikes. No. Maybe…mommies…but we don’t have to be mommies to enjoy MJC…hum.. maybe…gals at their full growing height?) women sounds great. Work your magic, girls. It will be fantastic!
amazing!! how about some beautiful scarves!!!
How awesome!!!! How about swimsuits?!!!
I would love to see adult aprons and purses!!
Adult aprons and purses?!?
What a wonderful opportunity! Perhaps keeping the item(s) more traditional to the ladies culture might be a way to market the item, as well as, allow these ladies an opportunity to share their culture with the MJC audience…maybe an African inspired dress! Traditional basketry or other such item…just a thought.
Wonderful program Noonday and Fantastic/Fabulous project! Love women helping women!
Oh, WOW!!! I feel like a just watched an episode of Oprah making dreams come true…how incredible! Oh, I wish I could meet Denise in person…too cool. I love the head scarves and bold colors idea. And the bags idea. I’d love to have something for me that I could use as a conversation starter about how cool MJ is on so many levels!!!
Best blog ever! So excited for you girls! I like exclamation points too! How about head bands with flowers, jammies, belts, scarves, bags, boot socks, blankets. Loving this idea!
Please make pillow cases and make PJ’s and a bathrobe. Even a summer dress with a big bulky belt would be awesome too!! I can’t wait to buy that ever you make for such a great cause.
WOW!! Amazing!
Very excited for you all!!
I think Ellie’s, knot dresses and skirts are always a big hit! Maybe they could have a small saying or something meaningful on them because they are special for the cause.
Will keep an eye to see when they will be on Platnium!
swimsuits, reusable sandwich/snack bags,more hair pretties
Lots of great ideas … bold colors for sure!!!! And a signature piece that is easily recognized – something with a great verse and/or graphic! Why not adult stuff? Bring on the “!!!!!!!!!”!!
Wow how GREAT!!
How about head scarfs,tunics,mid calve length skirts for women,I like the idea of african style tunics and skirts… different ethinic styles, maybe India too:) and maybe some mother/daughter nightgowns:)Purses or tote bags for the gym. Toddler backpacks!
so great, so amazing!
I loved your clothing BUT now I love you even more!!! My husband and I work with an Orphanage in Nigeria called Ministry of Mercy Orphanage in Kogi state. It houses over 250 orphans. To know your hearts are so big and as a company you get what is truly important in life is a huge breath of fresh air. THANK YOU!!!! You have won over a customer for life:)
I LOVE Noonday!!! This is so cool!
awesome idea! I would love to see some accessories using cloth and wood (or other organic material) beads – necklaces, bracelets, etc. what an exciting trip you will have!
That is so wonderful!!! What about fun beaded necklaces and bracelets for little gilts to match mjc!
This is so wonderful!
Hi Kayla-
So happy for you all… I think their head wraps in the picture are lovely. Wonder about making some type of Matilda wrap or headband of sorts. Id love more beautiful Matilda socks as well or wrap bracelet??Thanks for all you do!!!!
Soo Excited!!! I think a line of bags would be great!!! Have a signature bracelet so that they can make enough so ALL MJC lovers can buy one!
Love you guys!!
So cool!!! No wonder you were excited. I can’t wait to see what wonderful things you come up with for us to splurge on
Thanks for all you do!!!
Jennifer
Aw, Kayla, that sounds awesome. I’ll bet MJ dolly clothes for AG dolls and Waldorfs would go over well.
What a truly AWESOME, BEAUTIFUL opportunity!!!!!!!!!!! Please consider making some teeny items for Platinum – 6m colorful bubble rompers – ya know, the ones with the ruffles on the tiny hiny;) or the super sweet cotton knit lap dresses with the aprons – damsel in a dress was my FAV! WHATEVER you make will be FAB and SUPPORTED
When people ask why I am love MJ so much. THIS is my #1 reason. Sure, I love the fashion, (like really love!)I love supporting small business run by real people, I love the way the clothes hold up, I love the way my daughters feel in MJ,but I ADORE how you give back, reach out, and help others. God bless you MJers!
This is AWESOME!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I agree about accessories that can be worn by all
I love this post Kayla. This brings me back to the reason I ever wanted to be a part of this company. Of course I love the clothes…but I could have just bought them, and would have been happy doing just that. I remember a picture a couple years back of these little girls (pretty sure it was around the holidays) from a village in Africa wearing Matilda Jane that Denise (et al) had just boxed up and sent to them. Not THAT is something. I love the generousity of this company and that it is so much more than adorable clothes. I knew there were amazing women in this company and I’m so happy to now know it first hand. MJC stands for something much bigger. Love you all! So excited for you girls.
As far as a suggestion…. I would love to see some MJC linens. Like pillows, quilts, duvets, tablecloths.
