We’re excited about the current collaborations between Suubi and Epoh. There are two new products in the making, not even in the U.S. yet, but we thought we'd let ya in on the production side of things!

Last month, we ordered loose beads from the Suubi ladies and taught the tailors how to braid a new bracelet made from scraps. The tailors had never braided before and found it difficult at first, but after some coaching, they got it and made 200 fabric bracelets. There are two styles of bracelet: warm colors - orange, yellow, red, brown with gold and orange paper beads and cool colors - purple, blue, green with blue purple and green paper beads.

At the same time, we ordered a black and yellow striped, six-strand necklace. We asked the Suubi ladies to tie a toggle clasp at the end and leave the necklace unfinished. They didn’t really like the idea of leaving long strands of line at the end of the necklace, but after we explained that the tailors were sewing a fabric finish to be placed over the line, they accepted. We asked the tailors to sew black tubes about the size of toothbrush holders. Because they made the tubes before we bought the necklaces, they weren’t too sure what the black tubes were for. Now that we’ve bought the necklaces, the tailors and the Suubi ladies will soon be able to see and understand the finished product.

While this type of cross training isn’t really easy for us, the trainers, or them - the Suubi ladies and EPOH tailors, we believe its important. The tailors learned how to plait and make jewelry, and the Suubi ladies to stitch and sew beads on fabric necklaces.

We're excited to have these in hand soon and launch them to the public. Stay tuned.