Shopping With A Purpose!

Nothing fancy, but a quick blog, inspired by a friend's Facebook post last night about Gospel centered Fair Trade items made by artisans around the world.  Most of these (but, admittedly not all) are non-profits so the money goes directly to the artisans and there are no "middle men" taking a cut.

Here are a few I'm aware of.  Please leave comments below with others so you can help spread the word!

I've mentioned my love for the Fair Trade Friday subscription club.  There are 2 options: a monthly box with 3-4 items inside and an Earring of the Month option.   I LOVE all of my Fair Trade Friday items and love having thoughtful gifts on hand to give to family and friends.

Many of the groups below are ones I've discovered through my Fair Trade Friday subscription box.  I have shopped from several of these groups after discovering their purpose!

By shopping from these groups you are empowering women, providing men with dignified work, helping break the cycle of poverty and, in some cases, providing education!

Happy Shopping!

The Refugee Project--The Refugee Project is in Houston, TX and is made up from artisans from all over the world who have been relocated to the United States by the United Nations.  You can read the stories of many of the ladies who are hand crocheting items on the site.  I gave my niece and her husband a handmade baby blanket as they wait to meet their 1st child in August!

JOYN--After receiving several items from Joyn in my Fair Trade Friday box I have placed orders for other items.  I now have headbands, scarves, a key chain and a clutch from JOYN.  I also have given scarves and headbands as gifts.  JOYN is located in Northern India, at the base of the Himalayas.  One of the things I love about Joyn is that they tell you the names of each of the artisans involved in creating the product.  I save all of my tags so that I can pray for the heart of the ones who have made the items I love so much.

One of my favorite ministries is The Mercy House, a maternity home for girls in Kenya who have become pregnant due to heartbreaking situations.  In fact, Fair Trade Friday was born as a ministry of The Mercy House!  The Mercy House has an online shop  where you can purchase items that support the ministry. Several of the items are made by the residents of the home.  I have necklaces, bracelets and even the framed Africa picture.


Amazima Ministries--Amazima was founded by Katie Davis, author of Kisses From Katie.  Items are made by artisans in Jinga, Uganda.

Rahab's Rope--Shop at Rahab's Rope to help stop human trafficking

Village Artisan-

No.41

Mercy Goods

Tukula--One of the items I received in my Fair Trade Friday box from Tukula included a tag saying it was made by Susan in Jinga, Uganda and her picture is on the tag.

Grain of Rice Project

Timbali Crafts

Caring for Korah

Shop With A Mission

Free Set Gobal

3 Cords Haiti

MadeNewCo.

Reclaimed Project

Root Collective

Ruhuma Designs---A group that rescues minors who have been sold into commercial prostitution.  The items in the store have been made by these girls.

Where'd you get that?

You know how it goes . . . you wear something cute and your friend asks "I love that necklace! Where'd you get it?"  She's asking because she wants it, too! Isn't this one of the highest compliments we give each other?

If you've seen me in the past year I've most likely wearing something I received from my membership in Fair Trade Friday.   If you've asked me about it, I've probably shared my passion for the subscription club and I may've even told you the names of the artisan(s) who made it!  See, each month I receive 3-4 items made by artisans around the world. Many of the items have the names of the person (or people) who were made it.  For example, one of the items I received from FTF came from JOYN.  The fabric was handwoven by Noel, block printed by Raju and stitched by Pema.  I save all of the tags so I can pray for the people who made my favorite items.

Some of these items I've kept for myself (I'm a sucker for necklaces and bracelets) and others I've given as gifts.  Even if it doesn't see the light of day (which wouldn't happen because this stuff is too cute!) the purpose of my items have already been fulfilled because the person making it has earned a fair wage and is able to support their family with dignity.  In a world where many of the items are made by slave labor it's freeing to know that these items are not.

In addition to the original Fair Trade Friday Club there's also an Earring of the Month Club if earrings are your thing. Whether you love earrings or love giving them as gifts this is a fashionable way to add to your jewelry wardrobe each month with a unique piece that is changing the world for an artisan and her family!

Because I can't keep a good secret and because I love to share I'm giving away this pair of earrings from Fair Trade Friday!

Enter below to win these gorgeous earrings from Earring of the Month Club will run from July 6, 2015- July 13, 2015! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway