Giving through our spending

There is no Beauty in the Finest cloth if it makes hunger and Unhappiness. -Gandhi-

     This year for Christmas I set a goal to consider ethical and socially conscious brands to purchase my gifts from.  Recently, after watching Poverty Inc.,  I challenged myself to consider how my spending affects others.  If I truly value others lives, I should also value their livelihood!  I want to support companies that work to benefit men and women worldwide to support themselves and their families.  I know that I have a LONG way to go to make 100% socially conscious purchases but in a season of spending I hope my effort is a step in the right direction.  These following companies offer products that would make amazing gifts for friends and family.  I hope you enjoy this list!

1. Sseko 

I have purchased shoes and jewelry from this company and I love it all!  The ribbon sandals are so fun and creative and I like being able to switch up the look with just one pair of shoes.

Here is a note from their site:

Sseko Designs is a fashion brand based in Uganda. In addition to handbags and accessories, they make beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways.

Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. And it is working! Every woman who has graduated from Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree or has graduated from university and is on her way to making our world a more beautiful place.

In addition to our university-bound team, Sseko also employs women from all walks of life. By creating an environment of dignity, honor and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

2.  Penguino Travel

Penguino is on a mission to empower parents to take their families on life-changing adventures.  They create travel boxes for kids to help them enjoy their journey.  Such a fun idea, I can't wait to order one for our next trip!  Bonus: they give back!

Penguino Travel is partnering with World Relief Fort Worth to welcome refugee families to Texas. For every ten Travel Boxes we sell this holiday season, we will give one Welcome Box to a refugee child who is new to Texas. By shopping with Penguino, you help us make an impact!

3. Dot Products 

This organization was started by Hallie Darphin in Clinton, MS.  She had a heart for those who couldn't attend school and came home from her trip abroad to Uganda and started Dot.  

Dot offers school supplies and journals that provide education to children in countries of your choice.  Just 70$ worth of school supplies can provide 3.5 days of school for those in need.

4. Mercy Candles 

I recently ordered a set of these candles to give as gifts for Christmas!  The scents all sound amazing and I can't help but feel good about purchasing these because  .5o from the sale of every Mason Jar candle is donated to organizations to help fight human trafficking.   Perfect for a hostess gift or just to make your house smell great during the Holiday season.

5.  Raven and Lily

This company is so fun to follow.  Raven and Lily challenged me to rethink my wardrobe in the way they encourage slow fashion.  They have so many items and their benefit to others has such a large span.  I have personally ordered earrings from them and I love them!  Founder Kristen and her family also own an Air BNB on their property in Elgin.  This is glamping at its finest!  Check out their place here.   

Those of you who love Joanna Gaines style as much as I do, you might recognize Raven and Lily pieces from her show and her Magnolia website.

Here is more about Raven and Lily-

Raven + Lily was created to alleviate poverty among women. We currently help employ over 1,500 marginalized women at fair trade wages to give them access to a safe job, sustainable income, health care, education, and a real chance to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. Raven + Lily is committed to providing beautiful and unique modern minimalist products that are made by hand, follow fair trade standards, and honor our eco-friendly commitment. Read about our founder.

• Empowering Women in Ethiopia
• Empowering Women in India
• Empowering Women in Cambodia
• Empowering Women in Kenya
• Empowering Women in the USA
• Empowering Women in Guatemala
• Empowering Women in Pakistan
• Empowering Women in Malaysia
• Empowering Women in Haiti

Raven + Lily is proud to be a B Corporation, and we were named the Best for the World in Community Impact. As a certified B-Benefit Corporation, we are committed to:

• employing at risk, impoverished women to improve their livelihood
• eco-friendly practices in our sourcing of materials and our design processes
• honoring traditional artisan crafts and techniques
• providing sustainable fair trade wages
• creating exclusive, modern designs that reflect the beauty and culture of the women who create them
• donating back to our artisan communities for healthcare and educational needs

We are members of the Fair Trade Federation, as well as the Ethical Fashion Forum, and were given the Sustainable Brand Leader for Jewelry Award.

6.  Tribe Alive

Tribe Alive is a local company (Fort Worth) that works to benefit women in poverty.  They have some beautiful pieces.

Tribe Alive utilizes a passion for fashion and responsible commerce as a platform to help alleviate poverty among women. We work with artisan partners all over the world to employ impoverished women at fair trade wages and give them access to a safe job, sustainable income and a chance to determine their own future. We strive to create positive change in the lives of women by providing market place access through the fair production and sale of our beautiful and unique pieces. We believe that every purchase should be made with a purpose, and that there is nothing more stylish than giving back. Hope is our message. Fashion is our medium.

7. Cause Box

This is a subscription service I can't wait to order from.  If you're like me, you love a gift that comes straight to your door.  I'm always wanting to find out about new products and companies that give back and this is a great way to get educated!  This would be an awesome gift for others who believe in socially conscious living.

8. The Home T

Many of your have seen these products.  Only one company, The Home T, actually gives back to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  These shirts are incredibly soft and comfy.  If you are looking to make a statement about where you're from this is your shirt!