The Wilkinson-Gee family from Hawke’s Bay is making a significant impact through their fashion label Holi Boli. One of the ways they are doing this is by providing a safe and dignified workspace for women in rural India. In Holi Boli’s pop-up store in Napier, shoppers can find a selection of beautifully crafted dresses that have been skillfully curated, with links back to the village where the garments are made.
Former Tamatea High School student and co-founder of Holi Boli, Ana Wilkinson-Gee, is a trained fashion designer who moved to Bhalupali village in 2010 to run home sewing classes for women. Many of these women were working in labor-intensive jobs and were unable to travel for employment. Wilkinson-Gee saw an opportunity to empower these women by teaching them valuable skills and providing them with a source of income.
The women employed by Holi Boli work in a „mum-friendly“ work week of 32 hours, allowing them to balance work and family responsibilities. The income they earn helps them provide for their families and lift themselves out of poverty. Wilkinson-Gee has trained over 200 women to sew to an international dress-making standard, giving them the opportunity to earn a living and contribute to their family’s financial well-being.
The Holi Boli label is described as an „Indian-Western fusion,“ with clothes made from plant-based cotton and linens. The buttons on the garments are crafted from coconuts and shells, adding a unique and sustainable touch to the designs. Wilkinson-Gee and her husband, who handle the administrative side of the business, do not take a wage and strive to give back as much of the profits as possible to the women in India.
The heart of the Holi Boli business is to create jobs for women in the village in India and provide them with economic independence and freedom. By helping these women gain sewing certificates and skills, Wilkinson-Gee has witnessed how it has transformed their self-perceptions and improved their quality of life. The pop-up store in Napier is a chance for Hawke’s Bay shoppers to support this meaningful cause and own a piece of Holi Boli’s empowering and sustainable fashion.
In conclusion, the Wilkinson-Gee family’s dedication to empowering women through Holi Boli is truly inspiring. Their commitment to creating a positive impact in the lives of women in rural India through sustainable fashion is commendable. By supporting Holi Boli, shoppers not only get to own beautifully crafted garments but also contribute to a cause that is making a real difference in the world.