At A Beautiful Story, we believe that fair work goes beyond income. We put this vision into practice by offering practical support in addition to a fair living wage. This is what we call Living Wage Plus. Curious to see what this looks like in practice? Here is an inspiring example.
English lessons as a step towards personal growth
In our collaboration with our workshops in India and Nepal, it is not only about the development of our jewelry, but also about the development of the people who make it. That is why we stay in conversation with our workshops about what makers need to continue growing. Not only in their craft, but also in their self-confidence, independence and future.
When the women of Beads for Life shared that they needed English lessons, we took action. Since April 2026, we have been organizing a weekly English lesson programme. In Basic English Class, the women learn to speak, read and write English in a way that matches their own level. Some start with the basics, while others build on what they already know.
By eventually being able to read labels and instructions independently, they grow in their job. And by being able to communicate better with international customers and visitors, they grow in their involvement and self-confidence. This personal growth also has an impact on their lives outside the workshop, increasing their self-reliance and strengthening their independence.
Long story short: wondering what the ‘plus’ in Living Wage Plus means? Basic English Class at Beads for Life is, quite literally and figuratively, a textbook example.
Beads for Life – female empowerment as a foundation
Since 2008, we have been working together with Beads for Life in Kathmandu, a workshop specialized in beadwork. Almost all of our jewelry with beads is made here. By hand. By women, for women.
In essence, this is already a beautiful foundation for collaboration, but there is more. Beads for Life is committed to empowering disadvantaged women, many of whom come from economically vulnerable backgrounds with limited access to quality education. Everything is focused on the independence of these women, including offering childcare, training and a financial safety net for emergencies such as unexpected medical costs. The workshop feels like one big family, with a strong social mindset.
