West African artisans get educated in business

By Register Business Staff

Napa resident Elaine Bellezza, who founded Mia Mali, a business aimed at helping poor artisans of Mali, West Africa develop business skills, wants to share their talents with Napans.

Bellezza helped Malians design products and  linked them with international markets.

She is displaying some of their work this weekend in Napa in a private show and sale.

Her vision was to create a viable profit-making business with local and international sales while also generating employment for artisans.

When the time came for Bellezza to return to the U.S., she turned the business over to her staff, a group of five Malians.

Bellezza is holding an exhibition and sale of a part of her collection of art from the West Africa.

The exhibition and sale is Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1058 Second Ave., near Coombsville Road.

Economic opportunity is the only way for individuals to change their lives and Mia Mali was one instrument helping create change.

The collection includes rare statues and masks, textiles, jewelry, ancient pottery, ceremonial objects and more.

Info, www.miamali.com/sale.htm or (415) 488-7740.

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