Today I’m looking at SOKO. SOKO is a brand that designs modern jewelry and leverages mobile technology to enable and empower their artisans in Kenya.
Now, I must confess that accessorizing has never really been my thing. The idea of accessorizing is actually quite appealing to me. Unfortunately, my lazy and practical self can’t seem to do it on a regular basis. If I do wear jewelry, it is usually very simple and very classic. So much so, it probably goes with everything. Thus, reinforcing the lazy (I don’t want to think about what goes with what) and the practical (it better go with everything I own).
I have always loved the idea of ethical fashion. However, ethical and fair trade jewelry has often been very representative of specific cultures. While beautiful and beautifully crafted, they didn’t really mesh with my style. My practical self found it difficult to purchase pieces that I would never wear, no matter how good the cause was. It just felt weirdly inauthentic to me.
SOKO: A Modern, Ethical, Innovative Jewelry Brand
SOKO first hit my radar when Michelle Obama wore one of their pieces on a magazine cover. They are based in San Francisco — I love a good local brand. Plus, their collection includes designs that very much appeal to my classic, practical aesthetic. Jewelry is such a rare purchase for me, I will only buy something that really speaks to me. And this SOKO necklace spoke to me.
Simple? Very. Classic? Absolutely. Practical? Hell yes. Is it crazy that I get excited about things that are practical? SOKO carries design-driven, statement pieces, along with their take on modern, classic designs. Their jewelry is made of locally sourced, recycled, and sustainable materials. I found 3 or 4 pieces I could easily incorporate into my wardrobe. I stuck with one for now because I’m working with a budget! If my budget was unlimited, I would’ve bought a lot more!
Using Mobile Technology to Change the Production Process
While SOKO has amazing jewelry, I was even more intrigued by how they leverage mobile technology for their business. Now, I happen to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I worked in the technology sector for 12 years. Hence, I am easily jaded and unimpressed by so-called technological innovation. I cannot tell you how many times I hear the words “disruptive”, “artificial intelligence”, and “data-driven” while walking down the street. *Eye roll*
SOKO created a proprietary mobile app that connects them to their thousands of artisans in Kenya. Through this app, artisans are able to receive their assignments. They are able to work from home or in local workshops, which allows them to stay close to their families and communities. This eliminates the overhead expenses associated with a dedicated factory. The end result: beautiful jewelry, created by skilled artisans. The efficiencies created by using this mobile technology result in artisans (mostly women) being paid significantly more than what they would have otherwise been able to make.
SOKO is a game-changing company on many fronts. Consumers only see the end product: handcrafted jewelry that is modern, classic and accessible. Huge win for us! Behind the scenes, they are creating economic opportunities and marketplaces for Kenyan artisans using the quintessential San Francisco accessory: a mobile app. This is a great example of using technology for good.