Joyya, KOLKATA (2025)

22/07/2025

In Dhuliyan, West Bengal, the beedi industry has shaped life for generations. Many families rely on this work as their primary source of income, rolling thousands of beedis each day despite the challenging conditions and low wages.

Children in these communities often begin working alongside their families at a young age. With limited opportunities, many family members contribute to the family’s earnings by handling to***co and rolling tendu leaves. This work exposes them to harmful to***co dust, which can lead to long-term health issues, and keeps kids away from school and opportunities for a better life.

Beyond the physical toll, exploitation, trafficking, and abuse are harsh realities, especially for young girls. With relentless economic pressures on families, as well as limited access to alternative livelihoods or education, many remain in this cycle, making it difficult to break free.

For adults, years of working in confined spaces with little ventilation take a toll on their health, often leading to respiratory illnesses. The repetitive nature of the work and economic pressures makes it challenging to seek other opportunities.

But change is happening. At Joyya’s Community Centre in Dhulian, we’re working alongside these communities to create real alternatives—dignified employment, vocational training, and pathways to education. We believe no child should have to choose work over learning, and no one should have to sacrifice their health to provide for their family. When you choose bags and tees, you’re helping to support these efforts—building opportunities for people to step into safer, more sustainable livelihoods. To explore how you can be part of this change, reach out to us at hi@joyya.com.
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21/07/2025

150 miles, and gigantic smiles.
This year's 2025 Joyride Kolkata is already in full swing. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for more team updates.

If you and a couple of friends would like to participate, feel free to comment your country below and we'll send you the full resource pack to get started!

15/07/2025

Soni’s life has always been a race against circumstances. Married young, she barely had time to dream before reality took over. A year later, she became a mother, and her education came to an abrupt halt. By the time her daughter was six months old, she was working, doing whatever she could to provide. But the weight of hardships at home became unbearable. She made the hardest decision of her life: to leave. With nothing but courage and her daughter in her arms, she returned to her parents’ home, where she shared a crowded space with her brothers and their families.

From childhood, Soni had always wanted more, to learn, to grow, to build something of her own. But opportunities never knocked. Until now. Joyya came like a fresh wave in her life.

With doors finally opening, she sprinted through them. Beauty courses, nail art, sewing, English; skills she once thought were out of reach were now within her grasp. “These courses are expensive; none of us in our community could afford them. But Joyya provides them at no cost. At least one person from every house here has benefited from this training. Now, we are better equipped for jobs and opportunities."

She moves with purpose, completing one course and diving into another, embracing every lesson with determination. Her vision is clear, to open her own beauty parlor, to offer services with skill and dignity. But her greatest hope is for her daughter. She dreams of enrolling her in a nursing course, ensuring she has every chance to succeed.

Soni is not defined by her past. She is carving her own future, one of confidence, independence, and endless possibility. And we are honored to be a part of her journey. We wish her all the best!

For more stories of transformation and to be a part of our journey, visit www.joyya.com.
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10/07/2025

A minimalist mountain range. A compass on the chest. And the words that say it all — “As I learn to live as a son, I become a real man.” This tells a story of , , and .

We worked with The New Frontier Ministries to bring this design to life. Based in Montana, they mentor and support fathers and sons as they navigate life’s key turning points. Their work is deeply personal, rooted in connection, and grounded in strong relationships that strengthen and .

When they reached out to us for apparel, they came with a clear . They wanted something meaningful. A that would carry their message. A tee that felt intentional and lasting. Their vision aligned perfectly with our belief that clothing can tell a story and create a lasting .

Every t-shirt is made by our team in Kolkata using , -friendly practices. Each order supports dignified work for women rising above poverty and modern-day slavery.

Have a message you want to wear and share? Reach out to us at hi@joyya.com
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08/07/2025

Make a statement with your bag and your values. Crafted from durable laminated jute, Joyya's reusable tote is built to last. What truly sets it apart is the braided handles made from up-cycled sari fabric, each one unique, vibrant, and full of character.

Handcrafted with care, this bag blends functionality with purpose. Its spacious design makes it perfect for market hauls, beach trips, weekend travels, or your everyday essentials. The printable exterior offers a bold canvas for your brand or message.

Ideal for businesses and conscious brands looking to stand out while making a meaningful impact. Send us your requirements at hi@joyya.com and let's create something purposeful together.
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02/07/2025

We love partnering with organizations that are making a real difference! That’s why we were thrilled to create personalized for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Seeing them used in outreach events—sparking conversations, raising awareness, and bringing people together, is exactly why we do what we do.

The NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking is a fully volunteer-run organization committed to uniting communities to end s*x and labor trafficking. Their work is proof that when passionate people come together, change happens. Every event, every resource shared, and every person educated brings us closer to a world without exploitation.

At , we believe that the things we carry, whether a keychain, a tote bag, or a message—can be powerful. Are you looking for ethically made, customized merchandise for your organization or event? We’d love to help! Place your order at hi@joyya.com
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27/06/2025

We’re excited to be the merch partner for the upcoming 23rd Baptist World Conference!

Each tote bag we're sending out is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a story of hope, dignity, and change. Handcrafted by women in Kolkata who overcome poverty and exploitation, these bags carry dreams stitched with purpose. Every tote helps create meaningful, fairly paid work and opens doors to a brighter future.

To the Baptist World Alliance team – thank you for choosing merchandise that sparks good.

If you’re after ethical, high-quality custom merch that tells a better story, we’d love to talk. Visit www.joyya.com
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25/06/2025

This , we honor the women in our communities who are taking daily steps toward rebuilding their lives after loss.

In a society where a woman’s identity is often tied to her husband, his death can take away more than just companionship. Many are left without a home, support, or voice. In old age, they are often forgotten.

But change is taking root.

Through our Elders Program, Joyya offers medical check-ups for elderly women with no one else to care for them. Our community doctor reviews their health, checks vitals like blood pressure, and provides essential medication.

Because every woman deserves to live with dignity, no matter her age or circumstance.
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13/06/2025

The Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand-based charity dedicated to preserving the legacy of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Hillary. Through the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, they protect historic expedition huts and over 20,000 artifacts—enduring testaments to human courage in the harshest conditions on Earth.

“Working with to create our beautiful tote bags is such a pleasure at every step of the process. These special gifts are shared with valued Trust stakeholders and participants in our Inspiring Explorers programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of explorers. We love knowing that by supporting Joyya, we are helping in some way to spark good!”
– Anna Clare, Communications and Engagement Manager, Antarctic Heritage Trust

We’re honored to play a small part in their extraordinary journey—providing organic cotton totes that carry their message far and wide. As they preserve the past and ignite bold futures, they also help spark change in communities overcoming poverty and modern slavery.

Learn more about their remarkable work at www.nzaht.org.
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11/06/2025

No Misrepresentation Here – Just Epic Branding
We’re lucky to partner with businesses that not only care about people but act on those values. One of those longtime partners is Schmoldt Law Office, LLC a firm based in Wisconsin that brings compassion, clarity, and integrity to their legal practice—and to their purchasing choices.

Specializing in Estate Planning, Business, and Real Estate - their approach is practical and people-first—values that align closely with our mission to spark good in communities affected by extreme poverty and modern slavery. For years now, Schmoldt Law has chosen to use ’s ethically made bags as part of their outreach and client care.

"Putting people before profits is a central value of the way we do business. Supporting ethical brands like Joyya is an easy, fun way to make an impact!"

- Grace Schmoldt, Office Manager.

We’re incredibly grateful for Schmoldt Law Office’s ongoing support and proud to stand alongside businesses who use their influence—and their purchases—for good.
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09/06/2025

Ludo, Laughter, and Listening!
Recently, if you walked past our building, you might have heard the sounds of laughter and lively chatter. What was going on? A friendly Ludo morning for the seniors in the neighborhood—filled with competition, conversation, and community.

Our team set up multiple Ludo boards and welcomed local elders for a fun-filled morning of games, tea, and biscuits (especially appreciated by those on the losing end!). The game, a beloved tradition, was played with plenty of excitement and spirited exchanges—"You can’t move here!" "You have to go there!"

But it wasn’t just about play. We also held a listening session, where participants shared their concerns and challenges, and we took the time to listen, offering updates about an upcoming free medical clinic.

Everyone left with a smile, and requests for a rematch were already pouring in! It’s a reminder of how simple moments like these can create deeper connections and lasting impact.

This event is just one example of how we’re working to transform communities affected by extreme poverty and modern slavery, starting with the power of connection. Let’s keep the conversation going and build a stronger, more supportive community together.

Visit www.joyya.com to see how you can be a part of this journey.

Joyya

22/07/2025

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