Formerly incarcerated woman turns her experiences into a business, supporting others impacted by the justice system with handmade tote bags.
Marion Rodriguez, a formerly incarcerated individual, has turned her personal experiences into a positive venture, creating a brand of tote bags called “?MUVSU?” during the pandemic. This initiative was born amidst the work-from-home schedules that many Americans, including Rodriguez, found themselves in. Rodriguez’s journey into sewing began as a means of escape from the monotony of her daily routine, evolving into a purposeful project aimed at uplifting justice-impacted women.
The name “?MUVSU?” symbolically poses the question, “What Moves You?” and signifies Rodriguez’s commitment to helping those who have faced the challenges of incarceration. The tote bags, sold for $25 each, serve as a resource for women recently released from prison, providing them with a personalized, handcrafted item to carry their belongings. Speaking to the Central Current, Rodriguez highlighted the relevance of this work, stating, “Sadly in this state of the world, many people know people who are coming home”. She ensures that the bags are present wherever she goes, increasing awareness and support for her cause.
In addition to being available at local outlets like Recess Coffee and the 2nd Chance Sisters Store in Syracuse, Rodriguez has made her totes visible at community events across various locations, including Syracuse, New York City, and Texas. A notable recent event was a giveaway of 100 MUVSU bags during an artist talk for the exhibit “This Woman’s Work,” organized by Syracuse University’s Rochele Royster at the Community Folk Art Center.
Rodriguez emphasizes the significance of the empty bags she provides—each comes with a card inside. This intentional choice serves as a poignant reminder of the personal belongings lost during incarceration. “It’s empty for a reason because when we get locked up, we lose our possessions. I know I did. Everything I owned was gone,” Rodriguez explained. This notion of the empty bag symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning for recipients.
Using materials that include repurposed fabrics from community donations, Rodriguez designs the bags herself, often incorporating images of women and crafting special designs upon request. In her words, “I’m always working, and that’s not work, it’s an outlet.” She utilizes the income from bag sales to procure new materials for her creations, with the entire endeavor functioning simultaneously as a personal outlet and a means of livelihood.
Rodriguez’s connection to sewing is deeply rooted in her childhood, having learned the craft from her mother, who had sewn clothing for her and her siblings. Over the years, she has channeled her skills into various creative endeavors, including designing custom clothing and costumes. This entrepreneurial spirit is shared with her daughter, Arissa Johnson, who has also started her own business selling traditional African print garments. Johnson is supportive of her mother’s vision, encouraging her to balance the giving aspect of the bags with a viable business model.
When discussing the impact of her work, Rodriguez noted her ongoing commitment to advocacy, which has encompassed over two decades. She is actively engaged with several organizations dedicated to reforming the legal system, including Project Mend and the Center for Community Alternatives. Rodriguez’s understanding of the plight of those affected by incarceration is both informed and enriched by her personal experiences.
In March, Rodriguez is set to graduate from the Women Transcending Collective Leadership Institute at the Center for Justice at Columbia University, an event that will feature guest Angela Davis. Rodriguez anticipates gifting her a custom tote bag along with others for her colleagues, combining her commitment to education and activism with her artistic endeavors.
Rodriguez reflects on her evolution since incarceration, noting that the person she is today starkly contrasts the individual she was before her time in prison. “I’ve been an activist since I walked over that bridge,” she stated, encapsulating her journey towards advocating for justice and supporting those who have faced similar challenges. Through her work with ?MUVSU?, Rodriguez continues to foster a community of empowerment around issues of incarceration, resilience, and womanhood.
Source: Noah Wire Services
