Ethical Fashion... with Bead & Reel

Bead & Reel is our new partner in Fair Trade & Ethical Fashion:

As the founder of The Peace Exchange, a sustainable fair trade company, ethical fashion is very important in establishing a solid foundation for the many artisans we serve.  Currently we are working in fabrics and textiles in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.  Next year, 2015, we are blessed to continue our fair trade efforts and grow into paper and jewelry making in Asia, specifically Nepal.  We are continually striving as a grass-roots, non-profit to create ways to empower women through fair trade.  As we work in some of the poorest locations around the world, we are grounded in being a catalyst for positive change through the art of design.  Developing a non-profit from the ground up and creating social enterprise opportunities in remote regions around the globe takes patience, persistence, and commitment.  Doing what is humanitarian and humane is not always easy, but it is so rewarding.  Fair Trade goes hand-in-hand with Ethical Fashion... Fair Trade fits beautifully with the concept of Bead & Reel, an ethical nothing company.  I could not be more happy than to partner with Sica Schmitz (the founder) and unite with her vision to bring quality products that are beautiful and ethically made to the socially conscious shopper.  To check out our fair trade products offered on the Bead & Reel website, click here.

It is in ethical fashion that you know exactly how/where your product was made.  I find comfort in knowing the artisans that hand-make all of the items we sell at The Peace Exchange.  I find comfort in knowing where our fabrics come from and exactly how our products are created.  I find comfort in knowing not only how our items are made but seeing the greater impact of fair trade.  When items are purchased ethically and through fair trade, the buyer knows their purchase makes a difference.  The bag you purchase or the necklace you wear helps support women and children who are in desperate need.  Ethical fashion and fair trade empower not only the shopper but the artisan half way around the globe who hand-made the product.  This holiday season,  give the gift of ethical fashion... every ethical purchase has a story and every ethical purchase makes an impact greater than can be imagined.  Shop Ethical.  Shop Fair Trade.  Make an Impact.  Thanks Bead & Reel for creating a fashion hub and giving us a place to come together.
Happy Holidays,  Katie Bond  - The Peace Exchange

Giving Tuesday

A new shipment has arrived from the Congo.  Filled with new fabrics and fun patterns, it felt like opening a beautiful gift when the package arrived.  Every shipment brings excitement.  There is always something new as our fabrics and designs are every evolving.  This shipment carried new yoga bags, more festive napkins, beautiful aprons, a new shopping bag, and fun makeup bags.  Just in time for the holiday season.
As today is Giving Tuesday, what a better way to help than to buy our handmade items from our fair trade seamstresses working in the Congo.  Your purchase keeps them employed and helps these single women to support their families and send their kids to school.  On Giving Tuesday, we are not asking for a donation, but a tangible purchase that helps women and children in Africa.  Shopping fair trade is a way to give back and helps people on the other side of the world so much more than you could ever know.  Isn't it cool to know that you can make a direct impact this holiday season...   www.ThePeaceExchange.com #GivingTuesday 
(photo of some of The Peace Exchange seamstresses at work)  :)

Shop Fair Trade

WWW.THEPEACEEXCHANGE.COM

On Cyber Monday and World AIDS Day, December 1, 2014

Help us make an impact through ethical shopping...

Shop Fair Trade - Make A Difference

Great Holiday Gifts that Tell a Story!  

Upcoming Holiday Sales

Tis the Season for Holiday Shopping.  Here at The Peace Exchange, we can not think of a better way to give than by giving the gift of Fair Trade.  When you purchase an item with us, not only is it a thoughtful gift for a friend - but it helps empower women and children in Africa.  From the photo of a mom and child at our center in Congo... to a mother and daughter shopping at one of our local events... One gift - impacts many.  As we are a week away from Thanksgiving, we encourage you to shop with us for your holiday needs.  To see our latest happenings and sales, check out our event page at: http://www.thepeaceexchange.com/events/

You can shop with us online or by attending one of our upcoming events...

Black Friday - buy one item online and get free shipping and 30% off your entire purchase.

Small Business Saturday - join us at The Art of Fitness 8:30am-3:30pm for free give-aways and special deals (buy one item and get the second 50% off).

Cyber Monday - free shipping, 30% off your entire purchase, and with orders over $100 or more a complimentary book bag will be given as our gift to you.

