Natalie Killassy

Founder of Stitch Wise

"Our business is our vision at work!"

Real change occurs when the mechanisms in society are shifted to support a need that is yet unmet. Natalie Killassy of South Africa used the channel of business to make a difference in her local community. Natalie grew up in a mining town. In this African nation, the mining industry has been the main driving force behind the development of the economy. Due to poor working conditions many injuries and deaths occur as a result each year.

Inspired by her environment, the reality she witnessed each day, Natalie decided to do some research in the mines in order to learn first hand about the safety conditions of the miners. What she discovered led her to start up the social enterprise Stitch Wise in 1997.

This innovative business employs paraplegics injured in the mines to make products that make working in the mines much safer. In making this connection, Stitch Wise is having a win-win-win impact.

"What most businesses don't realize is that you just need to make a few changes to be able to employ disabled people, and through that process you can harness a huge pool of skills and opportunities for your business." 

Although her products are innovative, it is Natalie's holistic approach to entrepreneurship that is the real gem of her story. Of her 128 employees, 50% are "differently abled". Stitch Wise holds training and empowerment programs (in the areas of personal development, adult education, health education, and computer skills development) and contributes greatly to the advancement of its nation's economy.

Natalie surely came across challenges along the way, her process was somewhat simple: She saw a need. She felt her role. She acted. 

"My integrity is non negotiable,

My pride and enthusiasm unsurpassed…

Our differences are celebrated,

I work at Stitch Wise."

-from the Stitch Wise website