Wednesday evening in Russell House theatre USC’s Fashion Board hosted a discussion with Amy Bardi, the founder of Clothed in Hope. As a 2012 Fashion Merchandising graduate of USC, Bardi shared her story of starting a business and gave students tips for a career in fashion.
Bardi’s inspiration for starting Clothed in Hope came from a visit to Zambia in 2010 right after her sophomore year of college. She was devastated by the cycle of poverty throughout Zambia, but saw a lot of hope for the people. After returning home, she was determined to help empower the women of Zambia. In her Granby apartment, here in Columbia, she started Clothed in Hope and after graduating in May 2012 she moved to Zambia by herself to live there for three years. Clothed in Hope started with Bardi and five other Zambia women and today it is completely run by the Zambian women.
The company aims to provide education to the women of Zambia through a 12-month program. The school goes beyond teaching women to sew, but also teaches them necessary skills.
“We empower women through education, teaching them life-skills training and sewing in business,” Bardi said.
The goal of the school is to enable the women to be self-sufficient by selling items in their community. The women graduate with the knowledge, but also confidence knowing that they have the ability to have a role in their community.
Bardi mentions the special bonds she has formed with the women.
“My favorite part is just getting to know them, getting to know their stories and what they’ve been through; but also celebrating what they have overcome. It’s like a family,” Bardi said. “We’re all really close so it’s fun to get to see each other’s lives progress.”
In the U.S., items can be purchased on the Clothed in Hope website. Each product is individually made by one of the women in Zambia. The artists name is printed in the tag of the product and the woman’s unique story can be found on their website.
Madison Roberts, a first-year international business and business management student, could relate to Bardi’s story because she has seen poverty in Africa as well. She realized the value of teaching a new trade to people can give them independence.
“Something so simple like [sewing] can empower so many different people,” Roberts said.
First-year visual communications student, Lauren Gibeaut, was inspired by Bardi’s drive to start a business while still a student.
“I didn’t really know you could take an idea like this in college and go through with it and make it into a career,” Gibeaut said.
After hearing Bardi’s story, students were given the opportunity to create their own bracelets from real Zambian fabric. Also, Clothed in Hope bracelets, earrings and headbands were on display for students to purchase.