Knowledge is the Past, Wisdom is the Future

Do you remember the wonderfully wise Owl of Winnie the Pooh ? Well, he once said, "If the string breaks, then we try another piece of string." I am inspired by both his knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and Wisdom are amazing words. Knowledge comes from experience and wisdom comes by learning from your mistakes. Knowledge, means you know your strengths, with a little wisdom, you will know your limits. 

"Sometimes the road less travelled, is less travelled for a reason." Jerry Seinfeld

PagaBags was created in Burkina Faso in in 2013. It was crazy and frankly ambitious of me try to create an eco-fashion partnership in Africa. But I was ready and determined to act in favor of positive development and convinced that handmade could become a niche in responsible fashion. And though I knew nothing about the fashion business (my limits), I knew how to work with people (my strengths).

It was another world in 2013 and yet it is not that far away. People could travel freely and safely in Burkina Faso, he economy was moving forward, artisans were enthusiastic about their work. Today, the context is different. COVID, for one, has ruined the local economy. Jihadist invasions, for the other, have devastated families and created fear for the future. Likewise, PagaBags has been put to the test. And I am sad to say that I will be closing PagaBags in 2022. 

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn." Helen Keller

The closing down of PagaBags is a painfully sharp but necessary turn in the road. During the next couple of months I will receive my last creations to be made under the label of PagaBags and put all of my bags and accessories on sale until there are no products left. 

Beyond the bend is a turn in the road with a new direction that I plan to take slowly but surely ! In 2022, I will put my experience in textiles and printing to work so as to promote handprinted cloth - Faso Danfani, Bogolan and Batik - from Burkina Faso. Right now it is only a plan. More in my next newsletter ! 

Thank you all for you interest in PagaBags and you support ! And keep shopping PagaBags in 2022 !