Backpacks are one of the few accessories that never go out of style. Wisely, two young entrepreneurs came up with the idea of customized totes (bags) made from the local fabrics of different countries–Taaluma Totes! This means if you cannot afford to travel to the country of your dreams, a piece of it, along with a story can come to you in tote form. The fabrics these bags are made are amazing, giving you a picture of the country and the cultures they originate from. Exotic countries like Uganda, Indonesia, Guatemala, and Mali can be yours for just $65–right in the price range of college students!
These totes are really a quality product with the mission of giving back. In fact, the Virginia facility where they are assembled provides jobs for disabled people. Additionally, twenty percent of the profits from the bag go back to the country of origin, funding microloans for a citizen there. Awesome right? Recently, its founders Jack DuFour and Alley Heffern appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank. Although none of the investors bit, we agree with their mission and products wholeheartedly. In fact, one of the Mali totes (as seen above) will soon be in my possession! Check out some of the totes below and get your own by checking out their website, www.carryacountry.com.
