Thank you

I remember the feeling on November 1, 2012 when I launched the website of JustOne. I was filled with Hope and dreams, and a lot of “what am I doing?” going around in my brain.

Now here I am, on March 21, 2025 preparing to close JustOne. Again, I am filled with Hope and dreams and definitely a lot of “what am I doing?” rattling around in my head.

I launched JustOne to do my small part to end poverty. To bring dignity. To make a difference. But I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Little by little, this beautiful community formed… and forever transformed me.

In the last twelve years we have had our ups and downs – what a crazy ride it has been. What started as a little idea turned into home parties, selling wholesale around North America, speaking at events, launching a storefront, markets, charity partnerships and so, so much more. Those amazing endeavours allowed us to pursue our mission: ending poverty through ethical fashion. To provide dignified work, with fair wages so artisans could provide for their own families.

I have seen firsthand the difference – homes built, children attending school, graduations, land and livestock purchased, medical bills paid for, and families provided for. Each purchase you made, helped create another crack in the poverty cycle, until it could break down completely. You have changed lives through your support and I am forever grateful. Lives are changed for generations to come because of you.

We have learned together about ethical shopping, fair treatment, and how our choices impact more than just ourselves. Over and over again, this community has stepped up and done amazing things like pay for surgeries, provide emergency relief, and helped when it seemed helpless.

I leave JustOne hopeful even in what feels like the most uncertain of times. I have hope, that there will always be people who see a need, and step up with what they can offer. I have hope that there will always be people who choose Love, kindness and generosity. I have hope that there will always be people who see that we all have value – and that it is not dependant on our financial status, colour of our skin or where we live. I am hopeful – because I have seen this with my own eyes over and over again from this community.

I close JustOne now because it is what is best for the artisans. In Kenya, we have been working hard to launch as their own brand you can purchase from and support directly. What is more dignified than being independent? In Uganda, we continue to fundraise to help provide land, home and farming for four amazing former child soldiers so they can finally find their home and feel safe. We are excited to see them be self-sufficient and providing for their families through the land and their hard work.

If JustOne has impacted you in any way over the last 12 years we ask you to take these four simple steps:

1)     Leave us a comment letting us know how JustOne has impacted you

2)    Visit victoriouskenya.com and sign up to be notified when they launch

3)    Donate to our Uganda fundraiser – even if it is only $10… it is a reminder that when we each do our small part, great things can happen.

4)    Continue to be a community of love and kindness. We need you more than ever. You may be “justone” person – but we know, together when we each do our part we can make a world of difference.

Please continue to follow us as we’ll pop up occasionally with updates and news. And again – thank you. Asante sana. Apwoyo matek. The world is a better place because you’re in it.