[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/yunusandyouth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Screen-Shot-2020-10-15-at-12.28.42-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2020-10-15 at 12.28.42 PM” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Elizabeth Lahey (or Lizzie, as she likes to be called) was born in the Midwest and describes herself as \u201ccoming from the non-profit world.\u201d Graduating with a major in Strategic Communication from Miami University of Ohio, she always had a passion for social entrepreneurship and appreciation for jewelry. Lizzie was awarded a scholarship to study at the Gemological Institute of America for an immersive jewelry design course last year and she is now based in New York City where she runs her jewelry company and social enterprise, PHOEBE.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Previously, Lizzie spent over seven years working for an organization that provides mentorship and life-skills to at-risk girls in Africa. While working there, she traveled to Kenya. Her eyes were opened to the high level of unemployment in the slums and the profound impact gainful employment can have on a family\u2019s well-being and access to quality education. Through her work, Lizzie was also introduced to and started mentoring a young girl in Kenya named Phoebe. Lizzie wanted to find a way to help support Phoebe and her siblings\u2019 education. Combining her passion for jewelry and international development, Lizzie launched PHOEBE (affectionately named after her mentee) intending to support Phoebe\u2019s college education and to provide sustainable and meaningful work for artisans across Kenya.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PHOEBE launched its e-commerce website (shopphoebe.com) and first jewelry collection in 2017. Working with artisans on the ground, Lizzie aims to increase the company\u2019s impact and the number of artisans it works with. In the long term, Lizzie hopes to launch a training school in Kenya to develop jewelry making skills for youth. Her work has directly impacted more than twelve people and she wants to continue providing educational opportunities for children. PHOEBE is committed to creating social and economic impact for artisans and their families.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/yunusandyouth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Screen-Shot-2020-10-15-at-12.28.55-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2020-10-15 at 12.28.55 PM” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Lizzie describes her efforts in operating her enterprise as \u201ca one-woman show\u201d. Being the Founder and Creative Director of the company brings challenges. Some of the challenges that Lizzie described are the learning curve in how to communicate desired jewelry designs in a way that could be produced at the artisan workshop and the marketing and website development for a company that relies primarily on e-commerce sales. But all of those challenges have rewards, Lizzie can help provide sustainable income for artisans and help them have more consistent orders for their workshop. Lizzie\u2019s mentee Phoebe was the inspiration for that and being able to support her education keeps Lizzie working hard. Shopphoebe.com can \u201ccheck all of the boxes\u201d for its customers, it sells ethically made, affordable jewelry, with a modern design aesthetic, and, of course, has a social component to it, doing good for others. Lizzie describes her product as \u201cethical, everyday jewelry essentials for the modern woman\u201d and says \u201cthe story of PHOEBE resonates with many customers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n