Bajalia: July 2006

Bajalia

Trading Places as we take a tour of the Bajalia work around the globe. From Orlando Florida to the ends of the earth - China, Afghanistan, Thailand, India and Africa. BaJalia International is a collaboration of for-profit and nonprofit that partners with artisans and entrepreneurs in undeveloped regions for the purpose of stimulating economic growth, while providing sustainable economic and social benefits to craftspeople. Support us at www.bajalia.com.

About Me

Name: Bajalia Trading Company

Location: Orlando, Florida

I am a first generation Palestinian-American. My professional biography is pretty diverse. I bring 20 plus years of design and advertising experience into the founding of Bajalia Trading Company. I have had roles for major retailers including: Bloomingdales, Richs, Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Macy’s and Marshall Fields. As a Stylist my editorial work has been published in Womens’ Wear Daily, W Magazine, Architectural Digest, Bride’s and People. My broadcast work included Honey Baked Ham, Ford, CNN, and Federated Department Stores. As a Creative director I have won numerous advertising awards including Gold and Silver Addy awards, CLIO, Show South and Catalog Age. Client list includes fortune 500 companies such as; Dell Computers, Southwestern Bell, Neiman Marcus and Horchow, Ford, Turner Broadcasting, Turner Home Entertainment, Bloomingdale's, Rich's, JCPenney, Delta Airlines, United Parcel Service. I have served on several non profit boards and am passionate about utililizing my art, business and design skills to make a difference in the lives of people. Bajalia Trading Company was founded on that desire. I am on the Executive Council for the Business Council for Peace.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Passports, Visas, and a Pregnant Pause

It is no small feat to get visas for all of these places at the same time. We are fortunate to have have a friend who walked our passports through the embassys in Washington. Patti is 6 months pregnant and has gotten alot of favor along the way. Let me think a pregnant hormonal woman and the Kenya, Afghan and India embassies, what a great combination. Thank you Patti you are the greatest! We will have them a whole 4 days before we leave if all goes as planned.

The team

Susanne Price, Bajalia International Business Consultant for the region of Africa
Skip Fengfish, Director of Development - meeting the team in Afghanistan and on to Africa
Debbie Farah, Bajalia Founder and CEO
Plus several friends meeting us along the way.

Bajalia Trading Company International Development Trip

We invite you to walk this walk with us to India, Afghanistan and several regions on the continent of Africa including Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda as we visit old friends, and make new ones. This trip is global in scope. and purpose. We will be developing products, training women self help groups working with associates from Business Council for Peace and encouraging and casting vision with our partners and entrepreneurs overseas. We will also be interviewing new Bajalia staff for in country offices along the way. we wil be leaving Orlando August 6, and returning September 10.