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ly as well as their community. We have partnered with these artisans to design & produce our first line of up-cycled bracelets. Our bracelets are fair trade products, providing the artisans additional income for school fees, health care, and food. 

Our first project is a collection of 14 hand-carved unisex bracelets. Discarded plastic pipe is collected, hand-cut and carved by local artisans from Northern Namibia. The bracelets unique coloring is a combined result of organic sun exposure and the deep red ochre-tinted soil. The aesthetic is comprable to bone or horn, but no animals are harmed in the process. Inspiration for the designs come from the wildlife, landscape, and rich tribal history of the region.

Founded by entrepreneurial twin brothers, Chris and Doug Akin, The Base Project scours the globe, partnering with local artisans to design and produce locally-sourced, eco-friendly fashion at fair trade prices. These entrepreneurs learn invaluable communication, operations, finance and marketing skills that provide a means to improve their lives and their community. WEAR YOUR IMPACT. We additionally invest a portion of every purchase into community development projects in the artisan's region.

 

IMPACT

When we say                         ­­                        

WEAR YOUR IMPACT

we mean this:

We believe what we wear has the power to shift culture. We believe commerce and social responsibility operate hand-in-hand. Instead of quick fixes to today’s emergent social concerns we strive to lay the foundations for a better tomorrow. We will look good while making a positive impact on our environment. We created THE BASE PROJECT to prove our ideals were possible.

It goes like this:

START LOCAL

Employment.

We partner with artisans in developing nations, producing products at fair trade rates, creating new jobs, and generating additional income.

Our partners use their additional income for school fees, health care, or putting food on the table.

Environment.

We strive for positive impact in everything we make and do. Wherever possible, we’re utilizing locally-sourced, upcycled

THINK GLOBAL

Access and exposure. We sell the finished collections on the American fashion market. Why? Because we want to provide local artisans the chance to prosper on an international scale. That starts by introducing our products to a larger, more competitive industry, with new consumer preferences.

Before that happens, we set our partners up for success. During the course of our work together, THE BASE PROJECT introduces basic business education, equipping our artisans with the skills to sustain, sell --and grow-- at greater capacity than ever before.  

Your money goes toward lasting change.

We’re GIVING BACK.

Additionally, We’re reinvesting a portion of your purchase back into improving the community that originally created your product.

OUR PARTNERS DECIDE WHAT THAT MEANS

We fund a number of community development initiatives, specific to the needs of each region and culture we are working within. Our close-tied partnerships quickly illuminate issues --such as access to clean water, or a good education-- persisting within the local population.

Together we work to create an initiative that the local population can sustain and grow.

WHY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT?

Greater IMPACT! Once we launch the project, we let the community take the lead on projects that have exponential impact.

WEAR YOUR IMPACT

Engage in conversations.  

Influence your community.

Feel as good as you look.

Inspire others to take action.

We swear, it’s contagious.

IMPACT PROJECT: COMMUNITY FARM
Through our partnerships, The Base Project's impact is growing in the northwest desert of Namibia. We are developing a 42-acre community farm that provides land, water access, and education for locals. To lay the foundation for a desert farm w e partnered with H.I.P.O, an innovative organization that works with tribes in the Kunene region. H.I.P.O helps each tribe bridge the gap between their rich indigenous culture and the modern world.

In a time of severe drought and food shortages, this farm emerges at critical moment. Each farmer is provided land, seeds, training, access to equipment + spring water, transportation to market, and protective fencing from wildlife.

Half the farmland is for family farm plots to grow subsistence produce. The other half of the land + resources will grow commercial produce to sell at local markets, a model that empowers the community to sustain the farm independent of outside funding. The community also elected to donate fresh produce to local HIV patients with critical nutritional needs. 

Your purchase of a bracelet from The Base Project not only pays Fair Trade wages to an individual artisan in Africa, it also launches community-endorsed projects in the artisans region, like this sustainable community farm. Thank you for being part of our latest community project. Wear Your Impact! 

