Ben & Bear» Uncategorized

Changes…..

admin — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:18:52 +0000

2011 was a tough year, and it seems so for alot of people who I have came across in my travels last year. A year of changes, transformations and definitely endings to ways of living and behaviours that were not appropriate. We only need to read the news to see how people are being ‘caught out for bad behaviours”. End of 2010 saw me making a decision to leave Phuket Thailand where we had been based for the past 5 years, and to head to Africa. We finally left March 2011 and moved to Gaborone Botswana, where we stayed for 5 months. An eventful and highly stressful time, but one steeped in lessons and endings of old hurts. We then decided to move to South Africa, my home country and are now living on a farm 4km outside of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and are finally home. So, the lesson for me (and nothing new), sometimes you need to travel/journey through some incredibly difficult periods to then emerge at the end in the place you are meant to be. Whether its physical location or just within yourself – the calm, peaceful place where you can breathe.

Ben & Bear – well at this point I am not sure how are where it will continue in terms of the bags creation and manufacturing, as we had to close shop when i left Thailand. After I have had time to settle here in the Cape and see what can be done, I will look at the new face for Ben & Bear items. Already i have come across some amazing community projects who are truly doing what is needed to help instil a sense of pride and dignity back into peoples lives to give them the hand they so need to get on their feet. And this hand is not one of charity. Its one of giving people the ‘fishing rod’ to catch their own fish. Dambisa Moyo (http://www.dambisamoyo.com) is a woman to be admired. And I sincerely hope and trust that what she is aiming to accomplish (and has so far accomplished) will be taken seriously by the powers that be. Charity is dead. It has killed the pride of so many people around the world (and also done alot of good that is now doubt) but it is not sustainable in todays world. And what i am saying here is not new. We all know it . We just need to do it – each in our own small way. Empower someones life close by. Random acts of kindness and opportunity are never wasted.

2012 just feels like a year that is going to bring alot of light and fulfilment. The change starts in our hearts and minds, and them working together.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world!”
- Joel Arthur Barker

Ben & Bear Singapore Sales Agent Appointed And Sales Have Begun!

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:08:02 +0000

Ben and Bear Eco Fashion Laptop Sleeve - Cocoon - New 2010 Collection

Our newly appointed Ben and Bear Singapore Sales Agent, Pearly Sun, has been actively promoting Ben and Bear already, and the word is spreading.We are thrilled to have her with us on the team and her passion and love of our bags is wonderful.

The new 2010 designs have been well received with our first sale today in Singapore!Thank you Brenda! The range will be online by mid February, but please contact us if you would like to view or purchase them now.

We would also love to receive more ”transformation” stories for our book, so please send me your story of something you have changed in your life or in life/lives of other/s. We are hoping, with your permission when submitting, to print the stories and send one with each bag that is bought – anon of course! – to further inspire change in others.

Please send them in and enjoy Ben and Bear this year. My email to send the stories is raewyn@benandbear.com and don’t forget to visit www.benandbear.com for our 2009 collection sale that is now on.

Ciao!!

Good Business Is The Only Way Forward

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:06:34 +0000

New 2010 Berrii Eco Sling bag - recycled denim and community craft

”Business is the only mechanism on the planet today powerful enough to produce the changes necessary to reverse environmental and societal degradation.” – Paul Barken

Good, responsible business is needed. Again it reinforces why, though going the route of recycling in the fashion field is tough, its the only choice to make.

Ciao

rae

Susan Boyle shows the true meaning of transformation and courage

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:03:45 +0000

Ben and Bear is all about transformation and to be honest, watching Susan Boyle the last few weeks has been one of these rare moments in life when you are touched and inspired by someone who has displayed the most incredible amount of courage and character to go out there and achieve what she has just done. While I am sure it has not been an easy path for her, she has triumphed. Serves as modern day mythology for us all, as to the power of courage, transformation and pure belief. Thank you Susan.

Ciao

Raewyn

Why our Nymphe Eco Sling bags are so popular

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:12:56 +0000

Nymphe - reflective, stylish and unique

Our stylish Nymphe Sling Eco handbags are finding owners all over the world! Singapore to Alaska.

Nymphes are in abundance in Ben & Bear’s Eco-fashion bag collection. Beautiful maidens personifying facets of mother nature from the strength of the trees to the flowing waters and the majestic mountains. The Nymphes journey is everlasting, forever young, beautiful yet fiercely individual. Earth Fashion.

Appearing on bags in an infinite number of guises – elegant, funky, stylish, edgy…but always earthy in colours, pattern and belt style.

If you are reflective, stylish and unique, then join the Nymphes on their Eco path.