Our Mission

Designed For Joy provides women in crisis with stability through temporary transitional employment. These women may be emerging from substance use, homelessness, justice involvement, domestic situations, or human trafficking. We provide resources, encouragement, and a safe place to be. We envision a community where every woman has the opportunity to earn a competitive wage through dignified work.

View Our Impact

193

artisans provided with safe and dignified work

$703,010

in competitive wages earned by our artisans

82%

of artisans go on to full time work

Our artisans create beautiful leather handbags and accessories in our Raleigh, NC studio.

We guide artisans every step of the way as they learn how to handcraft our leather products.

Artisans craft our Abigail handbag

A finished Abigail handbag

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"At Designed For Joy, I learned I'm a hard worker. I also gained a better understanding of self worth. Designed For Joy also taught me that not all women are against me."

- Trafficking Survivor, Artisan

"Because of Designed For Joy, I have hope. I have dignity. I have support. I have courage. I have purpose! Because of Designed for Joy, I am able to press forward and pursue THE BEST LIFE possible for myself and my two boys!"

- Emerging from Homelessness, Artisan

”Designed For Joy is the best part of my life. It is the only place in my life where I feel at peace and happy. I don’t want to leave at the end of the day. It’s the only positive environment I experience in my life right now. I know I can share my struggles freely and not be judged.”

Emerging from instability, Artisan

Explore Our Products

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Crossbody & Sling Handbags

Crossbody & Sling Bags
Shoulder & Top Handle Bags

Shoulder Bags
Leather_Passport_Covers

Work & Travel Bags
Crossbody Straps

Crossbody Straps

New Arrivals

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Daphne Top Handle Satchel HandbagDaphne Top Handle Satchel Handbag
Daphne Top Handle Satchel Handbag Sale price$179.00
Color
Abigail Shoulder HandbagAbigail Shoulder Handbag
Abigail Shoulder Handbag Sale price$149.00
Color +2
Mae Phone Mini Crossbody HandbagMae Phone Mini Crossbody Handbag
Mae Phone Mini Crossbody Handbag Sale price$74.00
Color
Ruby Crossbody Sling HandbagRuby Crossbody Sling Handbag
Ruby Crossbody Sling Handbag Sale price$99.00
Color +1
Willa Crossbody HandbagWilla Crossbody Handbag
Willa Crossbody Handbag Sale price$149.00
Color +1
Adele Wristlet HandbagAdele Wristlet Handbag
Adele Wristlet Handbag Sale price$64.00
Color +1
Dorothy Shoulder HandbagDorothy Shoulder Handbag
Dorothy Shoulder Handbag Sale price$169.00

We help artisans find confidence in themselves, learn to trust community, and to grow in their faith while working with Designed For Joy. Our goal is for artisans to transition to full-time work with marketable skills and a solid job reference.

Empowering Women Through Work

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We offer a 7-day work program with daily cash pay for women needing immediate funds and a 3-month program for those seeking work experience. In our Raleigh studio, these women handcraft beautiful leather handbags. They earn a competitive wage while working in a safe, supportive space.

A Path to Dignity

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Get Involved!

Volunteers enrich their lives and ours by spending a little time in our studio. Join us!

Donate
Provide a meal
Volunteer in our retail shop
Volunteer at vendor events
Volunteer in production
We love our volunteers!
"I volunteer to learn, to interact with others, to serve, to find purpose, to help build this joyful community, and to be a part of lasting positive change."

Cynthia, Volunteer from Raleigh

A Message from our Founders