September’s Brightest Updates from The Light Providers!
Founders Corner
Hello Light Providers Family!
This is our very first monthly newsletter, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. When we started The Light Providers, our mission was simple: to bring light where it’s needed most and illuminate communities around the globe. With your support, we’re making that vision a reality.
In July, we officially launched our pilot. We shipped our portable light and Solar Panel to Sierra Leone earlier this year. Once we verified that the products had arrived, we sold to our first customers in the US who were able to purchase lights on Saturday and have their family members collect them in Sierra Leone by Tuesday. It was a rewarding experience, especially after facing several challenges in its implementation.
Want to be a part of our pilot? Contact us on WhatsApp or by phone at 301-893-4771. If purchased during the week, your pick up is possible by the next day in Sierra Leone.
In each issue, you’ll find updates on our products, stories from the field, and ways you can get involved. Thank you for being part of this journey — together, we are lighting the way forward.
With gratitude,
Naomi & Ishmael
Co-Founders, The Light Provider
Featured Product Release
If you've seen us at our latest events, you'll notice that our product range has expanded beyond our portable solar panel and wireless light. Over the next few weeks, we will be bringing everything online, and we can't wait to share it with you!
In the meantime, while many brands are leaning into Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create images and content, we’re leaning into a different kind of AI — Africa’s Ingenuity.
For us, Africa’s Ingenuity means tapping into the creativity, resourcefulness, and lived experiences of real people across the continent. It’s about sharing authentic stories, told by those who live them, rather than relying on computer-generated scenes.
That’s why we work with real actors and professionals in Sierra Leone, speaking in Krio — the most widely spoken language in the country. Krio blends English with African and other languages, making it a true reflection of Sierra Leone’s history and culture.
Through this approach, we not only highlight the benefits of our solutions but also educate in a voice that’s relatable, trustworthy, and culturally rooted.
Because real impact deserves an authentic voice.
If you don't speak Krio, don't worry. This video has English subtitles so you can easily follow along as two men discuss our new products, the Emergency Radio and the Portable Solar Panel.
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube
Shining Our Light on Others (SOLOO)
At The Light Providers, we believe impact grows when we lift each other. That’s why we created Shining Our Light on Others (SOLOO) — a video series where we highlight and celebrate other businesses in our community.
👉 Why we do it:
- To spread awareness about other small businesses.
- To share stories and resources that inspire.
- To remind our community that being a Light Provider is about more than solar lights — it’s about empowering and uplifting others.
We were so inspired at the recent Old Edwardians Alumni Association (OEAA) Metro DC Chapter Summer Bazaar event, where we had the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs like Alphina ByFaith of Auphinor Boutique.
Alphina, a native of Sierra Leone, shared her incredible story and passion for creating unique, beautiful garments for women. When she spoke about the necessity of light, not just as a convenience but as a safety measure and a tool for enabling progress, it resonated deeply with our purpose.
📺 Watch our SOLOO feature on YouTube
Enlighten Africa Trivia
Think you know Africa?
In Enlighten Africa Trivia, at our events, we test people’s knowledge of African history, culture, and achievements. Each episode is fun, surprising, and educational — with a few laughs along the way.
👉 Why we do it:
- To educate and entertain.
- To create a bridge between cultures, helping people learn in a lighthearted way.
- To keep our mission rooted in empowerment.
Today we’re testing Princess's knowledge of Africa! See if you know the answer to this question:
👉 Which country is known as the “Rainbow Nation”?
What's Next!
July and August were busy months for us! We had the opportunity to connect with so many of you at:
- OEAA
- Empower the Community Weekend
- Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference
We’re so grateful for the support and energy at each event.
Now, we’re gearing up for an exciting season ahead! Our Shopify store is getting an update, and we’re preparing for Black Friday & Cyber Monday (BFCM). Look out for more details soon as we plan to be a vendor during Black Friday Weekend—and of course, all of our products will be available online so you can shop from the comfort of your home.
Stay tuned—big things are coming!
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