My Muse of the Week: Nest

Yesterday while reading the always amazing Modern Design Blog, I read about this wonderful organization called Nest. This nonprofit organization dedicated itself to helping women around the world, specifically those in developing countries by helping them start their own businesses. Nest aides women artists and artisans to help develop their craft and sell it on the Nest site, it reminded me at first of Etsy, but then when I learned more about the organization I realized that the items were handmade from female artists all of the world and that the proceeds go to a good cause. In order to help these ladies start their businesses, Nest provides "micro-credit loans" in order to help these ladies buy supplies and any other materials to start and maintain their businesses. These interest free loans can range from $50 to $2,000, the women then pay the loans back with goods that are sold on the site. According to the Nest president, Rebecca Kousky, they have had a 100% payback rate! I found it inspiring that there is someone out there giving a voice to female artists all over the world, especially in developing countries where their talents usually go unnoticed. If you get a chance check out the Nest site and even stop in on their blog, where they are constantly updated about the progress of these wonderful artists!