At Love Welcomes, we believe peace begins with opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Work + Shelter — a woman-led social enterprise in India creating fair, dignified employment for women facing economic and social hardship
Together, we’ve developed a collection that brings new life to what was once discarded. Using upcycled sari fabrics, women at Work + Shelter craft high-quality pieces filled with purpose — from apparel and accessories to work bags and gifts. Each one is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and sustainable design.
A Story Behind Every Stitch
Every product we create together tells a deeper story — not just of craftsmanship, but of transformation.
One of those stories belongs to Rita, a mother who moved to Delhi after losing her husband and finding herself without financial support. Like many women in similar circumstances, she carried the weight of social stigma, limited options, and uncertainty about the future.
At Work + Shelter, Rita found more than just work — she found training, stability, and a supportive environment that helped her rebuild her confidence. She learned new skills in sewing, packaging, and logistics — all while earning a steady income in a safe space built on dignity and respect.
Today, she supports her children through school and has the tools to plan for the future. For her, and many others, Work + Shelter is more than a workplace — it’s a turning point.
From tradition to transformation.
In India, the sari is more than a garment — it’s woven with heritage, identity, and meaning.
At Work + Shelter, women are giving old saris new life as eyemasks, scrunchies, and market bags — turning what was once discarded into something beautiful and useful.
These small items sit alongside our cut-and-sew pieces — like the Stronger Together sweatshirt and More Than Beautiful makeup bag — designed to carry your values forward, visibly and intentionally.
Every piece tells a story of resilience, creativity, and purpose.
Why Work + Shelter Matters
Founded in 2011 by Theresa VanderMeer and Kavita Sabharwal, Work + Shelter was born from a shared vision: to create a space where women could thrive on their own terms.
In an industry often marked by exploitation, this model offers a powerful alternative:
-
90% of staff — and all managers — are women
-
Women receive fair wages, paid training, and consistent employment
-
Workspaces are designed for safety, comfort, and respect
-
Over 95% of materials used are organic or recycled
Even fabric scraps are repurposed into smaller items like scrunchies, making use of every last piece and lowering environmental impact.
Ethical merchandise that reflects your organisation’s values
We work with purpose-driven organisations to create custom, ethically made products that support livelihoods and sustainability.
In India, our team produces high-quality cut-and-sew apparel, work bags, and small gifts — including items made from upcycled sari fabric, giving new life to traditional textiles while providing fair, dignified work for women.
We also collaborate with women-led teams in Ukraine, Palestine, Thailand, Rwanda, and Fiji — offering hand-knitted accessories, artisan ceramics, and more, all crafted to support communities affected by conflict, displacement, or climate crisis.
If you're looking for impactful merchandise that tells a meaningful story, we’d love to work with you.
Get in touch: info@lovewelcomes.org