However, there is much more behind the marketing and facets of managing an organization that employs 71 people and whose income affects more than 500 family members in a struggling Third-World country.
“Life Gives Heat” was started last year by the Hansow family. They had been involved with African charities before. However, their trip to Uganda was different. They were going to adopt their daughter, now 21-month-old Jadyn.
  
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“We wanted a legitimate project that would make money,” Dave said. “And although it’s a nonprofit, our goal is to run it like a business, in the sense of not charity.”
While in Uganda, several ideas passed before them. They almost chose to sell artwork to help students attend college. But then they ran across a Windsor, Colo. resident who pointed them in the direction they are now — a group of women making necklaces under a tree.
The women were selling their products to volunteers and visitors, meeting every Sunday to work.
“We talked to the women and talked about the possibility of creating a co-op and buying their necklaces and selling them, “ Morgan said. “We said, ‘There’s no guarantee and we’re not sure, but we’ll see how we can make it work.’”
From there, project Suubi (which means “hope”) was formed. However, like any business venture, there were risks.
In the weeks that followed, Dave and Morgan bought necklaces from the women, with the hope of being able to sell them in the United States.
“So we bought these ... knowing when we return we have to market the heck out of them and tell the story well,” Dave said. “That’s the stuff that I love doing.”
The couple got Internet from midnight to 6 a.m. Dave started right away designing the detailed boxes that the products come in. He uploaded videos about the women and the organization. Connecting to different places throughout the United States, he was well on his way to providing a steady income for the Uganda women.
“We do these beads for sustainability,” said one women of the group on a video.
Over time, the project involved more women and more details.
A target market was chosen, 18- to 25-year-olds. However, people of all ages have enjoyed them, Morgan said.
A precise length had to be decided, as the group needed to keep the product line small.
“The goal ... how to make this a legitimate product that has weight on its own. So, even if money didn’t go to Africa — would this product actually sell,” Dave said.
They also had to decide the type of stores to carry their products. They wanted people to buy the product because it was “cool.” Learning the story behind it would be a bonus.
All this was part of their “business” plan.
Now the product is in 20 stores from New York to California, including Jovis Coffee and SheShe Boutique in Montrose. Though the couple visits farmer’s markets and festivals, their online store is their biggest hit.
By July 10, more than 1,300 more necklaces will arrive in the United States.
The success of the nonprofit’s project has enabled the women who work to make three times the amount of money they would by selling the product in Uganda or working at a “sweat shop,” Dave said. It has allowed the women to support their large families and send their children to school. Soon, Dave hopes to double the women’s income.
“Young people can do a lot when they are collective,” he said. “A lot of small people like us can make a change.”
For more information, visit www.lightgivesheat.org.
The organization is holding a benefit concert Friday in Palisade at the amphitheater off I-70, exit 442. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information on the concert, visit www.granderiverwines.com or call 1-800-cogrown.
Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com
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