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
