In the remote village (Gollanapalli), near Vijayawada city in South India, a revolution in the fashion industry is quietly unfolding. At the helm of this transformation is Elisha Chowtapalli, the visionary founder of Promise Bags, a brand celebrated not only for its exquisite leather bags but also for its unwavering commitment to Dalit women’s empowerment & making poverty history in their communities.
The Visionary Founder
Coming from a very poor Dalit (Untouchable) caste in India, he has experienced the poverty first-hand, the challenges and discrimination faced by his community. However, through perseverance and determination, he has risen to become an entrepreneur & NGO Founder (www.lightkids.org), committed to creating opportunities for those who need them most.
Elisha Chowtapalli began Promise Bags with a simple yet profound vision: to make poverty history through employment, while making high-quality, stylish leather bags while making the poverty history in the lives of artisans and their communities. With a deep passion for social justice, Elisha Chowtapalli was determined to blend creativity with purpose. This journey started in 2015, when Elisha Chowtapalli decided to create a brand that would not only showcase the beauty of leather but also provide sustainable employment opportunities for women.
Crafting Beauty
Promise Bags’ leather bags are a testament to the founder’s dedication to quality and aesthetics. Each bag is meticulously crafted by skilled women artisans whom he trained for four years, combining traditional techniques with contemporary designs. The result is a stunning collection of bags that are as functional as they are fashionable. From classic totes and chic clutches to versatile crossbody bags and spacious backpacks, every piece is a work of art. The leather used is ethically sourced, ensuring that the brand’s commitment to sustainability extends from the materials to the manufacturing process.
The Mission: Women Empowerment Through Employment
What sets Promise Bags apart is its mission to empower women through employment. Elisha recognized early on that providing jobs to women, particularly in regions where opportunities are scarce, could be a game-changer. By employing women, Promise Bags not only helps them achieve financial independence but also boosts their confidence and self-worth.
The company’s workshops are designed to be inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive. Promise Bags offers training programs to equip women with the skills needed to craft beautiful leather goods. These programs are more than just a pathway to employment; they are a stepping stone to empowerment. Many of the women who join Promise Bags have faced significant challenges, from economic hardship to social exclusion. Through their work at Promise Bags, they find a renewed sense of purpose and a supportive community.
Stories of Transformation
The impact of Promise Bags’ mission is best illustrated through the stories of the women it employs. Take Lakshmi for example, joined the company after losing her husband at the age of 19, struggling to find stable work to feed and care for two children. Through the training and support she received, Lakshmi not only mastered the art of leather crafting but also found the confidence to pursue further education and become a leader in her community. Her children are now getting education, built her own house and living with a respect and dignity which never experienced before. Stories like hers are a testament to the transformative power of meaningful employment.
Promise Bags donates 25% of its profits to the charity called LIGHT Society which is their sister concern to give back to the society and give hope to the poor children. They are running orphanage and English medium school with 270 children.
A Global Impact
As Promise Bags grows, so does its impact. The brand has garnered international recognition, not just for its beautiful bags, but for its commitment to social change. By showcasing the stories of the women behind the bags, Promise Bags raises awareness about the importance of empowering women economically. The company also partners with various organizations to expand its reach and provide more opportunities for women around the world.
Looking Ahead
Elisha Chowtapalli envisions a future where Promise Bags continues to innovate in both design and social impact. Plans are underway to expand the product line, incorporating new materials and styles, while maintaining the commitment to ethical sourcing and craftsmanship. Additionally, Promise Bags aims to create more training programs and open new workshops in underserved communities, extending its mission of empowerment even further.
In a world where fashion often overlooks the hands that craft its beauty, Promise Bags stands out as a beacon of hope and change. Through the vision of Elisha Chowtapalli and the dedication to women’s empowerment, Promise Bags is not just creating beautiful bags; it is weaving a tapestry of resilience, dignity, and empowerment for women who are trapped in caste based discrimination for generations.
