Regan

Betty is 30 years old. She is a married woman with two children, one of whom is in school. She has a business of selling sugar and soda in Hai Mahad branch in Yei, South Sudan. She has been in this business for four years.

Betty requested this loan through BRAC South Sudan to enable her to purchase more soda for sale. She says that with the extra income from this loan, she will pay the school fees of her children.

Pattern: Cable Comfort Throw by Lion Brand

I’ve made two panels so far and have three more to go!

As the chief of Yellow Pocahontas, the second-oldest tribe of Mardi Gras Indians, Shaka is committed to sharing the unique history and culture of the Mardi Gras Indians with New Orleans and the world. In the event space of their business, Shaka and his wife, Naimah, give lectures and performances about the incredible 200 year history of the Mardi Gras Indians, the descendants of escaped African slaves who were aided and protected by Native Americans. Shaka says that the Native people taught the Africans how to dress and behave as Indians so that the slave owners would not recognize them. The practices and dress of the Mardi Gras Indians, which combine African and Native motifs, are a demonstration of their gratitude toward the Native Americans and their unique shared history. Shaka says that the entire Mardi Gras Indian tradition is a way of paying homage to the Natives for assisting them during slavery.

Shaka and his wife, Naimah, share the story of the Mardi Gras Indians by using an innovative cultural business model. In a building overlooking the historic Congo Square where many slaves were sold, Golden Feathers, LLC. operates a restaurant serving African and New Orleanian food; a Mardi Gras art gallery with portraits, paintings, and hand-sewn Mardi Gras Indian suits; a gift shop that sells post cards, T-shirts, films, mugs, and posters; and a supply house that sells feathers, beads, and other materials needed to create the ornate Mardi Gras Indian suits that often take one full year to make and are worth thousands of dollars.

Because of the unique model and mission of their business, Shaka and Naimah have found it difficult to access credit. They need this Kiva loan to re-floor their event space and supplier store. This will allow them to save money on energy costs and ensure they will be able to offer their lectures and performances on Mardi Gras Indian culture this fall.