IMPACT PROJECT: SCHOLARSHIP 

ACCESSING EDUCATION IN NAMIBIA BEGINS WITH A FAMILY'S ABILITY TO PAY FOR THEIR CHILDS ANNUAL SCHOOL FEES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, NOT EVERY FAMILY HAS THE ABILITY TO PAY. THEREFOR, THE BASE PROJECT'S IMPACT IS GROWING IN THE NORTHWEST DESERT OF NAMIBIA. THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIPS WE ARE FUNDING A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, PAYING SCHOOLS FEES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DIRE FINANCIAL NEED.   

IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A SUCCESSFUL SCHOLARSHIP, WE WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS LOCATED IN THE REGION WHERE THE ARTISANS LIVE AND WORK.  OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WILL START WITH ONE SCHOOL IN THE KUNENE REGION, FULLY FUNDING EACH ELIGIBLE STUDENT’S SCHOOLS FEES FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. EVERY STUDENT WITH THE DESIRE AND COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION, BUT WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MEANS, IS ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPORT.

IN 2016 THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS INCLUDE A COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE SECONDARY EDUCATION TO ALL STUDENTS BY ELIMINATING SCHOOL FEES. THEREFOR, WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY AND MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO IDENTIFY OTHER UNMET NEEDS WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL SECONDARY EDUCATION.  THESE INCLUDE: HOUSING FACILITIES FOR BOARDING STUDENTS; SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND BOOKS; AND MOBILE SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS BELONGING TO REMOTE OR SEMI-NOMADIC TRIBES THAT MOVE FLUIDLY THROUGHOUT THE REGION.  

YOUR PURCHASE OF A BRASS BRACELET FROM THE BASE PROJECT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INCOME TO AN INDIVIDUAL ARTISAN IN NAMIBIA AND LAUNCHES COMMUNITY-ENDORSED PROJECTS IN THE ARTISAN'S REGION, LIKE THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. 

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR TRIBE AND CONTRIBUTING TO THIS LATEST COMMUNITY PROJECT. WEAR YOUR IMPACT!

 
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PRESS LINKS:

http://absolutetravel.com/absolute-travel-awareness/the-base-project

http://blog.dollarshaveclub.com/dsc-member-chris-akin-family-jewelry-eco-friendly

http://blog.wantering.com/post/48710328201/the-base-project

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http://edition01.tumblr.com/post/48859736035/qa-the-base-project

http://fora.mtv.ca/?street_style=spotted-bracelets-that-do-good

http://handeyemagazine.com/content/base-project

http://issuu.com/pacificedgemagzine/docs/pacificedge_jul__12

http://malaysia.shafaqna.com/EN/MY/668145

http://mamaglow.com/mama-glow-obsession-base-project

http://mantramag.com/why-youre-feeling-lonely-five-critical-self-confidence-practices-even-smart-women-overlook

http://mykindoflife.com/obsession-the-base-project

http://theluxelife.com/article/wear-impact-base-project-changing-accessories-made

http://themanifoldmag.com/the-ripple-effect-the-base-project

http://thezoereport.com/fashion/eco-friendly-fashion-brands/#slide-12

http://toms.tumblr.com/post/50609973763/start-something-that-matters-the-base-project

http://unicefnextgen.tumblr.com/post/61131809307/updates-from-our-friends-at-the-base-project

http://verrylj.com/sitemain/the-base-project

http://whatwelikenyc.com/tag/doug-and-chris-akin

http://www.cbs.com/shows/ncis

http://www.couriermail.com.au

http://www.dailycandy.com/everywhere/article/145051/Online-Finds-Fashions-and-Fodder

http://www.departures.com/promo/pdfs/1013-Jewelry.pdf

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/tips/g1114/summer-2014-fashion-trends/?slide=5

http://www.greenfestivals.org/exhibitors/the-base-project-7314/view-details

http://www.hiluxury.com/unarrested-development

http://www.houseofgratiaetcaritas.com/blog/shopping-guide/hgc-shopping-guide-valentines-gifts-handmade-with-love

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kelly-mitchell/11993-miles-a-journey-of-_b_4370344.html

http://www.instyle.com/news/just-time-holidays-toms-launches-new-marketplace-where-every-product-has-purpose