Holiday Bazar  - On Saturday, December 6 join us at Laguna Beach High School from 9am-3pm for their annual holiday boutique.  

Website Codes: SHIP4FREE and HAPPYHOLIDAYS
Shop fair trade and made a difference!  

Volunteer's Welcome

Interested in Volunteering with The Peace Exchange?  Because we are a non-profit - we always are in need of helping hands.  If you or someone you know would like to donate time, we would be grateful.

Opportunities to VOLUNTEER or INTERN with The Peace Exchange are available.    

Help make an Impact in the lives of Women and Children in Congo and around the Globe!
By contributing your talents, you make a difference in the lives of many... and get to be a part of a grass-roots organization doing hands-on work in Africa.  And, what's even cooler is that next year we will be moving in Nepal.  Yes, bring on the kindness of volunteers.  :)

How to get involved:
 - Host a trunk show
 - Writing for press releases, events, and our ever so famous blog!
 - Assist with new shipments, production and inventory
 - Prepare merchandise for shows
 - Organize events
 - Provide support with social media, marketing, and networking
 - Earn college internship credits

 - Volunteer at one of our upcoming events

If interested or intrigued and would like more information contact: tinaandcaleb@gmail.com or katie@thepeaceexchange.com  

What is Fair Trade anyway???

Fair Trade works with underdeveloped regions to establish sustainable jobs, and creates job opportunities in developing nations where the supplying demographic is supported by positive working conditions and fair wages. Through your partnership with The Peace Exchange the heart of Fair Trade is supported.

10 Principles of Fair Trade (World Fair Trade Organization)

WFTO prescribes 10 Principles that Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out monitoring to ensure these principles are upheld:

1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
2. Transparency and Accountability
3. Fair Trading Practices
4. Payment of a Fair Price
5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
8. Providing Capacity Building
9. Promoting Fair Trade
10. Respect for the Environment

To learn more about Fair Trade, visit these organizations:

• European Fair Trade Association
• Fair Trade International
• Fair Trade USA
• Fair Trade Federation
• Ten Thousand Villages
• World Fair Trade Organization

To read in-depth about Fair Trade check out Jacqueline DeCarlo’s book titled, “Fair Trade: A Beginners Guide.”

COUNTRIES WE SERVE

The Peace Exchange partners with current non-profit organization in remote regions around the globe.  We assist in their efforts to promote social enterprise in developing nations. Whether it is a sewing workshop in the Congo or a jewelry workshop in Nepal, we work with others to help promote and sell their handmade products in North America and Europe.  Currently we are working in African textiles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  We have two sewing centers, one in Mumosho and one in Bukavu.  Our next venture will be in jewelry creation in Nepal.  As Nepal is in the start up phase, we are excited to work with wonderful local non-profits and share more of our efforts in 2015.   

  If you work with a non-profit or group of artisans in a developing nation, contact The Peace Exchange as we want to uplift and partner with marginalized groups who might need our support.

MICHELLE ADELE TABU

Meet one of our seamstresses working for The Peace Exchange from a recent face to face interview with Michelle in Spring of 2014.  On this visit to Congo our team took time to sit down and do personal interviews with each individual working for our program.  Michelle is one that stood out the most.  This woman walked in with a beautiful smile... yet shared a tragic story and had gone through so much.  In the midst of great strive and pain, she still smiles and has joy.  Inspiring.  May her joy bring reflection as to what is really important in life...

Tabu means “suffering”… which is true to her life.  Living like a street child, Michelle never had the chance to attend school.  After her husband was killed in the war conflict, she was left alone to raise 3 children.  With many health problems and stress, Michelle says her only hope is The Peace Exchange.  She thanks us and our supporters stating that we are a true blessing to her life.  “Coming to The Peace Exchange Sewing Center every day gives me hope for a better future.  Thank you,"  stated Ms. Tabu.

501c3

It's official, the Peace Exchange is official.  Yes, after much work we are a registered non-profit organization.  Today we received our final approval documents to work as a 501c3.  This is exciting news!  Thank you to our attorney, Mr. Tom Davis, at Davis Law who helped us draft our articles and meet IRS requirements.  The process has taken us 6 months, but it was worth the hard work.  Good news to all of our supporters, any gift or donations that you have made to us in the 2014 year is tax deductible.  And, as we roll forward to open new artisan centers around the globe - all forward efforts from supporters will also been seen as a charitable contribution... now, that is something to smile about.
When thinking of entering a big event this weekend, what better news to share.  Amani from the Congo is here, we are launching our new website, and we can properly celebrate the official status of being a not for profit organization.  Yay!  Happy!  Whew - hard work does pay off.

