Using fashion as a medium for making positive change might seem like a glamorous way to give back, and live your heartstories.  But running a social enterprise is hard.  The margins are smaller, the days are longer and giving up affects so much more than you.

This is a beautiful story of a woman and her band of believers who won’t quit.  She’s in it to change the lives of women, starting with the first 10.  

Meet Katie Martinez, founder of Elgantees.

Hi Katie! Tell us about the moment you knew for sure you had to do something.

Back in 2010, I was top of my game as a Production Manager for a fashion company in New York City. Yet the fashion line dream was itching me, and moved back to Iowa to pursue it. I set up a “warehouse” in my parent’s basement with $10,000 saved up. That doesn’t seem like a lot to start a clothing line, …