A Story of Hope~Interview with International Princess Project

We are so excited to introduce to you the wonderful team at International Princesses Project!

Enjoy our interview: Blessed Nest talks with Laura Roebuck

 

 1.Your mission is amazing. Can you please tell us a little about why you do what you do?

Thank you! We think that the mission is amazing too. In February of 2005, IPP founder Shannon Keith went to India on a mission trip with her church where her eyes were opened to devastation of lives happening on the streets and in the brothels. After visiting a red-light district, she could not forget what she saw - young girls sold by their families, orphans picked up off the street by pimps, even young mothers just trying to feed their children. Many were held against their will. Others were trapped by economics. Those who escaped the brothels often returned just to survive. Compelled by the magnitude of this reality, Shannon and her team of volunteers founded International Princess™ Project to advocate for these women, give them opportunities to restore their broken lives and empower them to live in freedom. The traditional Indian Sari, worn in even the darkest places in India, became the inspiration for International Princess™ Project. The sari's bright color and beautiful design are fit for princesses.

2) PUNJAMMIES are wonderful. Do you work closely with the ladies who make them? How did you pick the area/country where you have them manufactured?

We think PUNJAMMIES are wonderful too! Not only because they are beautiful and comfortable, but because they are the work of beautiful, wonderful ladies who are now working with freedom and dignity. We work very closely with strategic partners in India - we are a team. Our partners in India rescue, house and care for the daily needs of the ladies, and IPP provides tools, training and development of the PUNJAMMIE business. We do work closely with the ladies. Those of us here in the US visit several times a year for various training, events and visits.

The project began in India (see above story) and we have focused our first years of efforts there, though we hope to expand to other countries in the future. The specific areas that we work have been largely chosen by our ability to locate like-minded indigenous organizations who are doing great work in this area, but are in need of this kind of partnership to increase their effectiveness in helping the women and girls.

3) Tell us a little bit about your team ( and how it was developed) at International Princess Project?

When Shannon returned from India, she quickly gathered a group of like-minded volunteers who became the founding board members of IPP. Together, they worked to get the project going in their extra time, squeezing between their families, jobs and busy lives. It is remarkable to see what a group of committed and passionate people can do when they are mobilized into action! After several years of gaining momentum, the team took the leap to hire their first staff members. Now, two years later, we have 2 full time staff and one part time staff member here in our Costa Mesa office who partner with several amazing partners in India and a team of great volunteers here in the US.

Thank you Laura for taking the time to give our friends and community at Blessed Nest a glimpse into what you do and why you do it. We are inspired by you!

We hope to see more from the ladies at International Princess Project here on our perch! ( coming soon!)