Alicia Looyenga is on a mission to help people who are less fortunate than herself through simply re-using the extra "stuff" in our world. In her new business, Little Woolly Mama, Looyenga makes and sells clothing and accessories from "upcycled" woollen sweaters and other used materials. The proceeds from the sales of her creations are donated to a revolving loan program with Partners Worldwide that supports women entrepreneurs in West Africa. Partners Worldwide is an extension of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Their mission is working toward poverty elimination through job creation.
Looyenga is a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Hamilton. She first felt inspired to make and sell her designs when missionaries Renita and Bob Reid did a presentation in her church about women working in the textile industry in Africa, encouraging people to consider partnering with them.
"I felt that this was something I would love to be involved with," shared Looyenga. However, as a busy mom of three homeschooled children, she couldn't pursue the idea.
But a few months later, Looyenga heard the news that Bob Reid had died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). It was the same condition Looyenga had survived following the birth of her fourth child. Because of this tragic connection, Looyenga felt pulled to further pursue her idea to support the ministry the Reids were involved in.
Looyenga started Little Woolly Mama in the spring of 2009, and began making her clothing and donating funds to Partners Worldwide. Recently, she also entered into a mentorship program with Partners, where she has been matched up with a woman named Felicia from Ghana, who runs a recycling business of her own, using textiles.
Looyenga says she loves the work of making new creations out of already existing materials, especially because the end result is a benefit for those who buy it and for those who receive the money from the proceeds.
"We are blessed for the sole purpose of blessing others," she says.
Little Woolly Mama's line of clothing can be purchased through the Facebook site of that name or at the Button Pushers store on Locke Street in Hamilton.
Looyenga is a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Hamilton. She first felt inspired to make and sell her designs when missionaries Renita and Bob Reid did a presentation in her church about women working in the textile industry in Africa, encouraging people to consider partnering with them.
"I felt that this was something I would love to be involved with," shared Looyenga. However, as a busy mom of three homeschooled children, she couldn't pursue the idea.
But a few months later, Looyenga heard the news that Bob Reid had died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). It was the same condition Looyenga had survived following the birth of her fourth child. Because of this tragic connection, Looyenga felt pulled to further pursue her idea to support the ministry the Reids were involved in.
Looyenga started Little Woolly Mama in the spring of 2009, and began making her clothing and donating funds to Partners Worldwide. Recently, she also entered into a mentorship program with Partners, where she has been matched up with a woman named Felicia from Ghana, who runs a recycling business of her own, using textiles.
Looyenga says she loves the work of making new creations out of already existing materials, especially because the end result is a benefit for those who buy it and for those who receive the money from the proceeds.
"We are blessed for the sole purpose of blessing others," she says.
Little Woolly Mama's line of clothing can be purchased through the Facebook site of that name or at the Button Pushers store on Locke Street in Hamilton.
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