I think it would be awesome if you worked with the women on baby slings and baby carriers. African women have been wearing their children for years while we have become so detached with our swings, bouncers, car seats, and other fancy gadgets. These women have so much they can teach us about truly bonding with our children in natural ways. I am so excited for you ladies!!!
I just visited Isla Mujeres and the women made these awesome head bands/ hair wraps- lots of beautiful colors. Excited to support these women!
A backpack. A fabric braided bracelet. Slippers. Maxi dress. I did cry while reading this. Incredible! You girls are incredibly blessed and totally awesome. Spread the love!
Maybe some animal print?! On some bags? Just throwing it out there… What a wonderful program! It is so refreshing to hear someone so excited about giving to others half-way around the world.
Head scarves, wraps, tanks, tunics, capris! For women!!
Fantastic idea; way to go Denise! I’d love to see Ellie Dress with bold African colors and also an Adult piece – perhaps a tank top with the same bold African colors
Enjoy the challenge and I hope to find my girls sizes (and mine) on the Platinum site when it goes live.
Another amazing adventure! What a fantastic idea!
I would love to see a super long adult maxi skirt!
What an incredible extension of your amazing company!!! Congrats and soak up all the amazing feelings!
Wow….Matilda Jane continues to amaze me. This is the main reason why I love the company so much! Congratulations! It will be a trip of a lifetime. Ideas….mommy leggings, jammies, window coverings, linens.
would love to see adult versions of the little girl dresses!
Your kindness and generosity are absolutely amazing. Reading this post brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I have heard of Noonday and I love the fact that you are partnering with them. Thank you!!! I think some “african” themed ruffles would be great. I also love hobo bags for adults…MJ style. Who am I kidding? I will buy WHATEVER!!!
So, this idea came to me in my sleep last night (yup, that’s how excited I am about this project …!): May I suggest an MJ picnic set? A basket (I have seen some beautiful hand-woven ones made in Africa) with a liner trimmed with ruffles at the top, quilt/blanket to sit on, napkins (non-matching prints in each set … not “matchy-matchy”), bandana for Mama to wear, and, a scarf to tie around the handle of the basket! I like this idea partly because it is something one can share with family and friends while having fun. Perhaps I am (just slightly …) more creative than I thought …?
Its an exciting day in my house. My oldest daughter has her first wigglie tooth. She is super excited for it to come out. This leads me to my idea for you guys at MJ. I am in need of a tooth fairy pillow. Wish I had one in some of the MJ patterns. The little girls that love your clothes so much are the same girls that are loosing thier teeth.
What a wonderful and generous idea! I would love to see doll clothes! The outfits Denise’s Mom made for the HOC shoot were irresistable! Little baby bags would be adorable ( like Joe’s Turn but smaller)for toddlers. I’m always looking for small bags to keep my daughters treasures that she needs to have with her. Small cosmetic style bags would also be great for Mom stuff, decked out in classic MJ style, with cute trims. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I hope I’m lucky enough to catch some on Platinum so I can help contribute to Noonday!
this post brings so much, so much excitement! these women in sewing school, matilda jane teaming up with them. literally providing a way to make an income for their families! this is what Noonday is about!! i became an ambassador with noonday just a couple months ago- seeing jessica’s vision, the mission of noonday, and of course fabulous products
I love that you shared the news!! When I first heard about this collaboration a few weeks ago, I was as excited as you are. I’ve worked with Noonday over the last year both helping with the artisans in Uganda and more recently as an “ambassador” selling Noonday Collection at http://www.sarabrinton.noondaycolletion.com. We adopted a little girl from Uganda last year and one of the first things I wanted to buy her was a Matilda Jane dress. Which I love!! I’m so excited about this too!!!
Oh, dear Kayla. That just gave me warm fuzzies!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (was that enough ex pts. ?) I am so excited to live, something on my bucket list, vicariously through you. You are so blessed to be able to experience such a wonderful thing at such a young age. Take it all in. loves. xo
How fun it must be to go to work each day and work for such a kind & caring boss!!! I would love to see a Matilda Jane swimsuit cover up for little girls & adults!!
this was the sweetest blog post EVER. congratulations and onward
Oh Kayla! How absolutely fantastic & SO exciting! This is wonderful & I can’t wait to see the amazing ideas you girls come up with. What a super way to give back & put others first…God bless you all!
School back packs, more mommy-sized hobos and slightly bigger joey purses for the girls… Wallets… Cosmetic bags/coin purses… fabric-wrapped beaded jewelry… Such a cool thing! Can’t wait to see your creativity on this one!!
So I am passing on ideas from a lot of my customers that for years have been asking for swimsuits, jammies and of course household items such as linens and bedding, pillow covers ect.
christmas stockings! wouldn’t that be an awesome and spirited project?! i need four…one for each member of my little family!