Fashion can be life-changing!
It all started with a cute pair of earrings I saw on a Facebook post for Trades of Hope. I had to have them! And while I didn’t completely understand the tagline “empowering women out of poverty”, it sounded amazing. So I hosted a party. I heard more stories of the artisans and the way Trades of Hope was changing lives and circumstances for women and fell in love! I didn’t want the party to end. I never thought I would make an impact on global poverty or human trafficking. Back in 2013, I had heard of Fair Trade but didn’t know why it was so important. I didn’t wait to join a Direct Sales company- been there, done that. Sound familiar?
so what changed ?
I couldn’t stop thinking about the artisans- about the moms around the globe who could get up every day, put food on their tables, get their kids off to school and go to WORK because of this company. And I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be connected to mamas around the world and feel like my work was purposeful and really making a difference. And I didn’t want to wear any other accessories or carry any other bags- the soul and spirit of each piece carried me through my days.
So I began as a Partner and intentionally focused on creating a real business that had real customers (not just my mom & sister). I went to small business vendor events, connected with women, and found an amazing network and ripple effect of excited customers, hostesses and even teammates!
I never looked back!
2014
In 2014, I went to Haiti and witnessed firsthand the impact of a job. I met Genia and her baby girl, Christnale, on a beautiful Monday morning in Port-au-Prince. It was Genia’s first day of work and she was learning how to roll a cereal box bead. Christnale was downstairs in the daycare center that had just been opened for the artisans. I thought was I witnessing an idyllic scene- and I was- but
I didn't know the whole story.
2022
Genia was a mother in crisis. She was 19 years old, with a baby, no job, and no support. Haiti has a 90% unemployment rate. She was desperate and thought, like so many Haitian parents, that handing her child over to an orphanage was her only option. She was offered a job rolling cereal box beads and here she was, right in front of me, on day one of a job that would completely transform her life and the life of her child. I was overwhelmed and knew from that moment that I had to do everything I could to support Genia and the thousands of women like her around the globe whose lives transformed from desperation to hope all because of a JOB. And all because of Trades of Hope.
I haven’t looked back from that moment in Haiti and I would LOVE for you to be connected to my Trades of Hope community.
3 Ways You can Join the Movement
1
Become a Brand Partner
Want to become a Partner and start a business that creates jobs for women around the globe and literally changes lives?
2
Become a Brand Affiliate
Maybe a Brand Affiliate is a better fit! We have such a cool program that allows you to seamlessly add an ethical fashion component to your existing social media platforms.
3
Host a Pop Up
Want some free swag and to give back to human trafficking survivors? Host a Pop Up and share Trades of Hope with friends!
Creating Jobs for Women Overcoming Poverty
Keeping Loved Children Out of Orphanages
Preventing Human Trafficking & Supporting Survivors
Educating Girls Who Used to be Overlooked