Modna Kushta Karışık is a social enterprise initiative based in Stolipinovo. We want to merge the talents and unique style of locals with artisan crafts which can generate a small sustainable and ethical income.

People in Stolipinovo are creative and motivated, but due to barriers, such as segregation, fear, lack of confidence and precariousness of work, descend into a cycle of astute poverty. Often women in Stolipinovo must work from home because this allows for a safe working environment, flexibility and complements looking after the family.

A social enterprise which gives women the option to work from home and at the same time have their hard work, creativity and original ideas appreciated. By linking up local women with Bulgarian and wider international customers, this is a step towards building trust and respect between cultures. In this way pre-existing practices of knitting, sewing, drawing and designing bring supplementary income to the neighbourhood, which in turn allows mothers to support their children to access education, healthcare, etc.

Two years later – the shop has closed because Hannah and Nikola are not visiting Stolipinovo that regularly anymore and cannot be reliable with the go-between. Sorry!