Studio Samuel Foundation

Providing opportunity for women & girls in Ethiopia through education, healthcare and community. Breaking the cycle of poverty with dignity – one woman at a time.

Studio Samuel Foundation is an NGO founded by Tamara Horton, FIT graduate and recently named Global Ambassador to Ethiopia, by Women's Campaign International. Studio Samuel Foundation launched in April 2012 with the mission of providing life skills to vulnerable young women in Ethiopia. Horton spearheads design and marketing for Studio Samuel’s Fair Trade fashion line from New York City and maintains sourcing and production in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, teaming with women who have aged out of the orphanage system. All production adheres to the Workers First business model - providing team members with occupational training, medical and dental care (via The LeAlem Higher Clinic) and a location created to be a daily safe haven. Final goods must meet preset environmentally sustainable and quality control standards. Studio Samuel launched programs in April 2013 to expand its scope of impact in Ethiopia, to also reach girls before they age out of the orphanage system and women in focus communities who are at risk of an eternity of poverty. The 1Hundred Girls Impact Plan aims to reach over 100 Ethiopian young women in 2013, inclusive of education, HIV awareness, healthcare, self-defense training, maternal health, feminine hygiene, occupational training, mentoring and community groups, directly arming these young women with necessary tools for the next phase of their lives. By facilitating local relationships on the ground, rather than offering a hand-out, Studio Samuel is helping women break the cycle of poverty they were born into - with dignity - one woman at a time.