Our recent blog post examining the differences between Fair Trade and charity was a conversation starter. We’re continuing our exploration of charitable endeavors in this week’s write-up. Donating to charities is a wonderful thing, but what if you’re doing it wrong? If you’re one that donates to charitable causes, do you think about the choices you make when you write the check? Studies show that when people are generous in spending on others, whether purchasing a gift, donating to a worthy cause, or volunteering our time, we tend to feel happier and more fulfilled. The effort put into the gesture is the value received by the giver. It’s this mindset that can limit charitable donations, sometimes simply handing over cash...

They’re yours first, a limited time offer. The Hope Box is your chance to stay ahead of the trends with brand new styles for the season. How it works: Each month you’ll receive 3-5 Fair Trade styles for $29 per month with free shipping. Your surprise can range from clutches to jewelry to scarves, and more and will be worth at least $70! Our team of artisans have been designing styles exclusively for the Hope Box. Item in each shipment will be a new, never before seen style not available on our main website. You can cancel your subscription at anytime. No questions asked and no commitments. Join today! Orders ship within 1-3 days of purchase. Your card will be...

We love fan mail! Recently we’ve received lots of great questions from our customers and wanted to share the answers for all to see. By keeping the conversation going about Fair Trade, we’re voting with our wallet to continue the practice of transparency surrounding the business.   What defines a fair wage? We don’t set the prices we pay our artisans, they set their own prices and are free to change them at will. A fair wage is determined based on the average cost of living in each country. Our entire partnership is based upon transparency, trust, and a mutual respect, and allows for communication from each party to allow for fair compensation.   How do we ensure safe working...

When's the last time you inspired kindness? Here are some of our favorite ways to #spreadhope: After winter weather hits, offer to shovel the driveways and walkways for senior citizens in your neighborhood. Encourage someone to pursue their dreams. Give more compliments and share overheard compliments. Use Amazon Smile to contribute a portion of your purchase price to charities and causes important to you. Mail a cute photo to your parents or grandparents. Join the bone marrow registry. Pay for someone else’s dinner. Leave a big tip. Reach out and talk to someone who may be going through a tough time in their life. Collect soda can tabs and donate them to Ronald McDonald House. Create a holiday to celebrate...

We focus on positivity, opportunity, and results. It’s amazing what happens when we work together towards a mission we all believe in. Our goal is to inspire our fans and customers to believe in our mission. Because of you, we’ve brought opportunities of food, water, education, shelter, and quality of life.   Did you know that 42% of Americans don’t trust in charity? It’s not that the desire to help isn’t there, it’s the fact that they don’t know where their money actually goes.   We’re not a charity, but we hold ourselves (and our artisans) accountable. We’ve had the same principles from the start: Fair and up-front payment to artisans for their materials, labor, and talent. Ensuring safe working...