In all honesty, I have been having writer’s block for the past few weeks. Which is to say is natural, with being involved in a car accident, overtime at work, paying bills, and “adulting” as much as I can before I head back to college. I needed a whiff of inspiration, something (or someone) who is showing that yes, it is possible to shine as bright as God will let you. That with hard work, dedication, and prayer, anything is achievable.

That someone and that something is my very gorgeous and and awe-inspiring friend and sister in God, Esther Nzuzi Phambu and her business, Purses of Purpose.

Purses of Purpose’s inspiration and start was as simple as a gift exchange with family and friends. When she made her 2014 family trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in line with her mother’s non-profit organization, focusing on helping the remarkable women and children and spreading the gospel in Luila and surrounding villages, Luila Village Ministry, she saw the talent and self-sufficiency the women were capable of with sewing machines they were donated with. When she went to the city before leaving, she bought a few handbags as gifts to return with. The rest is history.

These chic stylish casual cross shoulder bags quickly developed a demand and Esther hatched an idea, stemming from the inspiration from her ambitious mother, Rose Phambu, and trusted family friend/entrepreneur, Yolanda Shields. With the grace of God and a determined mind, she wanted to create a social enterprise, a partnering business that helps empower girls and women from even the most isolated regions, have the opportunity to be independent and grow appreciation for themselves and others.

As of now, my homegirl Esther Nzuzi holds Purses of Purpose, hand-made and hand-stoned hobo style cross body handbags made with one-of-a-kind fabrics with reasonable prices of $15-22, with portion profits going directly back to the villages. Each one is made with love and independence and is to be reasonably said, “freaking cute.”

So there you have it: an amazing hard-working sister doing God’s work while tearing down standards and stereotypes. As a young woman to go above and beyond to not only better herself, but others, I salute you. Esther Nzuzi has officially become my inspiration (get it girl). She continues to do other projects; this is only the beginning for her. I am not only completely proud, but I am in awe with how far she has come and will continue to grow as a woman.

If interested in learning more about Purses of Purpose, please visit her etsy website:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pursesofpurpose

You can also follow my lovely honey bun on :

Facebook : Purses of Purpose by Esther Nzuzi

Twitter: @esthernzuzillc

Instagram : @esthernzuzillc