Yesterday I had a surprise visitor show up at my house. I was sitting at my desk in my sweatshirt and yoga pants, no makeup and hair in a bun, when the doorbell rang. It was my dear friend Carol.
She arrived to do some shopping at the HeartStories Fair Trade pop-up shop I’m hosting. It turns out my invitation was a bit confusing and she thought it was open for shopping yesterday. I was embarrassed by my appearance and the state of my kitchen, but I was thrilled to get the unexpected time to catch up with Carol.
We caught up about our lives, the kids and our holiday plans as she browsed. I started to explain the reason for the shop being about the stories of these women who are investing in the lives of people all around the world and she said, “I know. That’s why I came.” It warmed my heart.
Carol read each label carefully to learn the story behind each piece of clothing, jewelry, every shoe and accessory. She took a long pause while holding the sleeve of one particular shirt. She looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “I feel like I’m touching the life of the woman who sewed this. Like I’m really making a difference for her.”
And she is.
That, my friends, is the “why” behind the Shop by HeartStories.
It’s the heart story of the women who founded each of these brands, to make a difference in the lives of people. It’s not a fashion trend or a fad to buy fair trade clothing and accessories. It’s not only because the clothing is so incredibly cool.
It’s because these products are about redemption, dignity and hope.
They are the stories, the life blood, of the women who work tirelessly to bring them to us and the beautiful stories of the people who made them. People who are treated with respect and kindness and love. People who are shown that they are valuable, that they matter.
I couldn’t be more passionate about the work these women are doing and the products they make available to us. My hope is that as we continue to explore their stories, you will continue to grow in that passion too.
I hope today, as you hold a garment, a purse, or a necklace in your hand, that realize that you’re touching someone’s life. You’re making a positive empowering impact, or a negative one. You may not see it written in the label, but every choice we make effects someone.
Let’s choose to care.
Let’s make a difference. Because we can.
to more love,
Crystal
P.S. If you’re local, stop by and see me today. You can send me a note here for more details. It’s the last day of our pop-up shop. If you can’t make it today, we’ll be joining The Giving Market in Dallas tomorrow! Would love to see you there.
P.S.S. If you’re not local and still want to make a difference with your purchases, check out our online shop. You can find great fair trade gifts that give back so generously to the people who make them.