The beginning of School

It's the start of a new school year in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  In recently Skyping with Amani and Espe, our Peace Exchange leaders on the ground in DRC, we heard stories of how our women are not only excited but able to send their kids to school from the money earned working in our fair trade program.  Believe it or not, education in most of Africa comes with a fee.  Yes, for a child to attend school and receive an education of any kind, the parents have to pay monthly school wages.  There is no free public education system.  In an area where people make on average $1.50 a day, and these people are mostly single mothers raising more than 1 child - education is often a privilege.  This is why fair trade is so important.  Fair Trade is the tool we use to empower women who have been left with no hope and educate their children... Creating a new generation of leaders in an area of desperate need.  In doing volunteer work abroad, many programs are not sustainable or they do not give enterprise to locals who need it the most.  This is where The Peace Exchange is different, we work with locals, buy local, employ locals and work to build economic sustainability.  Our mission is to not only employ women, but empower them and educate their children.  As stated by the legendary Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  We could not agree more! 

Napkins?

I would be lying if I said that I was not surprised by how well our African wax-print fair trade napkins are selling.  Actually, I'm shocked!  Who would have thought napkins would be our best selling item?  I know I sure did not foresee the success of the napkin.  We can't keep them in stock.  No joke, as soon as they arrive we sell them like 'hotcakes'.  I'm starting to see why.  They are bright, funky, colorful and make great gifts.  Mix and match a set or stay with the same fabric, they still look great.  Good for picnics and dinner parties, they also make cool hand-towels.  Easy to wash and reuse people are loving the concept of fabric napkins instead of paper.  Not only is it better for the environment, it really does help on a broader scope.  That's the beauty of fair trade... shopping for a cause that gives women an opportunity with an impact far beyond what one can actually comprehend.  Yes, your purchase does make a difference, even if it's a napkin.

Where the Magic Happens

The Sewing Center is where the magic happens.  We are blessed to work in such a beautiful building and location.  Most of our seamstresses for The Peace Exchange work in the A-frame (photo below).  This building, create by the non-profit hands of many, acts not only as a sewing center but a women's center as well.  The women sew/work on the entire upstairs of the structure while the downstairs has a separate entrance and is dedicated to helping rebuild women who have gone through horrific hardships and trauma.  The lower facilities has beds, a nice bathroom, living room, kitchen area and office.  The entire center is run off solar panels creating a unique form of self sufficiency in a very poor area.  On average 6-9 women, with their small children, live on the property at a time.  We could not be more happy to be working with theses talented Peace Exchange artists... off a dirt road in Mumosho.  Yes, this place you see below - located in the middle of rugged African landscapes - is where the magic happens.

Our Top Seamstress: Nsimire Matembera

Nsimire Matembera is one of our top seamstresses at The Peace Exchange.  Out of all of the women, she is the most educated and experienced in sewing.  At the age of 33 her life has not been easy, but than again none of the women working in the Congo have had lives of ease.  Nsimire has been a victim of sexual abuse, not one but two times.  She has 2 kids to show for it and is left alone to raise children in an area where most people make less than $1.50 a day.  

Since 2011 Nsimire has been working with our non-profit partner ABFEK in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  She has received a 3-year certificate in sewing and does a great job training and helping the other women in the center.  Valuing education, Nsimire promises to send her children to school... her certificate in sewing shows how education and hard work can pay off.  She is an excellent leader, has an amazing smile that can light up the room, and she is creative with designs.  When we return back to the DRC in the fall she is going to show us her new designs.  While she loves to make the napkin and market/wine bag, her eyes are set on creating a baby bag for us to carry... Grateful to have such a talented leader in our fair trade sewing program.  

Amani Matabaro

Amani translated means Peace... This is one of the reasons we decided to call our fair trade program the Peace Exchange.  Mr. Amani Matabaro is a leader in eastern Congo who has dedicated his life to helping others.  A well educated man who speaks seven languages, Amani is one talented individual!  After losing both of his parents in the war, Amani is committed to creating a better life for his wife and 5 children.  The Matabaro family started a non-profit called ABFEK that works with Action Kivu.  Together they created the sewing workshops where The Peace Exchange fair trade program exists today.  We are so honored to work with good people and quality organizations.  Next week Amani arrives in California for special events and speaking engagements.  Stay tuned for a chance to connect with a man who has a heart to help the world.  Those of us at the Peace Exchange hope you can come out to meet him... It will be life changing.  Guaranteed! 

