By Lori Zimmer, Source: Ecouterre

The Made in the Dark team designed a unique “color-scent language” that associates individual colors of beads with specific aromas, say lime for bright green or sandalwood for burgundy.

Working with the Blind People’s Association and the Andh Kanya School, women who have lost their site will learn to make beautiful handcrafted jewelry, that are then sold to ethical retailers. The gorgeous hand beaded designs are part of a growing cultural demand of ethical products, bought by middle class women in India.

Made In the Dark’s innovative program gives the power of creativity back to these women who have lost their sight, while also enabling them to support themselves. Each bead is scented to correspond with a specific color, allowing the artisan to keep track of their design through the delight of perfume. The ending wearer also gets the benefit of a beautiful necklace that wafts alluring aromas around her neck throughout the day.

Over 15 million people in India suffer from sight problems, so companies like Made In the Dark create a solution for sustainable jobs, allowing the disabled to be more independent, while exercising a creative skill.