Warm wishes from Uganda 
arrived at our offices just in time to mitigate some of Ohio’s February chill. The wishes came from Halle Butvin, the remarkable young woman from Strongsville whose nonprofit business, One Mango Tree, was featured in our March 2009 issue [“Fabric of Life,” written by Robert Sberna and photographed by Glenna Gordon].

Halle let us know that our article led to record orders from Ohio and an inventory sellout for the company’s unique Ugandan-made goods.

Not to worry. One Mango Tree’s 24 magnificent artisans have been busy creating still more colorful treasures, from oven mitts to handbags to jewelry to matching headbands and yoga bags. You can sample the collection at onemangotree.com.

The Web site says it all: “Creating beautiful treasures … and changing lives.” The site provides fascinating insight into the successful and inspiring partnership Halle forged with Lucy Auma, the talented tailor and member of the Acholi tribe who oversees the women whose minds, hands and hearts stitch fabric and dreams together.

“At One Mango Tree, we believe that economic empowerment provides the foundation necessary for achieving sustainable peace and development,” One Mango Tree’s mission statement says. “Our model revolves around this belief, going beyond fair trade to create jobs and improve quality of life in some of the most challenging environments in the world.”

That sort of thinking will warm even the coldest of Ohio’s February days.