Seema began with a simple pair of paper earrings made by a young girl from the Akshara Programme, an organization that empowers rural youth and children in Maharashtra by providing them access to educational opportunities and personal support. This pair of earrings became the inspiration for a jewelry collection that revitalizes the traditional art of paper quilling and transforms a group of low-income women into a collaborative force of social entrepreneurs. 

 

Seema now works with over fifty low-income women from eleven rural villages near Pune, India, beginning with its artisan training program. Instead of providing a marketplace for experienced jewelers, Seema works with those who would not otherwise have access to such opportunities. We believe that every individual has the potential to become an artist and an entrepreneur. Graduates of the artisan training program are offered employment opportunities as Seema jewelers, teachers, and eventually as "master trainers". Working with Seema is an avenue for self-expression and creativity and an opportunity to connect with women from other villages. Seema artisans are paid fair wages and provided with ongoing educational and support opportunities tailored to their interests and ambitions. They meet daily in community centres in the Mulshi Valley and on campus at the Mahindra United World College of India.

 

Seema was named after Seema Shedage, a student from the Akshara Programme as well as a roommate and good friend of the founder, Alisha Fredriksson. Besides supporting the artisans, Seema also subsidizes educational opportunities for local children by donating a portion of its profits to the Akshara Programme.