So, my friend Candy from Mommypalooza, held a Trades of Hope party for her friend. After doing a little research on the company, I knew that it was something that I needed to get behind. Trades of Hope is a company that gives women that ability.
Money is often said to be the root of all evil, but poverty is also the root of many problems. Women will sell themselves, as well as give up children just to stay alive. Oftentimes, women do not lack the ability to provide for their family, but rather lack the opportunity to do so. They feel trapped in their life and feel that their only choice is to sacrifice their bodies and children.
Trades of Hope was created in 2010 to help women break free from this thought process. Women who become artisans are coming out of the sex trade, are disabled or HIV positive, were working in sweatshops, and/or working to care for their children. Trades of Hope is a Fair Trade company that works to help these women create a sustainable income without compromising their dignity.
Trades of Hope was founded by 4 incredible women, mother/daughter duos, who believe that all women should be empowered and have a chance to create a better life for themselves and their families regardless of their circumstances. By creating jobs and sustainable, income-generating businesses, our artisans are able to break the cycle of poverty, feed and take care of their families, and send their children to school. This is not a charity—this is an opportunity to help someone earn a living and also earn dignity and respect in their community!
The artisans are paid FIRST, at their FULL ASKING price. They are guaranteed a LIVING WAGE through Fair Trade principles and they make an average of 4-6 times more selling their products through us than they would in their own country.
The beauty of this jewelry is beyond the actual piece!
Women struggle to raise healthy families in poor, gang-infested, and drug-riddled areas of Costa Rica. Many women are so poor that they have no other way to live but by becoming prostitutes, where they can make $100 an hour. Trades of Hope is excited about this opportunity to offer these women an alternative, a way out of the lifestyle they have been forced to live. As these Costa Rican women create beautiful products, they are learning how to provide for their families in a way that they can be proud of! Because of the artisan’s sales, this ministry is also able to do more for the community through outreach and support. Sustainable business teaches these women how valuable and important they truly are, and these women are able to pass this sense of dignity down to their children, shaping Costa Rica’s next generation!
I decided to make my purchase because of the story behind the piece. I could have purchased Turtle a turtle backpack anywhere ... but I KNEW that I was helping a woman put food on her table in Guatemala. Each backpack is handmade and no two are alike. It was one way that I felt like I could do something *read on to see how you can help as well*
I was not the only one who was excited about the purchase. I did an unboxing video to show the excitement on a young girl's face. Unfortunately, I failed to inform my eldest that you MUST turn the camera sideways when taking video, but life will go on!
So, how can you help Trades of Hope? It's super simple!
Keep those cereal boxes!
The beads on these pieces of jewelry are hand-crafted, made from cereal boxes and clay. The color is rich, warm, and just beautiful. Save those cereal boxes --ONE provides $40 worth of material! Just another facet of sustainability for our artisans' businesses!! I can help find an compassionate entrepreneur in your area, or I am willing to pay for you to break them down and ship them to me!
I am looking forward to meeting with one of the co-founders of this company next week and learning more about them. This company speaks my love language ... empowerment and equal opportunities!
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and beautifully written post! I am so honored and humbled to be involved with this company. Ladies of you reading this--there are so many of our sisters around the world--mothers like us, who want to provide for their families and improve their circumstances. THEY need US to be their voices. Our wise, visionary founders know that Direct Sales HERE leads to jobs for women around the world. We are their market! This is a partnership! Please reach out to me via alitradesofhope@gmail.com to learn more about how you can be a VOICE--by Joining our team of amazing Compassionate Entrepreneurs, Hosting a Party with a Purpose, or choosing to shop with intent and with desire to improve the lives on the other end of that pretty item! I look forward to hearing from you!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing! Your daughter seemed so happy to have her turtle hand made backpack!^_^ I think it is great what Trades Of Hope is doing for women. I would absolutely love to hear more about this and how I could help!
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