At Neococo Collective, every product we create is more than just a beautiful piece of embroidery or textile art, it’s a journey of healing, empowerment, and cultural storytelling. Our program is thoughtfully designed to support refugee, immigrant, and displaced women as they rebuild their lives through creativity and community. The process from concept to final product is deeply rooted in collaboration, tradition, and resilience.
The journey begins when a woman is introduced to Neococo through our resettlement partners. Many of these women arrive with incredible untapped talents in embroidery, crochet, weaving, and knitting, skills passed down through generations from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Congo, and Guatemala. During the first few weeks, participants receive hands-on training, materials, and a welcoming space to ease into the program at their own pace. Here, they begin creating sample swatches and designs while participating in workshops on technique, design thinking, and storytelling.
Rather than asking artisans to conform to a single aesthetic, we encourage them to lead with their cultural knowledge. Their stitches reflect the motifs of home; floral patterns from Central America, geometric borders from the Middle East, or animal symbolism from West African cultures. In weekly design circles, artisans discuss what their work means to them and how their stories influence each product. The designs evolve through open conversation and shared feedback, honoring tradition while fostering growth and innovation.
Once a design is finalized, it moves into small-batch production. Throughout this stage, artisans continue to refine their skills and build confidence—not only as creators, but as contributors to a larger vision. Every product sold supports not just a paycheck, but an identity reclaimed through dignified work. The artisans see their creations appreciated by customers around the world, which reinforces a sense of pride and visibility that many lost during displacement.
This process also allows each woman to explore what success means for her. Some remain in the program and take on leadership roles, mentoring newer participants. Others use the income and business education they receive to launch their own ventures, supported by our Neococo Funding Program. For example, one artisan from Afghanistan used her earnings to enroll in a baking program and is now working to open her own bakery. Another became a certified medical sterile technician through the savings she built while working with us.
Ultimately, each product is a piece of a much larger tapestry, woven with stories of survival, migration, motherhood, and hope. Through their art, Neococo artisans not only preserve their cultural heritage but also transform their futures. With every stitch, they are healing, growing, and leading.
Our products are not just handmade, they’re heart-made, shaped by the hands and stories of women reclaiming their power one thread at a time. When you support Neococo, you’re not just purchasing an item; you’re investing in lives, traditions, and the transformative power of community.
