How Entoto Gear is Changing the Lives of Women in Ethiopia

For Nakisha Guzman, it all started with a mission trip to Ethiopia. She saw firsthand the level of poverty that exists in the Addis Ababa region and how it conflicts with the hopes and dreams of the people - specifically, the women - who call the country home.  These women earn their livings trekking up and down Mount Entoto, carrying 100+ lb. loads of eucalyptus on their backs, all for the U.S. equivalent of $1 per day. Yet most of these women aspire to be entrepreneurs or pursue other passions.

Nakisha was so changed by her trip to Africa, she convinced her husband Ray to visit and learn more about the women of Mount Entoto. After their journeys,  Nakisha and Ray - both U.S. army veterans - were inspired to start Entoto Gear, named after the mountain that awakened the couple's sense of compassion. Entoto Gear is a backpack, apparel and accessories company with a goal to create opportunities for women to thrive spiritually, economically and emotionally.

With each product purchased from Entoto Gear, a Purpose Pack is sent to a woman in Ethiopia. The Purpose Pack, similar to a backpack, was designed to distribute the weight on women's backs more evenly. The 100 lb. loads that are carried feel half as heavy with a Purpose Pack.

Take a look at the video below, which shows Nakisha and her team teaching the women of Mount Entoto how a Purpose Pack is used:

Among the products sold by Entoto Gear is the Slim Professional Laptop Backpack. The stylish, functional pack has a sleek minimalist design that is ideal for college students, professionals and anyone who spends their days on-the-go. Features include padded pockets, a charging port (battery pack not included) and a zipper mini pocket on the strap. Any time a Slim Professional Laptop Backpack (or other product) is purchased from Entoto Gear, a woman on Mount Entoto gets her load lightened.

In the video below, Nakisha talks more about her experience in Ethiopia and what she hopes to achieve through Entoto Gear.

Like & Follow Entoto Gear