Challenge:
Ms. Spasika Tasevska has been an inspiration and a driving force for a group of 240 women and 34 teenagers from the town of Krusevo in her endeavour to turn her ideas, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit into projects that can trigger social change and improve the economy in this tiny town in the heart of Macedonia.  But, as she says, never did she imagine that her pillows would decorate the sofas on the “Martha Stewart Show” or that stars like Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in the movie “Lake House” would take a nap on them.  “Cvet” is a women’s non-governmental organization of highly skilled knitters, crotchetiers and embroiderers of all ages.  The main purpose of the organization is to engage women in manufacturing specific handicrafts that are typical of the region of Krusevo, thus empowering them.  

Initiative:
From 2002 to 2005, Aid to Artisans, a USAID-funded project, helped Macedonians artisans tailor their handicraft production to the needs of local and export markets.  In August 2002, Ms. Taseska attended a ten-day Market Readiness Training for entrepreneurs and leaders of handicraft organizations.  Apart from the unique hands-on training experience which helped her build a successful business, Ms. Tasevska was able to exhibit her products at the New York Gift Fair and establish contacts that turned into business deals.  After the training, Cvet worked on contemporary designs by ATA designers Keith Recker, Margaret Wood and Lynda Grose, and learned how to expertly apply basic, speedy crochet and embroidery techniques to a series of home accessories destined for the US market.

Results:
Since 2003, Cvet has been producing clothes, unique pillow designs and other home accessories for renowned companies like Klein Reid in the US and Soukotyssu in France. They have exhibited their pillows at many international fairs, including the New York International Gift Fair, Tendence Ambiente in Frankfurt and La Maison in Paris.  A project with the Parsons School of Design resulted in a fashion show attended by leading buyers and designers. The Macedonian-made products were featured as one of the 18 collections of clothes juried, placing fifth. Cvet continuously receives offers for cooperation from countries like Slovenia and Greece, or from projects sponsored by the World Bank, UNICEF or Swiss Embassy. In some cases, Cvet withdraws, due to lack of necessary space, given that their current premises do not allow them to operate at a level that meets demand.

Quote:
Spasika Tasevska, President of “Cvet” and honorary member of the Professional Women’s Advisory Board of the American Biographical Institute, says: ”Our greatest achievement is that many of our handcrafted clothes have been sold in the fashion centres of the world, and that many homes worldwide have been decorated with the products made by skilled Krusevo women. This gives us hope, strength and confidence that [with a little external support] we can add even more value and make positive change for the entire region”.