Introducing My Trades of Hope

Hey, there!  Remember me?

I’ve been so hit and miss this summer, er, fall, with this whole writing and blogging. There should be a conference for that. Oh, wait... Ironic is it that I’ve been to busy while helping to get the fabulous Allumeconference ready for this October? I’m so looking forward to the speakers, the music, the swag, but mostly the AMAZING people that I will be with all weekend long!!!

For realz, y’all! One of my best friends in the world will be there, friends from out of the country and across the country will be there!! I’m so stinking excited to lay hands and eyes on these gals – a few guys, too.

Of course, I wouldn’t be true to myself if I only did one thing at a time. That’s like only reading one book at a time. Who does that??

So besides hammering nails into walls a la The Nester and a couple other projects I’m working on, I signed up for a new home-based job.  I’d love to introduce you to Trades of Hope.  I am now a Compassion Entrepreneur, or a CE as we say in the sisterhood. (Don’t run off, this is really good stuff.  Honest!)

I’ve known about TOH and pondered joining their ranks for months now.  To tell the truth, I don’t exactly know how I first discovered them.  As far as I can tell it was either through twitter or through one of their artisan groups.  Follow enough ethical fashion organizations, world-changers, and general do-gooders and eventually it will lead you to Trades of Hope.

Simply put, Trades of Hope is based on the good ole home party shopping model.  Here’s the twist:  all items are hand-made, Fair Trade, and directly impact the lives of the artisans who make the jewelry, scarves, bags, journals, and home décor.  Here’s the why and how:

  

“So many women live in poverty, not because they lack abilities, but because they lack opportunity. We started Trades of Hope to give women that opportunity for a better life. Each woman has a story, and with Trades of Hope's help, their story has changed from pain and struggle to a story of HOPE!”

“Our artisans make approximately 6 times more than they would normally make in the context of their country. Trades of Hope is not a charity or a not for profit. We believe sustainable business is a long-term solution for change over charity.”

I have an open party on Facebook right now.  I’d love for you to join us.  If you like what you see and would like to host your own party, just let me know.  I’d love to make that happen for you.  If you really, really love it and want to join me – I can make that happen to.  Let’s talk.

  

So this party, it’s my first and I’m hosting it myself for myself.  That’s not really much fun.  I’d rather host it for YOU.  Anyone who places an order by midnight Saturday, September 27, will have their name placed in a drawing.  The winner will have the party changed into their name and receive all the hostess rewards from the party.  The party doesn’t close until October 14.  This gives you plenty of time to invite even more of your own friends to join in.

Hope on over and take a look.  Not on Facebook, but still interested?  Go to my personal website.  If you place an order, you will still be entered.  Unfortunately, this is for the 50 United States and APO addresses only.  Hang in there Canada.  Hopefully we’ll get to you, too.