“Liz Forkin Bohannon isn’t interested in promoting

impoverished Africans - she’s looking to create industry in some of

the continent’s most destitute areas.” - Los Angeles Times

“Handmade by women in Uganda, the straps of these

stylish sandals are interchangeable and can be worn lots of different ways.

Aren't they gorgeous? A pair of these will inspire the

recipient to make plans for a mid-winter tropical

escape.”- Martha Stewart

“Not only are Sseko sandals supercute with interchangeable straps

that can be tied dozens of ways but your purchase helps

pay for Ugandan women’s college

education!” -People StyleWatch

“Consider it one small step for your wardrobe- and one giant

leap toward making a difference.” -SHAPE Magazine

“In the past year, Sseko Designs founder Liz Bohannon has sold more than a thousand pairs of

sandals to customers around the world. The sandals are

transformative, meaning that they can be styled in multiple ways with multiple strap patterns, and each pair is handmade by a group of

young women in Uganda who are paid full-time salaries that allow

them to go to college in a country where women often don't make it to

university.” - KC Free Press

“Another brand that helps women is Sseko Designs, a sandal company that employs young women in Uganda so they can raise money for a university education. Started by University of Missouri grad Liz Forkin Bohannon, the simple sandals consist of a sole and a colorful ribbon, which can be replaced or tied in different ways to mix up the look.

Canfield said the shoe is Mustard Seed’s most popular item. “Sseko sandals was the No. 1 vendor in June, and it’s on track to be the No. 1 in July,” Canfield said.”

-Columbia Daily Tribune

“Sseko offers work to Ugandan women who have completed secondary school and are waiting to start University.  It’s often hard for these bright young women to find fair work in the current Ugandan society.  Most of the money they earn at Sseko goes toward funding their further education.  Sseko builds relationships with their girls and invests in their lives. They love to tell their stories, laugh with them, and encourage them.  And they want these girls to get their education and then come help run the company... I was finally able to get my own pair a few weeks ago and I LOVE them.” - Vita Familae

“Lucky for us, Sseko gives us a very fashionable way to support the cause with their gorgeous handmade sandals,

and they just started offering custom designs for brides and bridesmaids.” -MimiandMeg.com

“The Sseko Designs sandals come in a variety of colors and patterns and are perfect for spring and summer. Not only are these sandals stylish, they

are also very versatile because the straps are interchangeable!”

-BeautyGirlMag.com

“Sseko (pronounced “say-ko”), a not-for-profit enterprise that helps young

Ugandan women earn, learn and grow during the nine-month gap between

secondary school and university.” -Ecouterre

“The word about Sseko has spread like wildfire across North America! Everyone can’t help but fall in love with the sandals and the

story. There’s a lot of Sseko love in Canada but no

Canadian retailers. Until now!”

-Orangefish

“We haven’t quite reached sandal weather here in Colorado, but we’re getting close. I can’t wait to try out my pair of Sseko Sandals. They’ve been sitting in my closet for months now, tempting me to run away to a tropical island. In another month or so, when I can once again bend over and tie my own shoes, I’m predicting they’ll be my favorite footwear. I love that the straps can be tied so many ways, or even switched out for other straps. I especially love their story — helping bright young women in Uganda to continue their education.” -Design Mom

“As a general rule, the education system in Australia allows for a somewhat seamless transition between high school and university. Students in Uganda, females in particular, are not always so fortunate...Sseko Designs strives to empower its employees with a sense of sustainable economic independence, and encourages responsible and proactive consumerism on a global scale.” - Map Street Editors, Map Magazine

“This socially proactive ‘not-just-for-profit’ enterprise recognizes the power of business

and responsible consumerism to support sustainable economic development which in

turn affects a country’s official systems.” -Chimes

“My heart and vision for entrepreneurship is to bring down the walls between ‘making

money’ and ‘doing good’.” -Ingram’s

“Since it’s small beginnings in December 2008, Sseko has sent its first three Ugandan employees to

University, and seven more women are currently on their way.”

-The Inspired African

“Liz and Ben Bohannon are commanding your toes to rejoice. (Yes, that IS their company motto!) Why, you may ask? Because now your toes can be clothed in adorable sandals the Kansas City couple design and market to help raise money to send impoverished Ugandan girls to university. But this isn’t about handouts.” -Uncommon Lifestyle

“Sseko Designs is—to us—the perfect fair trade success story. And it’s also an example of a company that isn’t Fair Trade Certified, yet

still manages to dramatically affect the community in which it operates.”

-HerBusyLife

“Liz named the line Sseko which comes from the Ugandan word enseko meaning "laughter." The sandals that the girls make are adorable and versatile. You can tie them any way you like and

swap out different color straps for a new look.”

