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JOH
JOH'S BLOG
November
2010
Hello Everyone,
Wow! What an amazing year we’ve had and it went by so fast. This
year I was invited to participate in the first Rwanda Fashion Festival.
It was an incredible event with designers coming from all over East
Africa, France and myself from Canada. The event was organized by Daddy
de Maximo, who is a celebrity in Rwanda for his thought- provoking fashion
designs and documentary films. I had the opportunity to meet some young
emerging designers from Rwanda and collaborate with them on this ground-
breaking event that was held at the Hotel Des Milles Collines on August
7th.
I was able to visit the women in the sewing group I have been working
with and Edison made me a beautiful dress to wear on the night of the
show. It was an emotional time and I will always have a place in my
heart for the women of Kimironko.
It was a very busy 2 weeks, with lots to accomplish. I met with the
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to discuss a future project that will
help to promote artisan groups in North America. We have created a special
group of women that will be creating our beautiful handcrafted pajamas
in our new fabric, created exclusively for Dreamyz. The new fabric is
50% cotton and 50% silk for an even softer feel and increased breathability.
After returning home, it was already time to start thinking about Christmas…and
here we are! I hope you enjoy the photos from the fashion a show and
our new Christmas campaign featuring dance students from Randolph Academy,
Toronto. Please check out our events page for info on our Christmas
sales.
Wishing you a warm and cozy Holiday Season!!!!
Johanne St. Louis
CEO Dreamyz Loungewear
February
27, 2009
We
are just getting resettled in Ontario after an emotional and exhilarating
three weeks in Rwanda. After three visits, I have fallen in love with
this beautiful country. Rwanda is a jewel with near perfect weather,
tropical plants, fresh water lakes and rivers and exotic, diverse wildlife.
The rolling hills are filled with people who are warm and hospitable.
It is also a country of suffering, tragedy and sadness but these days
It is mostly a country of Hope.
We
have the pleasure to work with generous, caring and skilled women at
the Centre César. In 2008, with the help of Rwandan Organisation
FARG, we were able to purchase industrial machines and reconfigure the
sewing shop to meet professional standards. Relationships with suppliers
were established and materials were created.
On this past visit to the centre in January/February of 2009, we all
worked very hard to advance the project in many ways. The women have
improved their abilities to be at an internationally competitive level
and proud of their work. Systems were put in place to ensure quality
and reliability. Relationships were strengthened with the women at the
centre, materials suppliers and government ministries. New products
for Spring have been developed and they will be available in April 2009,
online.
I am very encouraged by people who care about the lives of these women
and want to help them create a business for themselves. The centre is
more than a place of work; it is a community working together. As part
of the holistic healing process for the women in the sewing group, exercise
and tea breaks give the women a chance to socialise and laugh. Healthcare
and health education are provided by professionals. English lessons
are taught by volunteers each week as requested by the women and they
are very happy to be working and learning. Many of them take evening
classes to further their education. Their children are in school or
being looked after in the day care while they work and their lives have
greatly improved.
I would like to thank Ubuntu Edmonton for their dedication to the Dreamyz
Project and everyone who has helped to support us in these early stages.
You have all done something kind for humanity. Thank You!
Johanne
St. Louis
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