Every once in awhile we like to spotlight groups doing impressive things for the community - even if they don't have much of a musical connection.
Many women in Detroit are economically disadvantaged and often find themselves without a home or support system, dependent on government subsidies, and confined to a life with little, if any opportunity to break the cycle. According to a 2011-issued Homeless Action Network of Detroit (H.A.N.D.) report, 85% of Detroit’s homeless were unemployed and 79% of them were female.
While there are many shelters in the Detroit area that provide short-term housing for homeless women, they are just a temporary solution to a bigger problem: unemployment. These women need job training and work experience to help them leave homelessness behind permanently.
Every once in awhile we like to spotlight groups doing impressive things for the community - even if they don't have much of a musical connection.
Many women in Detroit are economically disadvantaged and often find themselves without a home or support system, dependent on government subsidies, and confined to a life with little, if any opportunity to break the cycle. According to a 2011-issued Homeless Action Network of Detroit (H.A.N.D.) report, 85% of Detroit’s homeless were unemployed and 79% of them were female.
While there are many shelters in the Detroit area that provide short-term housing for homeless women, they are just a temporary solution to a bigger problem: unemployment. These women need job training and work experience to help them leave homelessness behind permanently.
Rebel Nell creates defiant jewelry with a purpose. They make jewelry from unique local materials, while helping transition disadvantaged women from a life of dependence to one of self-reliance, overcoming barriers to employment through the fruits of their own labor. Rebel Nell evolved from the vision of two very passionate Detroiters, Amy Peterson and Diana Russell. Together they have combined their passion for their city and empowering women to form Rebel Nell in early 2013.
Rebel Nell’s product line starts with repurposing graffiti, an abundant local resource here in the Motor City. They wait to collect the graffiti only after it has fallen off the walls due to the weight of layers of paint or damage caused by Mother Nature. They collect the paint from various locations around the city.
After some hard work and TLC, Rebel Nell turns a scrap piece of layered graffiti into unique works of wearable art. The graffiti, just like Detroit, looks a little rough on the surface but is made up of beautiful layers just like the intricate layers of people, ideas and history that make up the city.
The more revenue Rebel Nell generates by selling this product the more jobs we will create for Detroit’s underprivileged women. Working together with COTS and Alternatives for Girls, Rebel Nell is working to identify women ready to transition to a new phase in their lives.
Rebel Nell will provide training and guidance to make jewelry, but ultimately, they want the women to have the confidence and knowledge that will enable them to leave homelessness/dependence behind permanently and move forward as strong independent women. “It is important to not focus on where these women came from or how they ended up out on the streets. It’s more important that we help them imagine a future and help them get a second chance at life.” – Diana Russell, Co-Founder
So, in addition to on-the-job training, Rebel Nell will be working with other organizations to teach them financial management, how to establish credit, and other life management skills that will pave the way for personal success.
Rebel Nell’s sustainable business model will affect change in our community for many years to come. We encourage you to learn more about our business, funding opportunities and product availability by clicking "like" on the Rebel Nell Facebook Page.
ABOUT REBEL NELL:
Founded in 2013 by Detroiters Amy Peterson and Diana Russell, Rebel Nell creates defiant jewelry with a purpose. Recipient of the 2013 “Spirit of Social Entrepreneurship” Award Presented by Michigan Corps, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest and 2013 July Detroit SOUP winners, they produce jewelry from unique local materials, while helping transition disadvantaged women from a life of dependence to one of self-reliance, overcoming barriers to employment through the fruits of their own labor.
For more information or to request samples, please contact:
Amy Peterson, 716-640-4267