Paper Beads

So many beads!  Necklaces and bracelets and earrings in every color you can imagine.  The women (and a few men) come bearing their creations with pride.  "I made this," say their beaming smiles, as they lay their work in front of us for inspection.  Gifts on the altar.

Much product passes muster. But not all. Some we send back. It needs to be reworked, smoothed out, tightened up — like Cherry said.  Quality over quantity is the lesson our team teaches, but always with the respect that is due.

In a place where need is in fullest supply, commercial lessons are difficult to deliver and to receive.  How do you say to the budding, hungry artisan, "Not quite good enough. Try again."?   You say it carefully and with consideration.

How wonderful if all the world's commerce were conducted so.

                                                                                           Reported by Michael Lewis