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6.
May
2020.
UK designer plans tonsure to save the jobs of 200 women in rural India

 

Shona Easton

Easton Design Studio Ltd

01403 221886

shona@eastondesignstudio.com

 

UK designer's charity head shave for Indian factory workers' lost wages

Businesswoman is raising money to save the jobs of 200 women in rural India

 

With news starting to emerge about the plight of workers in third world countries, this is a personal story of what one UK business woman is doing to help.

Shona Easton, UK based designer has her handbags and leather goods handmade at a workshop in rural India near Chennai, run by her Indian partners of 15 years.

India have been in lockdown since March 24th and their government gave everyone only 4 hours notice that lockdown was commencing. Shona says: "There was no time to clear the workshop and ship completed orders - absolutely no time to do anything! In my recent communication with India, I've realised what a much more serious situation they are than us in the UK. They totally need help and I want to help them."

Shona plans to raise money to pay the wages of these Indian women for the next few months so that they still get their wages even though they are unable to work.

Her plan is to do a ‘Head Shave', on May 11th, as per the Tonsure tradition in India and request sponsorship to raise 60k. When she revealed her plans to Venky and Radhika, the Indian business owners, they were overwhelmed and very supportive.

Radhika explains about Tonsure: "In India, Tonsure is usually done twice in your life, once as a small child and again when you choose as an adult. The removal of your hair (your crowning glory) is symbolic to sacrificing your ego to the Universe which will help you in bringing awareness within yourself. It's quite a strong tradition in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where we're based."

 

 

 

COMPANY BIO

Following 10+ successful years of designing for High Street stores, including Next, Shona Easton decided to launch her own label to design contemporary, practical accessories that will be of service to their owners for years. Her designs sell online and through UK and overseas stockists and she also designs bespoke products for other ethically minded entrepreneurs.

 

-ENDS-

 

For further information contact:

Shona Easton

shona@eastondesignstudio.com

www.eastondesignstudio.com

01403 221886

 

 

Notes to editors:

Easton Design Studio was founded by Shona Easton in 2001

Shona has been working with Venky & Radhika's small family business in India for over 15 years

Mission Statement: Imagine a world without waste. Where, worldwide there is an ethical, fair trade and zero waste garment & textile industry. Fast Fashion and our throw-away culture becomes a thing of the past and everything would be made ethically, from long-lasting, sustainable materials and will last for 20+ years.

Shona's head shave fund is currently at £2600+ (including public and private donations)

Link to Fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shona-easton-helping-our-indian-workers