The kids of Mumosho

This photo was taken in April outside the back door of our Sewing Center.  My travel mates and I had just finished interviewing all of The Peace Exchange semastesses and stepped outside to get some fresh air.  The interviews are intense as we document the women's stories of trauma and life events.  Let's just say life knew what we needed... These kids came running up to us and stopped right in the middle of their soccer game to say hi.  They asked me to take their photos and then proceeded to run in the grass and do back flips.  No lie, the little boy with the red shirt can do one amazing back tuck and layout.  It was an afternoon I will never forget.  I often find that when you put yourself in the flow of the universe, it gives you what you need - when you need it... now that's something to ponder... 

The latest from DRC

As we enter the end of July I am excited to announce a brand new line of fabrics and new import that arrive in the US next week...  Thanks to the talented seamstresses of The Peace Exchange!  Currently we support close to 60 hard-working women in Congo.  Our collection line now includes 15 products ranging from our most popular napkins to a hipster collection featuring bow ties and pocket squares.  We have even created a beach collection with African wax print beach bags and beach blankets.  We are blessed to be able to support women half way across the world due to your support in fair trade.  Thank you to all who follow the #PeaceExcahnge.  We are grateful and want to continue to express how this effort involves many, thanks again.

CSI Supports Fair Trade

How excited were we when we heard Robert David Hall, from CSI decided to support The Peace Exchange and use our market tote/wine bag! Thanks Mr. Hall! It only makes sense that someone who has gone through their fair share of obstacles would choose to support women in Congo - individuals who have also had extreme struggles. In the late 1970's, Robert had both of his legs amputated as a result of an accident in which an 18-wheeler truck crushed his car. The accident also caused the gasoline tank of the car to explode, causing burns over 65% of his body. He now comfortably uses prostheticlimbs, allowing for personal mobility. Several of his characters, including his CSI character, have openly shared this disability. He is a prominent advocate for disabled Americans. In addition to starring on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Robert has appeared in such films as Starship Troopers and The Negotiatorand has made guest appearances in a number of TV programs including The West Wing and L.A. Law.

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND FAIR TRADE LOVE!

Meet Our Seamstresses

Meet the Women (and 1 man) of The Peace Exchange - Sustainable Fair Trade.  Our seamstresses are located in Eastern Congo in a region known as Mumosho.  Here at this sewing center we employ over 45 women who work in artisan fair trade.

All of our women, except 1 have children.  Most of the women have more than one child, single parents, and below the age of 30. 

We have 1 man on board, Boniface, who acts as a big brother to the women.  This is extremely important considering most of our women have been victims of sexual abuse.  

This year we have hired one young woman who is deaf as well.  It's been the biggest joy to see how the women embrace her and how they are all trying to learn sign language.

You see, when you are left with nothing - you create life with what you have.  The people around you become your family, your community.  I'm happy and honored to say that the women of The Peace Exchange are creating relationships of love and support for one another.  Acting as a support and family unit - something they never had.  

International Women's Day

I recently traveled to Central Africa - the place your mother always tells you not to go.  It was International Women's Day.  The country - Democratic Republic of Congo.  The purpose... Empower Women.  It was hot.  I was tired.  Jet-lag had set in and I had a pounding headache.  Yet I was to speak in front of 200 Congolese women.  Some had walked miles to hear the American give them words of hope and encouragement; it was a day I will never forget.  

Women across the world are still being mistreated.  Gender inequality exists.  In the most sickening way, rape still happens.  Physical abuse is not a crime in many nations.  To hit a woman is acceptable by law?!  

Fuck my dehydration and headache - there were greater issues at hand.  As I listened to women tell their stories, I knew much work needed to be done on an international level.     

The Peace Exchange is a non-profit working to create sustainable fair trade centers around the globe in the most desolate of places.  Through artisan fair trade, we employ local women, empower then to move out of poverty and strive for a commitment of education for the artisans and their children.

I recently traveled to Congo on International Women's Day...

The Peace Exchange is only beginning in its efforts to help women around the world...