-Take Part

“The greatest thing is to know that my purchase helps support the education and empowerment

of the beautiful Ugandan women who make them.”

-wonderfullymade

“Other than buying the girls’ handiwork, there are additional ways to get involved. Sseko are looking for interns, ambassadors, and house party hosts, to encourage you to advocate on behalf of young women worldwide, and contribute to the societies and economies of developing countries. Everyone’s a winner, so hop online and help the girls get to uni – they deserve a shot, same as you.” - 3Things, OxFam Australia

“Liz Bohannon, a journalist, created these sandals as a way

to help provide women in Uganda to afford a University education.It’s really amazing,

oh and of course these sandals are wicked.”

- Bjauna Parker, blogger & artist

“Sseko Designs is a wonderful sandal company with interchangeable straps that can be tied in hundreds of different ways!  The base of the sandal is made from high quality leather and the interchangeability of the straps makes them something you can use for a lifetime!” - Does Mommy Love It?

“I just wanted to share a link to these sandals which are SO CUTE and benefit a pretty amazing group of

women in Uganda... would definitely make great gifts.”

- La Réunion Life

“Here at Global Sistergoods, we are lucky to be part of a growing movement of change for women the world over. I recently had the honor of meeting Liz Forkin Bohannon, founder of SSkeo Designs. Sskeo makes the cutest sandals ever while providing young women in Uganda with an income and a bridge to university.” - Global Sistergoods

“Isn't this a great organization? Not only does the purchase of some sandals get you an entirely unique pair of shoes but it also supports the education of someone! The fabric of the sandals changes with what is available for purchase at the market! ...I was introduced to Sseko Sandals by a friend about 6 months ago. As an advocate of women and women's education I was immediately interested in this business. The dream of Liz Forkin Bohannon, Sseko Sandals is a Ugandan based business that employees women to help fund their education.” - Katie Lou Who’s Blog, Meanderings

“I am in love. Not only are these super cute, but they are created by young impoverished women of Uganda trying to earn their tuition for university! Being that my sister has such a heart for Uganda, I light up when I see it mentioned. Anywhere. And when I saw these, I was beyond giddy. I have a wonderful necklace made by Ugandan women trying to earn a living, and now I will be investing in some of these beautiful shoes.” - Tesoro Photography

“Running Sseko Designs is not only professional but personal passion for Liz. During her trip to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, she noticed the lack of opportunity and funds for women to attend a university.  From

there, she was inspired to dream up a plan to help her new found friends. We had a chance to interview Liz and one ambassador who spends her spare time helping to spread the love of the sandals and inspiration to

other women.  Liz shares with us her story on how she made that dream of Sseko come true. What started as a trip to Kampala resulted in a life changing experience for Liz and several women in Uganda and touched

people all over the world.” -Running with Heels

“Sseko Designs is a great little social entrepreneurship company that makes ladies sandals with a passion for

helping young women in Uganda.  I was able to go and visit the ladies and see the sandals being made.  

Cameron, one of the awesome ladies who works there was kind enough to answer some questions for me

about their company so I could share with you guys.” -ToTellAStory.org

“One of our favorite products in the store are these gorgeous, handmade, mix-and-match strappy sandals that come to us all the way from Uganda. They are the essence of fashion meeting function, with plenty of innovation and generosity thrown in there too....we promise, you'll fall in love with them.” - Shop Good

“Liz Bohannon speaks passionately on the power of social enterprise in creating

sustainable change—her dedication and optimism is so inspiring!”

Social Alterations

“These sandals represent hope and love and the soul

of women creating something beautiful with meaning. When you put

these sandals on your feet, your soul awakens to the possibility of just about

anything.” -The Bright Side Project

“I love shoes. I love shoes with a cause

even more.” -June and Bear

“Liz Bohannon is accustomed to women stopping her when she is out and about or in coffee shops where she frequently works on her laptop. They ask about her unusual sandals. ‘We’ve been blown away from the feedback,’ Bohannon, Kansas City, Mo., said of her signature sandals. ‘The rate of reception is pretty hot.’ Last year she launched Sseko Designs, a socially conscientious company producing sandals made by Ugandan women.” - Wednesday Sun

“Have you heard of Sseko Designs??? I know it is the end of summer… and unfortunately today has been a very chilly fall day in Fort Collins. But I can’t help but be excited about these Sandals. A. I think they are super cute and B. I believe in what is happening because of them.” - McKenzie Jay

“Sseko (pronounced \say-ko\ ) is a Not-Just-For-Profit business that makes affordable, cool sandals

and in doing so helps young, bright Uganda women continue their education.  Such a great cause and I

love that the sandals come in so many different colors/fabrics and that you can even dress a whole

wedding party in them.” - GottaLove

“...Sseko Designs is the perfect fair trade success story.,, As Liz says, ‘Sustainable business and empowering women has an integral role in alleviating global poverty.’ Yes, indeed. P.S. Liz went on to marry her business partner and now they’re on a year-long expedition to bring Sseko House Parties to cities across the nation. So maybe it’s a love story, too.” - Eco Stiletto

“As soon as I saw the sandals, I immediately fell in love. Then I read the

story of how it came about. wow. what an incredible organization (not to mention that the founder, liz is only 24 years old)! Africa has a special place in my heart for

many reasons, so naturally, the story behind these sandals pulled on my heart strings.”

