"Zoi" water point renewal and protection project

A Message from the maker

I got my first sock monkey for a gift as a second year college student. I was perplexed that something so cute could be made out of something so basic, so I asked as many questions as I could think of, and then set to work creating a buddy for my newly gifted sock monkey. My journey continued, as I created a weird tan coloured sock monkey for my then boyfriend, now husband. This sad looking, poorly made, infused with love monkey sits on our mantle today. As I move forward in progressing my new business, this little creature is a brilliant and visible reminder of how far my skills have come; the fruit of hard work and persistance, and a reminder to not despise the day of small beginnings. 

I created Zoi, a line of handcrafted cuddle creatures, as a next chapter in my monkey making journey. The word Zoi is an alternate spelling for the name Zoe, which, in Greek, means life. It refers not to the bios type of life, but rather the richness of a heart that is engaged and fulfilled. Abundance and vitality would be suitable synonyms; the word “zoi” refers to inner life. My aims in the creation and selling of my products are threefold and simple:

1-Provide original, high quality cuddle buddies to my consumers. As a mom of 4 young children, I know how special and comforting a special toy can be, sometimes more so than a person. I have, on more occasions than I’d like to admit, found myself sleepily walking through a basement at 2 am to find Little Bear for a toddler who insists that he can’t sleep without him. I have also seen the sparks of imagination that fly when a young heart and a special toy engage in play. This sense of wonder and excitement for life is a perfect and tangible example of what “zoi” means.

2- Use the exchange of product/ payments to create moments of meaningful reflection. If 15% of the sale of each unit is contributed to a water provision project, and it takes approximately 50$ CAD to provide water for an individual in sub saharan Africa FOR LIFE, your decision to purchase from Zoi will have significant implications for the life of at least 1 person. That may not seem like a lot, but textbooks would confirm that even 1 person could change the course of history. Think Ghandi, Joan of Arc, that high school art teacher…your presence in the world is significant not only for you, but for the people around you, and you have the ability to effect lasting positive change. Your decision to purchase a unit is an easy, and beneficial to you way, to be a catalyst for the positive advancement of our society and world.

3- Support the provision of clean water to a community in the world. To me, water is so representative of the many things that unite and connect all people, all over, through out all of history, and its requirement for all living beings in order to maintain life. Clean water is so basic, foundational and fundamental for wellness and quality of life. The absence of clean water is a health issue, women’s rights issue, education issue….I could go on. The presence of clean water where there before was not, therefore, has transformational potential for a community that will ripple far beyond the generation who first received it. Simple, and yet so essential, clean water, for those who do not have it, is a fantastic leap towards living a life that is zoi.

As you look through my collection of cuddle creatures, you’ll be able to catch a tiny glimpse of the whimsy and inspiration that I have picked up through the myriad of big and seemingly small experiences I’ve had throughout my life. Some monkeys have been brought to life through bed time conversations that end with “mommy, you should make a music monkey too!”, others as a result of my yearning to hold on to a special moment just a little longer. All have been designed with purpose and hand crafted with love. I hope as you read and consider supporting my small company that you too are inspired to move forward in creating a life that you love and are excited to wake up to everyday. You know, that zoi life.

I'll be updating regularly, so check back often to see how your purchase has contributed to this water point renewal and protection project. Like and share us on Facebook @ ZoiGlobal. Tag us enjoying your cuddle creature. Gift a Zoi product. Tell your friends.

Upwards and onwards my friends,

-Aja