So we have talked about TOMS Marketplace and the newly launched and fabulous TO THE MARKET (TTM). Today, I am going to introduce you to another wonderful company doing a lot of good.
I recently got connected with Bethany, founder and chief designer of The Root Collective. Besides being fabulous, she has a heart of gold. We met in person at The Holiday Shop. You also may recognize the beautiful TRC shoes from this collaborative fair trade fashion shoot I did a couple of months ago.
Here is a little about Bethany and the why behind TRC:
I turned 30 in 2012. And I went through my second quarter-life crisis in 5 years. What am I doing with my life? Why am I still in a corporate job that I don’t like? Where am I going? And then 2 months after that birthday, in the month of October, I watched theHalf the Sky documentary and the doer in me rose up in a passion that I knew couldn’t be stopped this time. The Root Collective was born that night.
The problem-solver and the doer in me had to shift directions. My desire to fix changed into a desire to partner. It was humbling. I realized that I couldn’t fix anything for the people who lived in La Limonada, but I could come alongside them and tell them that I believed in them enough to invest in them. And investment is what brings about change.
We don’t employ the artisans who produce our goods. They own their own businesses. The Root Collective partners with them as an equal. One business supporting another.
I love her emphasis on partnership with the artisans:
We partner to AFFIRM dignity, not give it. No one can give another person dignity.
You can even read up on the story behind each kind of product on TRC. So cool!
Bethany and her team have put together some holiday gift guides. Otto’s shoes are next on my list of purchases. 
Here are two of the guides I like best:
And just in time for Black Friday – #GivingTuesday, TRC is offering a wonderful sale: 25% discount with code JOYTOTHEWORLD that is valid from Friday to Tuesday.
So, go crazy this holiday season. And do it with a clear conscience knowing that your money is well spent… doing a world of good by affirming and partnering with local artisans in Guatemala, Peru and Kenya, enabling them to earn a fair wage and support their families and communities. This is good work.
* I am an affiliate blogger for TRC, and will be receiving a small commission off any sales made from my affiliate link. All opinions are my own, and I will never promote a company or product I have not vetted myself, know personally, or have purchased from and authentically believe in.
