About
Margaret & Emma is a company focused on helping women in rural areas of East Africa to become more independent through reliable income. By purchasing items from M&E, you have a direct impact on women and their families.
Margaret & Emma currently works with 15 groups of women. Many of the women are widowed, have many children and are infected with HIV. Selling crafts allows these women to pay their medical expenses, pay school fees for their children, and to support their families.
​
Margaret & Emma buys their products outright. This means that the women making the products get paid when the products picked up from the village. In 2017, Margaret & Emma began sending 5% of our profits back to the groups as a profit share. We will contribute an additional 5% to a nonprofit that will provide school fees for children in rural Uganda.
In 2009, Founder Rachel Simms spent 3 months teaching in Southern Uganda. SInce that time, Rachel has been trying to find a way to work with the people who inspired her.
"So many of the rural women are single mothers trying to send their children to school, pay medical expenses, grow crops for food, and run the household. These women have inspired me to work hard and appreciate all I've been given. I've always wanted to give back, and this is the perfect opportunity. Meeting these women, their children, and seeing them work has been an amazing experience.
Many people have asked where the name 'Margaret & Emma' came from. Margaret (AKA Peggy) is my paternal grandmother, and Emma is my maternal grandmother. Family has played such an important role in my life, and this is a way for me to thank them. My grandmothers are two of the most independant, stubborn, generous, and kindest women I've ever met. I hope to channel their energy and determination in all company endeavors."
-Rachel Simms - Founder
Products are currently sold online, at house parties, and other events. Go to our events page to find events near you.
If you're interested in hosting a house party, or if you are a retailer interested in selling M&E products, please visit our contact page.
From left to right; namesake Emma, founder Rachel Simms, and namesake Margaret (AKA Peggy)