Her inspiration:
More than 20,000 people in Detroit are homeless. Veronika Scott, 24, a product designer, wanted to help, so she created a winter coat that converts into a sleeping bag to protect the homeless from the cold. When she brought her first prototype to a local shelter, the women there were not impressed. "We don't need coats," one told her. "We need jobs."
Her big idea:
Scott quickly realized that "you need to invest in the person rather than the product," she says. She started a nonprofit, The Empowerment Plan, to provide on-the-job training for women living in Detroit-based shelters. The women learn manufacturing skills from a professional seamstress and produce Scott's coats, which are distributed to homeless populations nationwide.
Results:
Scott now employs 10 formerly homeless women who will soon be able to produce at least 600 coats a month. Next year, she plans to hire more workers and distribute as many as 8,500 coats. "I'm known as the crazy coat lady," Scott says.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Turns Out Queen Camilla Is Exactly What the Royal Family Needs Right Now
As Camilla makes history this week, her stepson Prince William is said to have a renewed appreciation for what she brings to the royal family.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
'Firefly Lane' Season 2: Everything We Know
In the immortal words of Tully Hart, "Firefly Lane girls forever!"
By Andrea Park Published
-
31 Different Pride Flags and What Each Stands For
Inclusivity matters.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
'Bridgerton' Season 2: Everything We Know
The viscount and his new love interest hit Netflix at the end of March.
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Bachelor In Paradise' 2021: Everything We Know
It's back, baby!
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Spencer,' the Princess Diana Movie: Everything We Know
"Every fairy tale ends."
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who is Abigail Heringer From 'The Bachelor' and 'Bachelor in Paradise'?
The 25-year-old, who first appeared on Matt James' season, is a financial analyst with an inspiring backstory.
By Andrea Park Published
-
What Does "ROC" Mean at the Tokyo Olympics?
It's a temporary workaround in the aftermath of Russia's massive doping scandal.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published