|
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- An extraordinary terra-cotta tool
called the Footscrubber, distributed by Gilden Tree, Omaha, Nebraska, is
changing the lives of women and children twelve thousand miles away.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051230/LAF013)
This unusual terra-cotta pumice stone is hand-made by women artisans in
Pakistan, giving them unprecedented economic independence and some pretty
unusual benefits. As a newlywed in Pakistan, Ann Thariani (tar-ee-ah-nee)
discovered the Footscrubber, loved how it worked, and when she and husband
Kumy (coo-me) returned to the U.S. in 1990, founded Gilden Tree to distribute
it.
"Through a friend, we began working with two families of Pakistani women
to make a consistent, sophisticated version of a traditional tool," explains
Ann Thariani, Gilden Tree president. "These women were from families of
laborers, so they had no experience preparing products for export, or even
working as a team. It was pretty challenging in the beginning." All
persevered and soon the Footscrubber was a success.
"Since my husband is Pakistani, and I lived there for five years, we knew
that nothing would impact these families lives more than education. In
countries like Pakistan, education is almost non-existent in poorer families,
especially for girls," explains Thariani. "We realized we could give
something back to these families." So, since 1993, Gilden Tree has paid for
the education of the womens children, both boys and girls, and later, for the
women themselves. Gilden Tree pays for tuition, books, uniforms and fees,
"even shoes and socks," adds Thariani.
The Footscrubber, hand-formed, sun-dried and fired in a kiln, is one of
the best-selling items for Gilden Tree, whose unique corporate philosophy made
news recently. In December, Time magazine ran a two-page article applauding
Gilden Trees corporate values and Readers Digest selected Gilden Tree
products one of the "great gifts under $50."
"Every time we fill an order, I think about the changes were helping
bring about," Kumy Thariani, Gilden Tree CEO said. "I think everyone at
Gilden Tree realizes its something pretty special." With an all female staff
(except Kumy), Gilden Tree has expanded its line to include products for foot,
hand and body care, both for personal and professional spa use. True to its
corporate philosophy, the products contain natural, traditional, healing
ingredients from cultures around the world including wild-crafted Shea Butter,
Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil and Comfrey Extract, helping protect
consumers and the environment. More information: http://www.gildentree.com
|
|
