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Empowering & Inspiring
Stories from our community
Empowering Women in India
Inspired by Purpose. Powered by Women.
After a transformative trip to India, founder Mary Elizabeth Heard was moved by the stories and struggles of women living in rural villages. What started as a journey quickly evolved into a mission: to empower women through meaningful work, creativity, and dignity. That’s how Marigold & Co was born.
A Moment That Changed Everything
“I went to India for the first time a little over a year ago. It was this crazy experience—what I understood about the world didn’t really make sense anymore. I was struck by how many people were living in deep poverty,” — Mary Elizabeth Heard
While volunteering in the village of Hanumanthapuram, Mary learned that even with government efforts, most people remained unemployed or only received limited work—100 days a year at just over a dollar a day.
The Spark of an Idea
Mary had previously run a jewelry and fashion business in high school. When Viji, a woman running a local orphanage, heard about her entrepreneurial background, she suggested something powerful:
“What if you started your business here, and had the women making the things you design?”
Mary decided to give it a try. In December 2016, she returned with locally sourced leather, cotton, and silk from Chennai, and began training women in the village to create beautiful, handcrafted products.
A Mission Rooted in Feminism & Change
“For the first time, I felt like such a feminist. I was taken aback by the way I was treated as a woman—and even more by how I saw other women being treated.” — Mary Elizabeth Heard
In Hanumanthapuram, Mary witnessed the cultural restrictions placed on women—from lack of access to education to being excluded from religious rites. These injustices fueled her commitment to use business as a vehicle for empowerment.
Creating Opportunity, Stitch by Stitch
Today, Marigold & Co employs four women in rural India—three of whom are the sole income earners in their households. Many of their husbands are unemployed or battling alcoholism. For these women, this opportunity represents not only a job but a chance to learn, grow, and support their families.
“They always wanted to learn a skill—to know a craft. But no one ever taught them.”
The collection now includes handcrafted, all-cotton pajamas, wallets, and jewelry, made ethically and sustainably.
Looking Ahead
Mary graduated in December 2018 and is preparing to move to India for several months to further develop the project. Her vision includes expanding production to the U.S. and creating even more job opportunities in rural India.
“I want to bring something that truly fits their culture, geography, and needs—something that will provide real, lasting jobs. That’s what excites me most.”
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