-Truth in My Pocket

“In the past year, Sseko Designs founder Liz Bohannon has sold more than a thousand pairs of

sandals to customers around the world. The

sandals are transformative, meaning that they can be

styled in multiple ways with multiple strap patterns, and each pair is handmade by a group of young women in Uganda who are paid full-

time salaries that allow them to go to college in a

country where women often don’t make it to

university. I am so enamored and impressed by what Liz Bohannon is doing with this incredible

for-benefit company.” Fashion Loves People

“...It combines two of my favorite things: cute shoes… and a girl with an amazing vision to improve the lives of others! Sseko Designs {“say.co”} partners with an all-girl’s school in Kampala, Uganda and employs recent high school graduates to make these sandals as a way to earn money to continue on to University. Founder Liz Forkin is passionate about empowering women in developing countries, and she’s created such an artistic way to contribute.” - Style Notes

“Two young entrepreneurs are giving Ugandan women hope for the future

through sandals. Liz Forkin-Bohannon and her husband, Ben, started Sseko Designs to help these women achieve

their dreams of a college education by partnering with them to make designer

sandals for sale in the United States.” - University of Missouri Extension

“The $40-42 sandals come in patterned and solid fabric sourced from the local market in Kampala, or they can

be custom made to match your wedding. The straps are interchangeable, too, so they don't have to be a one outfit wonder...and there's even a YouTube channe

l devoted to how-tos for lacing 'em up.” - ReadyMade

“Thankfully, there is a very driven, passionate young woman that found out about this and changed it all...Liz Forkin Bohannon graduated from college, and set out to find her purpose and passion in life. She found herself in Uganda, meeting other women around her age that were struggling to educate themselves because of their financial situations. Therefore, Sseko was started...I find this story to be so inspiring. It is so easy to look at a situation and think “Oh, that must be hard,” or “I can’t imagine,” and we walk away. Liz did not just walk away though; she saw a need and she met it. She saw young women’s futures. It is also easy to ignore dreams and aspirations because we think it is too hard or impossible.”

- Lily Girls Magazine

“Sseko (pronounced \say-ko\ ) is a Not-Just-For-Profit business that makes affordable, cool sandals and in doing

so helps young, bright Uganda women continue their education.  Such a great cause and I love that the sandals

come in so many different colors/fabrics and that you can even dress a whole wedding party in them...”

- GottaLove

Nike vs. Sseko “Although the Nike slogan advises

customers to “Just do it,” social activists are asking Nike to just pay

their workers. Nike has been accused of not paying Honduran

employees, placing them in terrible working conditions and owing workers over $2.2 million. For

alternative footwear, Sseko is an option. Sseko sandals are handmade

by Ugandan women who are paid fair wages for their work. The

company also guarantees its workers enough pay to receive a better

education and more opportunities in the future.”

- VOX

“The mission of the organization is amazing, as are the sandals themselves.”

-College Prepster

“The money from these sandals goes towards the empowerment of women through education. By purchasing these sandals you are helping Uganda

up their count of female doctors, lawyers and professionals.” -One Mango Tree

“Believing that although consumerism makes

many empty promises, responsible and

proactive consumerism has the ability to change

lives.” - Magnifeco

“Sandal company, Sseko changes lives in Uganda: Liz Forkin is the founder of sandal making company called Sseko

Designs. In Autumn 2008, on a whim, she went to Uganda hoping her knowledge in Journalism and Communications would assist a

youth development organisation. Unbeknown to her, ambition gave her other ideas.”

