Friday Faves

So, this being pretty much my first blog post ever, I wanted to give myself a little structure by having a "theme." I'll try to keep up weekly, by posting some of my favorite things on Fridays.

This week I want to talk about some of my favorite "businesses with a purpose." At least that's what I'll call them. I love learning about business that support a purpose and make a difference in a community. I get excited hearing stories of people that visit a third-world country and are moved to make a difference. And that's exactly what my Friday Faves this week are all about!

1.

I have admired TOMS shoes and their movement for a while now. Just recently did I purchase my first actual pair...and now I'm hooked! I purchased the burlap TOMS....and I LOVE them! Not only are they cute, but they're also super comfy. And those two don't always go together in reference to shoes! TOMS "one for one" program means that for every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. Here's a quick blurb from toms.com about the man behind TOMS and how it all began

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

I also recently found out that TOMS just started a "one for one" program with sunglasses! For every pair of TOMS sunglasses you purchase, you give someone the gift of sight. Whether that be through prescription glasses, medical treatment or sight saving surgery!

It all started with someone seeing a need and now the TOMS movement has spread all over the globe!!

If that doesn't warm your heart, I don't know what will!



2.

31 Bits is another awesome company I've recently discovered. 31 Bits is designed to give women in Uganda a chance to overcome poverty. These women use their bead-making skills to make beautiful jewelry. The women use recycled paper and other local materials to create unique pieces of jewelry. Not only does 31 Bits give these women a source of income, but they also offer development programs such as English lessons, finance training, AIDS and health education and vocational training. And let me just say, this jewelry is awesome! Here are a few of my favorite pieces!

Bermuda Braid

Leather Shiloh

PB

Here's a quick write up about Kallie Dovel, the girl behind 31 Bits.

"Kallie Dovel, traveled to Uganda in the summer of 2007, getting a first- hand look at life in Northern Uganda. While she was there, she met women making paper beads but who lacked a plan to market and sell them. After spending time in their homes and hearing their stories, Kallie knew there had to be a way to give opportunities to her new friends. She brought a box of jewelry back to the U.S., and spent the next year finishing her degree and dreaming up the concept of a development organization. She brought a few friends on board and her ideas quickly evolved into 31 Bits. The girls traveled back to Uganda in August 2008, and selected six women to begin buying jewelry from on a monthly basis. Since then, we have grown to 63 women; each with a unique story of suffering that has been overcome with joy and liberation."

I love to hear stories of women my age making such an impact in an area that needs it so badly. Check out 31bits.com...you won't regret it!



3.

The third and final company on this weeks segment of Friday Faves is Sseko Designs. Sseko sandals are also made by women in Uganda and they are just about the coolest sandals ever. Basically there is a standard design of sandal with interchangeable straps. Not only can you change out the straps, but also the way you tie the straps onto your foot. They're very versatile and way cute. I recently ordered the teal sandals above with an extra brown strap and I LOVE them! I've had people ask me about them every time I've worn them! And they're very well made and comfy!

Sseko Designs was also started by a young woman, with a BIG dream! Here's a little explanation on how Sseko's making a difference in Uganda.

"Sseko Designs is a not-just-for-profit enterprise that recognizes the power of business and responsible consumerism to support sustainable economic development, which in turn affects a country's educational, justice, and health care systems. The goal of Sseko Designs is two-fold: provide university tuition for these promising young women through a sustainable monthly income, while also contributing to the overall economic development of Uganda."

I definitely recommend checking out ssekodesigns.com and reading more about their story. You also need to see just how many different ways you can wear these awesome sandals!

Well, that's about it for my very first blog post! I get so excited when I find companies like this and I want to share them with everyone I know! I know we can't all move to a third world country to do mission work or start up a business, but we can support these awesome companies by purchasing their product and supporting their movement.