Juta Shoes co-founder named on Happy List 2019

We're thrilled that our co-founder, Sabeha Miah has been included on The Independent's Happy List 2019, which celebrates 50 of the most inspirational people in the UK. 

Sabeha and Joanna set up Juta Shoes in 2016 to equip local women with the skills, opportunities and confidence to combat social and financial isolation. We train and employ local women who face barriers to work to handcraft bespoke, sustainable shoes made from reclaimed leather, and teach shoemaking and craft workshops. 

Sabeha has been working in the third sector since 2004 and leads women’s projects at the St Hilda’s East Community Centre, where she works to reduce social and financial inclusion. She also has a BA in Social Enterprise. “Sabeha dedicates her life to supporting, uplifting and amplifying socially isolated and marginalised BAME women,” says our co-founder Joanna Hamer. “She's a true unsung hero and a force for good.”

Founded in 2008 as an antidote to awards that celebrate wealth or celebrity, the Happy List acknowledges people that give rather than take, doing extraordinary things without their own personal gain in mind. 

Christian Broughton, editor of The Independent, said: “We are living in a time of great uncertainty, which makes it all the more valuable to shine a light on remarkable people who simply strive to make Britain a better place. All of those on the Happy List give back to society rather than take from it, and what makes it even more special is that the nominations come from you, our readers. Everyone featured should be very proud of the difference they have made."