Âdi Collective: Women Supporting Women
Âdi Collective was born out of conversations with the refugee community in Seattle - conversations that explored questions like: “What employment barriers do women in the community face?” “What does meaningful employment look like for you?” and “What skillsets are you most proud of?”
Throughout these conversations, creativity and flexibility became clear pathways to building a brand that would elevate refugee women. Thus, Âdi Collective was born. Âdi Collective seeks to provide flexible and meaningful employment for refugee and immigrant women through the creation of staple home and wardrobe pieces. Âdi Co.’s production structure allows women to create products from home and equips them with everything they need to do it. That way, it becomes the best side-hustle of all time. The work is flexible for the demanding schedules of working women but provides the opportunity to earn extra income.
Co-founder Liz Hadley explains what Âdi Co. means to her: “For me, Âdi Collective is all about supporting women and creating opportunities that amplify and bolster women's strengths.
“The traditional employment structure requires you to choose between caring for your kids and earning a paycheck, building a home life or building a career. It often excludes or exploits those of us who are newer to this country, those who are learning English and those who want to be lovingly present with their families. In starting Âdi Collective, we didn't hold tightly to this traditional employment structure - in fact, the whole idea was to turn it on its head and make employment opportunities work within the lives of women and in particular within the lives of new immigrant women."
Âdi Collective leverages the incredible creative skills found within immigrant communities to create beautiful products that reflect a Pacific Northwest flavor: earthy, simple, durable, natural. When you purchase an Âdi Co. piece, you're not only getting a stunning product, but you're also participating in an economy that satisfies both the consumer and the producer. You're connecting a bit of your world with a bit of the world of someone who came to this country as an immigrant or refugee. You’re reflecting in your home and wardrobe the sense of welcome you want this country to reflect.
The women behind Âdi Co. are absolutely incredible - furthering their education, loving and raising kiddos, hustling hard at work, supporting the community, providing for their families here and back home in their country - just like what many of the women who buy from Âdi Co. are doing! We're so proud to work alongside this community and create spaces and products that reflect the strength of women.”
Âdi Collective releases their products in seasonal lookbooks. The lookbook for 2020 includes a handmade top, apron, and a napkin set. You can find Âdi Collective online and on Instagram.
About the Author
Emma Beavins is from Franklin, Indiana—a mid-sized town in the heart of central Indiana. Emma is an avid reader, caffeinated-beverage consumer, and a firm believer in the pancakes-are-better-than-waffles debate. Emma enjoys running half marathons and spending quality time with friends, preferably over breakfast. Emma is studying English and Spanish at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana where she hopes to be able to use her verbal and written communication skills to advocate for various social justice issues.