Conversations with the Inspiring Abhineeta Matney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abhineeta Matney.

Abhineeta, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Throughout my life, I saw that in the rural villages of central India, girls are not sent to school and are often married off at an early age. When women gather to talk, story after story reflects the dark shadows of domestic violence and abuse that often submerge into confusion and fear regarding legal confrontations which seem like far-reaching fantasies of the beguiled. As a young girl, I couldn’t help but wonder if the patriarchal chauvinists of these villages would ever listen to anything that I had to say or if they would look at me as some privileged, young, naïve princess who studied abroad and occasionally visited her homeland.

I am thankful that I married a man who understood that there was a greater purpose for our union. My husband, Greg and I asked my father if he would help set up a meeting with the village leaders from the surrounding areas. The presence of my father, husband, and brother was the guiding order that helped survive the frailty and uncertainty of the situation as we went into this meeting with the village leaders.

By the end of the meeting, these leaders were enthusiastic about starting a vocational training center for their sons but remained reluctant to send their daughters. They needed more convincing. There were battles ahead. I needed to go into their homes and build relationships. The women in the villages needed to be mobilized. God needed to completely take over the situation because we needed a miracle.

Today, there are over six hundred ladies who have graduated from this center and we have a pile of applications sitting in our office so our staff doesn’t have to go out begging and convincing people to participate in an opportunity to be empowered. Artisans not only receive training, but The Skipping Stone buys products from several such artisan groups in order to spread awareness and build bridges across the globe.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I did not come from a business background. Building anything requires a constant openness to new ideas, cultures, and systems. The growth that stems from such a pursuit does not only reflect on the leaders but also collectively in everyone who is involved. Challenges come when dealing with the complexities of paradigm shifts. Looking at fashion, art, and beauty with the lens of serving a greater cause is a huge shift in how most people think about consumerism.

Every individual is unique. So, one fashion style or trend should not be applicable to everyone. After all, healthy relationships start with authenticity. The real story of The Skipping Stone begins with the desire to start a conversation about the ugliness of misogyny and patriarchy. The story continues on with empowerment on both ends of the globe. Empowered artisans on one end, and mindful patrons on the other end.

How can one ease into an awareness of the grotesque objectification that takes place when sex and sensuality are reduced to a marketable commodity? Humanity deserves an honorable platform. Our individual fashion choices and outlook towards beauty, art, and innovation can become powerful, purposeful statements that give humanity its unadulterated potency. But leading such a business is about spreading the word of what it means to be mindful patrons instead of indulging consumers.

You can spread the message, create awareness, and show that you truly care while still enjoying meaningful fashion that enhances your unique sense of style.

What should we know about The Skipping Stone? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in unique, handcrafted fashion accessories that are ethically sourced by artisan groups in India. The name – The Skipping Stone comes from a quote by Mother Teresa who said: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” As a brand, we are proud of being the change we hope to see in this world because we hope to see bridges built among different people groups, we hope to see empowerment, and dignity restored because every human being is created in God’s image. What sets us apart is that we constantly strive to work with an ethic of care, seeking what is best for every individual and allowing the individual stories to inspire the greater cause.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I often wonder why countries in the East such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Burma, and Bangladesh have accepted female Prime Ministers and Presidents, but the United States still struggles with certain gender roles and stereotypes when it comes to women in leadership. Some western scholars have noted that if a woman is paired with a powerful man in the organization, he will convey reflected power to her through the relationship, which can then reduce the prejudice against her and even open doors that otherwise would be firmly closed. This has been true for me. While I would like to believe that we live in a world of equal opportunities, I am very grateful to have my father’s and husband’s full support throughout this journey. That support has helped build relationships, opened doors to establish the company, and allowed me to learn in a way that I wouldn’t be able to on my own.

Pricing:

• Our hand made genuine leather bags range from $69-$189
• Our jewelry ranges from $14-$52
• Our hand made, recycled paper, genuine leather journals range from $ 12- $26

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theskippingstone.com/
• Phone: 7205987379
• Email: info@theskippingstone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskippingstone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkippingStoneCo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/@skippingstoneco
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/theskippingstone/

Image Credit:
Gary Chapman, Andrew Tucciarone, Hayley Webb, Abigail Demyanek

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