AAYENDA, meaning ‘future’ in the local language, Dari, is Afghanistan’s first jewelry brand that is working to revitalize their economy by training and then employing local workers to create this beautiful collection. Urban Zen Sag Harbor will be hosting the Aayenda Jewelry trunk show on August 1st with founder Sophia Swire.

Owned by the nonprofit organization, Future Brilliance US, the brand is dedicated to fostering economic stability and empowerment through work opportunity for hundreds of Afghan artisans. To date over 1200 local artisans, trained by Future Brilliance, have hand-¬‐carved fine lapis and turquoise beads in the rural villages of northern Afghanistan. 10 workshops based in Kabul, employing over 50 artisans, have produced finished jewelry product for Aayenda.