A quick cuppa with… Fritha Vincent

Meet the stitcher who is empowering women, one pillow at a time.

The sky's the limit

Former charity fundraiser, Fritha Vincent first started to create 'secret pillows' – cushions made in brightly coloured cotton that unfold into blankets for her newly-wed friends. Little did she know her pillows would be transforming the lives of hundreds of women across India only a week later... “I was travelling across India with a charity when I met a group of women in Wayanad. These girls were all trained sewers, but were making a living from layering flowers together for people to offer to Hindu gods. Eyeing a sewing machine, I asked them why they didn't buy some fabric and make something? At this, the women lit up and said they'd love to, but they didn’t feel there was the market for it.” It was at this moment that Fritha had an epiphany; she realised she could teach the women how to create her pillow design and she would help them sell it on the international market. As a result, Secret Projects was born!

Unfold the power

Since 2014, Secret Projects has trained over 500 Indian women to make charming products such as the Secret Pillow and the Secret Sari – a pouch that transforms into a beach dress. The women are paid over twice the minimum wage, allowing them to gain financial independence and security for themselves and their family. The Secret Projects founder recalls an inspiring story of a young woman who was empowered by the enterprise: “She was only 23-years-old when I met her, and was brought up in an urban slum so, although her English was impeccable, the economic challenges she faced prevented her from flourishing. Today, she's one of our most valued product managers and trainers! Not only has her life massively improved, but she's also impacting the lives of others. This means so many women are granted the opportunities we offer – it really is a cycle of empowerment.”

Cycle of empowerment

Fritha's incredible enterprise has already translated into astounding achievements. This year, she won the Prix Clarins Award which recognises inspirational women who improve the lives of the next generation. Fritha was over the moon with the award, and explains to us how the prize money will be used for Secret Projects: “I plan to set up a ‘Prevention Through Production’ programme in West Bengal. We'll be working with vulnerable women who, by earning money through Secret Projects, will be protected from traffickers. We're excited to say that the Secret Sari will be the main product of this project!”

Over to you

If you were shopping in Camden this July, you might have spotted Fritha showcasing Secret Projects makes in a pop-up shop. “One of my sale strategies is to collaborate with other ethical sellers, so we can learn each other's creative and quirky ways and, eventually have a bigger impact on the world. In the shop, we had all of our products on show, including Secret Projects' new mini skirts, shrugs and lungis.” However, it was the Secret Sari that remained a firm favourite in the heatwave: “People wanted to get changed into it right away!” laughs Fritha. Fritha is also launching her first-ever customer trip to South India! It will offer the chance to experience backstage India and to spend time with the Secret Projects team and their inspiring makers. Visiting the pop-up store isn't the only way you can get involved with the organisation. Fritha invites you to be a part of the next chapter – start by checking out the website at secretprojects.org and following on Instagram @secret.projects. You never know, you could find yourself joining Fritha on her South India trip!