- Impulse Online

“In October, Simonetti got Sseko Designs founder Liz Bohannon to come speak to the students about the sandals and their unique "not-just-for-profit" business model. Simonetti said the girls became inspired by Bohannon and wanted to sell the sandals on campus. They were also impressed, Simonetti said, that such a small, seemingly simple system could produce big results. ‘It was good for the kids to hear how you don't have to do anything huge,’ Simonetti said. Now Simonetti estimates that more than 100 girls are wearing the sandals, about 20 percent of the 500 students who attend the all-girls school.” - Mercury News

“As women, I think (most of us) are born with a shoe gene. I've never had a problem thwarting the mass consumerism gene, but when it comes to shoes, I swear my brain starts releasing happy chemicals. It must be true. After all, there are women out there who have entire closets dedicated to their shoes (no, I'm not jealous, I swear...). So I was delighted to read about Sseko Designs, a cause related, women-helping-women kind of company, whose shoes have the power to change lives. This releases happy chemicals PLUS all over good feeling!” - Earthly Affair

“If you make a conscious effort in calculating the effects of each and every of your fashion purchases, then congratulations, it’s definitely not easy to to live and consume with a heart. But here’s one sandal company that makes making that choice so much easier: Sseko Designs (pronounced say-ko). Not only are their sandals beautiful, but the Not-Just-For-Profit business directly helps in bringing bright but socially oppressed Ugandan women to the forefront, giving them the opportunity to further their education, and ultimately, building better futures and leading better lives.” - YourNextShoes.com

“The sustainable relationship goes both ways: Sseko relies on the women as much as they rely on the company. Bohannon has invested so much time and money into the women that if something were to happen to one of them, the effects would ripple all the way through to her apartment in Kansas City.

America is often afraid to ask Africa for anything, Bohannon said. “When someone can see in you that you don’t trust in them or believe in them, then that’s not promising,” she said. But working together makes for “really beautiful, authentic relationships.” -Columbia Daily Tribune

“I don’t remember how I came across Sseko Designs. It was probably another great find from Twitter to be honest. I was in love with Sseko sandals from the moment I saw them. It could have been the very cute website, the pretty feet that are photographed with the shoes, the colourful fabrics, but it was probably just the super rootin tootin darn cute sandals themselves. I mean look at them! I’ve been drooling over a pair for a while now and I finally had a reason to purchase some. I’ll be taking these babies with me to Thailand in December (more about that coming soon). There is so much to love about Sseko Designs.” - Brosnan Photographic

“This is an example of the true determination of the human spirit and the overall awesomeness that is being a woman. These ladies are nothing short of

inspirational with their hard work, strength and perseverance. Plus, this shows us that a woman’s

love of shoes is universal!” -The Fashionable Housewife

“What better than a company that is built on caring & humanity

for others! This in itself makes the

product a 100x better than most.”

-Tatam Family Reviews

to help build not only their dreams, but in turn the dreams of the lives they themselves continued to touch. And all of this becomes possible through a very simple, yet beautiful, pair of sandals- shoes

beautifully tied to dreams. -Green Spot Blue World

The goal of Sseko Designs is two-fold: provide university tuition for these promising young women through a

sustainable monthly income, while also contributing to the overall economic development of Uganda. So when you want

to free your toes this spring, why not support women, education, and sustainable economic development with Sseko

Designs. -Green Eyed Monster

“When you purchase Ssekos, you make a difference in the lives of young women in Uganda. By

helping them further their education, you give them a valuable opportunity

to change their communities.” -FamilyHopeLove

“Not only is this collection absolutely stunning, all of the

custom bridal straps are made with silk duponi fabric

to give the sandals a rich, beautiful texture.”

-Hawaii Bride and Groom

“Getting married somewhere sunny? If so these sandals by Sseko Designs are perfect for you and your bridesmaids. They feel a bit

Grecian and are totally great for wearing again and again.” -Martha Stewart Weddings

“I was delighted to read about

Sseko Designs, a cause related,

women-helping-women kind of

company, whose shoes have the

power to change lives.”

Earthly Affairs

“Sseko Designs is such a great company- not only do they have beautiful

sandals for you and your bridesmaids, they also

employ young women in Uganda so they can earn money to continue their

education.” -Snippet and Ink

“Her sandals have been a hit at weddings since they’re easy to match,

affordable, and valuable since they can be worn years after the wedding

day.” -Marriage.com

“The minute we learned about Sseko Designs we couldn’t help but fall in love with their fabulous shoes and purpose

behind the company.” -Junebug Weddings

“One of the best parts of these sandals is that the

straps are interchangeable, so you can have many different looks without

spending tons of money. Super adorable, no?”

-Budget Savvy Bride

“Seeing a happy Sseko bride is still one of my

favorites parts of the job Most often, the brides

double up and give Ssekos as their bridal party gift.

Since the bridesmaids can come back for more straps, long after the wedding is over, it is

perfect!” -Middle of the Map Weddings

“What better way to a pain free wedding day,

we all know how stressful weddings can be and to walk in heels

for over five to eight hours can be painful. Ssesko can design any sandals to match the

colours of your wedding day, to look beautiful

and pain free!!!” -Shadders