Three years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Bea Petri on Lake Constance. I was immediately impressed by her energy, enthusiasm and exceptional work. With her commitment to NAS MODE in Burkina Faso, Bea shows how sustainability and empowerment can go hand in hand - and how important it is to create opportunities.
The mission of NAS MODE: Education for a self-determined life
NAS MODE was founded in 2001 by Safi Ouattara Diallo in Ouagadougou. Her goal: to give young women an education and thus a perspective for an independent life. In courses for tailoring, cosmetics and hairdressing, the participants learn not only manual skills but also entrepreneurial thinking. In 2008, Safi met Bea Petri, a well-known Swiss entrepreneur who - enthusiastic about Safi's work - joined her mission and contributed her knowledge to the further development of NAS MODE. Together they expanded the range of training courses, modernized the infrastructure and created new opportunities for many young women.
Sustainable development at the heart
What makes NAS MODE special is the focus on sustainability. The students work with local materials and learn to use environmentally friendly techniques. This philosophy reduces dependency and strengthens the local economy. At the same time, the women are given the skills to work independently and build a sustainable existence.
“Education is the most valuable asset – we support young women in Burkina Faso in shaping their own future through education.”
Bea Petri
Why NAS MODE and Sojourn harmonize perfectly
When we heard about Bea's work, it was clear to us that NAS MODE and Sojourn were a perfect fit. Both projects share the vision of making a positive impact through small, conscious steps. But our collaboration goes even further: We use NAS MODE's handmade bags as packaging for our body dry brushes and our body exfoliating mitts and also donate a contribution directly to NAS MODE for each product sold in this packaging. This cooperation combines sustainability, social responsibility and aesthetics - exactly the values we stand for at Sojourn.
Every product tells a story
NAS MODE bags are more than just packaging. They tell the stories of the women who made them - stories of hope, courage and empowerment. With every Sojourn product in NAS MODE packaging, our customers help continue these stories and support more women.
Impressive results and a great vision
NAS MODE now has 57 employees and trains around 300 young women between the ages of 14 and 25 every year. Many of them receive financial support to complete their training. The success of the project is not only reflected in the numbers, but above all in the lives of the women who have found a future through NAS MODE. Bea Petri has received several awards for her commitment, including the "Chevalier de l'Ordre du Mérite". But her true reward is the change she brings about in the women of NAS MODE - and the inspiration she gives us all.
Together for a better future
At Sojourn, our mission is to inspire people to create conscious breaks in their everyday lives and promote sustainability and responsibility in the process. By working with NAS MODE, we not only want to set an example, but also actively contribute to making the world a better place. Every product in NAS MODE packaging is a small step towards a more sustainable and fairer world - and a symbol of the power of community.
Change begins with small steps
NAS MODE is a living example of how much a bold vision can achieve. Bea Petri and Safi Ouattara Diallo have shown that change doesn't happen overnight, but step by step - with commitment, heart and perseverance. We at Sojourn are proud to be part of this story. And we invite you to join us: With every purchase, you not only support our commitment to conscious breaks, but also the work of NAS MODE and the women who are given a future through it.
Conclusion: Sustainability that inspires
The partnership with NAS MODE shows how important it is to combine social responsibility and sustainability. Every single contribution - whether through purchase or donation - helps to give young women in Burkina Faso a perspective and promote a sustainable future.
Thank you, Bea, for your vision and tireless dedication. You are an inspiration not only to the women of NAS MODE, but also to us at Sojourn - and to everyone who believes in the power of small, conscious choices.
If you would like to support the valuable work of NAS MODE, we would be pleased to receive your donation to the NAS MODE support association: IBAN CH61 8080 8004 3184 9788 5