One of my proudest professional moments so far was participating in the creation of this cute journal:
(photo by paige knudsen)
It was my first collaboration with Noonday Collection, a company I have come to love and will be traveling to Rwanda with in just a few days (!).
My part was simply to design the cover and artisans in India turned them in to beautiful works of art. I know it was just a little thing, but I felt so honored to be part of something bigger – helping women across the world make ends meet for their families.
To know that the journal made a small difference in the lives of families across the globe is inspiring to me. But it doesn’t take designing products – simply purchasing them can make an impact, too.
This whole concept of’ using my purchasing power for good’ is fairly new to me, but one I am seeking to embrace. I want to buy pretty clothes and gifts and decorations, and if I have the chance to buy pretty things AND have my money go towards supporting artists and small businesses, I’m all for it.
I’m headed to Africa where I’ll get to meet a handful of these women whose lives are forever changed because their work is sold through companies like Noonday. I’ll be traveling with a few friends whose lives have been forever changed because they have funded their adoptions or sent their kids to college or paid their mortgage with the income they’ve made through selling products created by these artisans. It’s such a beautiful cycle and one I’m grateful to be part of.
You can make a difference, too. Here are two ways:
1. Follow along on our Rwanda trip to learn about the ways Noonday and IJM are advocating and providing opportunities for families across the globe. Our group will be sharing throughout our stay and you can stay up to date by signing up for updates here. There’s actually a pretty generous giveaway going, so enter now for a chance to win.
2. Host a trunk show. Gather your friends and neighbors, snack on finger foods and sip your favorite drink while you hear more of the Noonday mission, shop for beautifully made jewelry and gifts, and use your purchasing power for good.
We’re actually creating a new collection of items while in Africa (SUPER excited about this and I’m sure I’ll share much more next week!) and those will be revealed at a nationwide trunk show this August.
Everyone who attends the trunk shows will have the chance to vote on their favorite designs we’ve created alongside our new Rwandan friends and the winning designs will be produced. More details on the #styleforjustice collection to come, but check your calendars and sign up to host a trunk show!
YAAAAAAY! Already following yall along and cheering you on! So thrilled and can not wait to hear and read all their stories! WOO HOO!!!
I LOVE this post!! My sister went on a year long mission trip (the world race) and came back with a dream to start a business doing EXACTLY what this blog post is about. She has actually started her store (www.paisleyprintboutique.com) and it fully embraces exactly what you are talking about. (yes, its a bit of a shameless plug for her, but I get excited when I see others sharing in her vision to make a difference with their purchases!)
I can’t wait to read about your trip – I have also become more aware of IJM in the last year thanks to a Sara Groves concert and look forward to hearing more about them as you all go!
I luv everything about noonday! to have you collaborate with them is even better! how do I purchase this notebook?