Rwandan Cesta Collective handbag brand Receives Investment from Meghan Markle

Cesta baskets are handwoven of locally sourced, renewable resources, by talented female artisans in Rwanda, Africa who are best in class at their craft. They create consistent, fair-wage opportunities that empower women and drive sustainable income. Each piece is hand-finished in Italy and is a reflection of the brand's thoughtful approach to production.

Meghan Markle has recently garnered attention for her investment in Cesta Collective, a Rwandan handbag brand that empowers female artisans. Known for her keen investment choices and advocacy, Markle has become Cesta Collective's first equity investor and strategic partner, said Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, who co-founded the luxury bag company with Erin Ryder in 2018.

[PHOTO: Meghan Markle speaking during the celebrating Women’s Day in Texas at the SXSW Conference March 2024]

Markle's investment is not merely financial. She expressed her admiration for Cesta Collective's ethos. "Courtney and Erin have a really incredible and strategic business. The quality of a brand's products, the supply chain, ethical standards and practices, these are all things that I consider before making an investment," Markle told The New York Times. "With Cesta, I really started to understand how many women's lives were being impacted and uplifted through their work. That was incredibly important to me."

Cesta Collective, which specializes in basket bags that are handwoven by a collective of women in Rwanda and finished in Italy, caught Meghan's eye while she was online shopping. "I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands, when people are online looking for things or reading things, I'm trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories," she said.

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

In May 2023, Meghan attended a dinner date with Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and their spouses, wearing a Cesta bag. Following the event, the bag gained significant attention. Cesta's founders, Erin Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, observed a surge in interest almost immediately.

"We were heading to Mexico for a book shoot," Ryder told The New York Times. "As soon as we landed and connected to the internet, we saw that this previously slow-selling style was completely sold out. We received a flood of 'back in stock' sign-ups. We realized something must have triggered this surge, so Courtney investigated online. We ended up with more sales in one day than ever before."

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

The founders expressed their gratitude by sending Meghan a thank-you note. This led to a budding relationship, and this summer, Meghan agreed to become Cesta's first external investor. While she did not disclose the amount invested or her ownership percentage, Ryder and Fasciano confirmed that Meghan holds a minority stake in the company.

A company dedicated to transforming lives through handcrafted accessories, the brand's handbags are made from organic, vegetable-dyed sisal, not only supporting the local economy but also providing female artisans with consistent, fair-wage opportunities. Each bag takes three to seven days to create, with intricate color-block patterns that highlight the artisans' exceptional skill, raising the price to $750 (Rwf 999,750) and above.

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

Cesta Collective's mission is to empower women and drive sustainable income in Rwanda. The brand's partnership with Meghan Markle, a well-known advocate for social and economic empowerment, is a testament to the impact the company is making in the lives of its artisans.

Markle's investment and involvement with Cesta Collective are part of her broader efforts to support ethical and sustainable businesses that prioritize social impact. In recent years, she has invested in and championed various initiatives that align with her values, including a sustainable travel company, a mental health-focused tech platform, and a clean beauty brand.

 [PHOTO: Meghan Markle takes a selfie with children during her visit to Rwanda]

"Meghan's investment in Cesta Collective is more than just a financial transaction," said Fasciano. "She genuinely cares about the work we're doing and the lives we're impacting. Her guidance and expertise have been invaluable as we continue to grow the brand and expand our reach."

The partnership with Meghan Markle comes at a pivotal time for Cesta Collective. The brand has experienced significant growth in recent years, with its handwoven bags gaining popularity among fashion-conscious consumers who value craftsmanship and social impact. The investment from Markle is expected to help the company scale its operations, expand its product line, and further solidify its position as a leading ethical luxury brand.

"Meghan's belief in our mission and her commitment to supporting our work has been truly inspiring," said Ryder. "We're excited to continue collaborating with her to create meaningful change and empower even more women in Rwanda."

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

As Cesta Collective's profile continues to rise, the brand's impact on the lives of its artisans remains at the forefront of its mission. The company's dedication to sustainable, ethical production and its focus on empowering women have resonated with consumers and industry leaders alike, making it a standout example of how luxury brands can drive positive social change.

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

[PHOTO: A bag made by Cesta Collective, the bags are handmade by women in Rwanda, and the finish is made in Italy]

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