Women’s Stories – International Women’s Day 2022 – Izabela Ersahin
We are happy to share the series of women’s stories we will be sending your way in the next couple of weeks.
The first story features Izabela Ersahin. Izabela manages the community of 120 women and iota’s production in Istanbul. We’ve worked together daily for the last three and a half years.
Could you please introduce yourself?
I am the founder & designer of bebemoss.com, a line of organic handmade toys. I am also the founder of Sector7, a social, impact-driven enterprise providing fair, flexible work opportunities to mothers in need. A workshop where we manufacture artisanal products, including knit and crochet goods.
Tell us more about what you do?
I do a lot of design and product development but like many small business owners I wear many hats and take on marketing and sales, accounting, and everything else that needs to get done.
What’s your inspiration? What keeps you hopping out of bed every morning?
I am truly inspired by the resilience of our women artisans. I am driven by the fact that by doing my work I enable women to change their lives, offer a better future for their children.
Did you ever take the time to articulate your “life mission”?
I must admit that I am an accidental social entrepreneur. I did not plan for all of it to happen. In a funny way, my life purpose somehow found me. But despite this, I know now that my life mission is lifting women out of poverty.
How does knitting meet all of this?
Knitting and crochet are an outlet for my creativity. Its the craft that is helping us achieve our goals. Our women artisans are changing their lives one stitch at a time
Knitting has many aspects- esthetic, self-expression, craft preservation, meditative self-care. Can you relate to any or all of these? how do they meet you?
Knitting and crochet are definitely a form of meditation for me. I love the touch of knit fabrics, colors, and patterns.
Tell us a story about a dream that came true for you. How did you make it happen?
When I was a little girl, I dreamed about working in fashion. I had some lucky events helping me accomplish that dream but mostly it was very hard work, stubbornness, and lots of perseverance that made it happen.
What would you say are the 5 “must-haves” in life for you?
Family, Values, Empathy, Passion, and Gratitude