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-global-good-gifts-20141212-htmlstory.html

http://www.limcollege.edu/news/14977.aspx

http://www.luckyshops.com/article/toms-marketplace

http://www.mscastrorides.com/tag/the-base-project

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/holiday-gift-guide-2013-gifts-give-back-gallery-1.1530121?pmSlide=1.1530097

http://www.peopleenespanol.com

http://www.rowandrue.com/blog/the-base-project

http://www.shoplatitude.com/blog/behind-the-label-the-base-project

http://www.starrett-lehigh.com/gifts-that-give-back/

http://www.stylebistro.com/Ten+Brands+That+Give+Back+All+Year+Long/articles/iJ9JoKNG1qd/The+Base+Project

http://www.waikikivisitor.com/2013/gallery/aprilmayjune-2013-gallery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c08V-aY9gKg

http://lauryngerstle.com/The-Base-Project

http://theluxelife.com/article/wear-impact-base-project-changing-accessories-made

http://mykindoflife.com/obsession-the-base-project

http://themanifoldmag.com/the-ripple-effect-the-base-project

http://handeyemagazine.com/content/base-project

http://www.stylebistro.com/Ten+Brands+That+Give+Back+All+Year+Long/articles/iJ9JoKNG1qd/The+Base+Project

http://www.ecofashiontalk.com/resource/the-base-project

http://www.mscastrorides.com/tag/the-base-project

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http://matterprints.tumblr.com/post/117070789313/fieldtested-chris-akin-co-founder-of-the-base

http://www.hiluxury.com/unarrested-development

http://whatwelikenyc.com/tag/doug-and-chris-akin

http://stopthinkshop.com/portfolio/the-base-project

http://www.africafashionguide.com/the-base-project-made-in-africa/ http://african-lookbook.myshopify.com/collections/the-base-project

http://www.thewanderlustgirls.com/tag/the-base-project

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http://blog.swell.com/sweepstake/new-at-swell-the-base-project

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http://www.luxurydaily.com/holt-renfrew-supports-african-culture-craftsmanship-with-in-store-boutique

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http://www.avenuecalgary.com/Shopping-Style/10-Picks-from-H-Projects-Uncrate-Africa

http://www.borgenmagazine.com/21-places-shop-cause

https://www.coolonsale.com/piece/Toms-The-Base-Project-Brown-Bracelet-Set-coskey-247a-305d-8qnvo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSZvnEBlOmI

http://paularath.com/tag/chris-akin

http://blog.wantering.com/post/48710328201/the-base-project

http://unicefnextgen.tumblr.com/post/61131809307/updates-from-our-friends-at-the-base-project

http://envisionhawaii.org/blog/january-first-tuesday-with-chris-akin-and-rechung-fujihira

http://verrylj.com/sitemain/the-base-project

http://toms.tumblr.com/post/50609973763/start-something-that-matters-the-base-project

http://www.africafashionguide.com/the-base-project-made-in-africa

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kelly-mitchell/11993-miles-a-journey-of-_b_4370344.html

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http://edition01.tumblr.com/post/47708508388/the-base-project

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http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Lei-Chic/January-2013/Second-Base

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http://feelgoodstyle.com/2013/03/24/upcycled-awesomeness-the-base-project

http://www.forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2013/07/17/social-entrepreneurs-have-impact-through-fashion

http://gallantandjones.com/2013/08/06/the-base-project

https://annabelruffell.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/written-interview-with-chris-akin-co-founder-of-the-base-project-in-africa

http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversation/2013/11/the-perfect-holiday-gift-you-h

http://www.honolulupulse.com/2013/11/bethany-hamilton-sandal

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http://journal.enrou.co/tag/doug-akin

http://www.honolulupulse.com/2013/12/social-encore-gifts-that-give-back

http://www.recycled-fashion.com/2013/12/the-base-project-bracelet-giveaway.html

http://www.hautehemisphere.com/2013/12/wear-your-impact-base-project.html

http://careerchangers.staradvertiserblogs.com/2013/12/24/christmas-day-specials/

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http://www.shethinx.com/blogs/periodical/25561217-gifts-that-give-back

http://www.agreenbeauty.com/agb-magazine/agb-magazine-issue-5

http://craftcouncil.org/magazine/article/reclaimed-and-renewed 

http://www.rowandrue.com/blog/the-base-project 

http://www.revistaprivee.com/revista-online.php 

 

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