Social entrepreneur Kathy Wong is on a mission to make a difference for children living in extreme poverty
This week's Mojo Maker is about an incredible woman called Kathy Wong, founder of social enterprise Moeloco, which is positively impacting the lives of children living in poverty. Amy and I first met Kathy at a self-development workshop we were attending, where she was a fellow attendee.
The thing that struck me instantly about Kathy was that the woman OOZED mojo. You know that little "je ne sais quoi" that some people seem to have?
She was sexy and confident, and so warm and lovely. As soon as she spoke you knew she was smart and driven too, a woman on a mission. She was totally authentic, and completely at ease with herself.
Within just a few minutes I discovered something else about Kathy - it was clear she had discovered her true passion and purpose in life, and was living it.
Coincidence? I was intrigued to find out more about what made this woman tick, and the role passion and purpose play in getting our mojo flowing.
So when Kathy told us about the #1000shoesforIndia campaign she was launching and that she needed our help, we thought it was a great opportunity for Mummy Mojo to get behind her and support a worthwhile cause, and at the same time find out a bit more about the woman making it all happen.
The thing that struck me instantly about Kathy was that the woman OOZED mojo.
Within just a few minutes I discovered something else about Kathy - it was clear she had discovered her true passion and purpose in life, and was living it.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to create Moeloco
I am a serial entrepreneur having had three businesses in the past I created and ran. The last one, a design branding company working with large corporates, allowed me to retire in my early forties and live my dream life for ten years.
I have had a very fortunate life. I’ve always given back to kids by being a donor and sponsor of several charities over a very long period and I had always said one day I would do something more for children in need. Well that day came in February 2014 when I had my AHA moment.
It was my turn to make a difference in the world. I just had to work out how I was going to do it!
Not long after I read about kids without shoes. There are over 300 hundred million of these children, and in many developing countries these children can't go to school without shoes for fear they will spread disease through their bare feet. There is also a very big risk of disease that can be life threatening too.
When I learnt this I just knew I had to help. Soon after I set up Moeloco.
How Does Moeloco help kids in poverty?
Moeloco literally means 'Dream Crazy'. My 'Dream Crazy' is to make it easy for people to make a difference to the welfare of children in extreme poverty, simply by choosing where they shop.
Buy a pair of flip flops, and one pair of school shoes is donated to a child in poverty. Good for your soul and your sole!
For every pair of Moeloco flip flops sold, we donate one pair of school shoes directly to the orphans supported by the Hope Foundation. This enables children to attend school and avoid injury and health issues caused by lack of footwear. By going to school the children have an improved chance of leaving poverty behind.
Moeloco flip flops spread messages both on the front and through its relief etched sole, meaning that you leave a footprint of inspirational words in the sand. The positive messages include words such as love, happiness and peace.
My 'Dream Crazy' is to make a difference to children in extreme poverty
Buy a pair of flip flops, and one pair of school shoes is donated to a child in poverty. Good for your soul and your sole!
Together, we are creating a heart-centered community, who realise that their consumer dollar has enormous power for positive social impact. Together we can leave a lasting footprint – one step at a time.
Tell us about the #1000shoesforIndia campaign
Last year before we visited India for the first time we ran the same campaign and in 6 weeks we raised 1000 shoes for the kids in India and we want to do the same again. To have shoes on another 1000 children in time for the beginning of school next year.
We are calling on our community to share the story and purchase shoes for Christmas giving. Give the gift that gives!
Is there a shoe for kids?
We have just released our child’s shoe designed by seven year old Georgia. This shoe is about kids empowering kids. Georgia is from Manly and created the artwork herself and her shoe is called CAN FLY. This shoe was in response to our mums continually asking for a shoe for their littlies and wanting them to learn about giving at an early age.
I agree with this wholeheartedly. If we tap into their young minds at an early age we can educate and empower them to think of others and show them how easy it is to make a difference. Today's kids are the future change makers.
Q: How important do you think purpose and passion are for your mojo?
Absolutely. There is no mojo in the absence of purpose and passion.
When you have your WHY, its so much easier to meet the roadblocks in life and move through these moments with ease and grace.
Q: What else gets your mojo flowing?
Community and connection. We are all one and need one another to thrive. Its the connection and exchange of energy that keeps our mojo flowing
Q: What self-care activities do you try to do regularly and why?
Well I have always practiced some self care but not enough, so I'm really happy you ask this question. I've always done daily exercise, yoga, just started back at Zumba and I love long walks on the beach and being in nature. My self care program includes regular massage, facials and meditation. I love self development too and regularly see coaches, healers and partake in workshops. Recently I also took up gardening again.
It is critical to practice self care especially, as a woman and entrepreneur. Women are so incredibly, nurturing and giving, often placing the needs of others above their own. If you don't take care of yourself you cannot be any good to anyone.
Q: Can you tell our Mummy Mojo tribe how can they can support the #1000shoesforIndia campaign?
Thanks so much Mummy Mojo for this opportunity. Yes please join our movement at www.moeloco.com. Connect with us on social media, whatever handles you prefer and share, comment, engage in our posts. Don't forget to purchase our shoes for your loved ones. You can also help by becoming a brand ambassador, or connecting us to media or retailers who might be interested in our product. You can find out more in this short video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxsOEonqnrI
https://www.facebook.com/moelocoflipflop/?fref=ts
http://instagram.com/moelocoflipflop
https://www.linkedin.com/company/moeloco