Surekha Kulkarni, founder of Beaded Treasures, has made it her goal to empower refugees and other disadvantaged women in her community.
Before partnering with Volunteers of America to open a Beaded Treasures retail store in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, Kulkarni was already teaching women to make and then sell their jewelry at home gatherings.
Kulkarni was inspired to start the project after taking a jewelry-making class while visiting relatives in India. When she returned to her home in Louisville, she realized she could use those skills to teach refugees and other disadvantaged women in her local community to do the same.
In addition to jewelry-making skills, women also learn all aspects of running a business, including marketing skills and financial literacy.
To learn more about Beaded Treasures, watch the above video.
 
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