Fabiana Milazzo, a Brazilian designer, opened the doors to her first international store in Los Angeles, on Melrose Place, in March 2017. The designer created the “Income for Women” project in partnership with the NGO “Ação Moradia” (Housing Action), featured on CNN.
The project aims to strengthen family ties between mothers and their children, without neglecting the substantial need for them to generate income for their families. It seeks to improve the quality of life for families in socially vulnerable situations in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Uberlândia, MG – Brazil. It professionally trains these mothers with classes in embroidery, clothing customization, and community entrepreneurship.
In addition to technical education, there will be practical aspects regarding financial management to prepare them with skills for the job market, with an entrepreneurial vision that will last a lifetime. During the course, mothers will be able to bring their children to the institution with them, thus preventing the children from being on the streets, subject to delinquency. “We know that this is one of the main problems faced by these mothers, as many cannot work without someone to take care of their children,” says Fabiana.
After graduating, the embroiderers will have full support to practice their profession and earn a sustainable income, with the opportunity to join the Embroidery Production Community, which operates within the NGO “Ação Moradia”. Just like the resources available during the course, there will be a space to bring their children, where they can participate in various educational and recreational activities, such as soccer, computer, or art classes. Both mothers and their children will receive three meals a day while they are at the NGO.
“Women’s empowerment, the achievement of self-esteem, and a better socioeconomic position are all positive outcomes of this collaboration that will greatly elevate the lives of these women and their families,” adds Fabiana.