social impact inspirations

connect with some of my favorite small businesses that are truly transforming the way business is run by creating models that make an impact.  take time to become inspired (constantly building)

Meso Goods  

ethically made. modern style. inspired living. 

This company is near and dear to my heart after spending time in Guatemala City with Meso Goods. The co-founders have been on a mission to spread the Social Design Movement since 2009 and the brand developed my love, understanding and importance in supporting ethically made goods.   Diego & Gonzalo personally knocked on doors in small Guatemalan villages in order for the traditional looms to be dusted off and used again. Their ultimate goal is to create modern designed products that are ethically made by the many artisans of Latin America while connecting the pieces to international markets. They have created over 550 jobs across Guatemala and are expanding in Honduras with beautiful planters perfect for your favorite succulents.  Please take time to learn more and meet Meso Goods.  Also, do us all a favor and visit Guatemala.  I promise you will find a special place in your heart for the country. While you visit don't forget to stop in a Meso Goods location. They have two store fronts in Guatemala City!

Someone Somewhere

someone is for the people who make our products. somewhere is for the places where they live. 

I ran across the company based in Mexico City and fell in love with their hats (especially for guys).  I will be honest something that I fan over is a good flat brim on a boy and Someone Somewhere makes the perfect ones. Unique, colorful hats made by artisans in Mexico. They also have ultra cool backpacks (large and small) along with t-shirts and sweatshirts.  Please take a look.  I promise you will find something that will make you feel cool, young and hip while creating a positive impact. #WearthePurpose

 Made by Free Women/ CAUSEGEAR

empowering women to end slavery. 

This past June, I went to a conference and met people I connected with and believe in their mission.  Introducing the co-founders of Made by Free Women/CAUSEGEAR, Brad & Dr. Katherine Jeffery. They have an ambitious mission to not only create sustainable incomes for craft women in India, but first to end slavery and ultimately set the women free.  They have reasonably priced items from beautiful leather journals, to casual backpacks, totes and t-shirts along with a couple of stunning leather work bags that will make your daily routine a better one.  Currently everything is made in India, but eventually the brand will continue to expand to other countries in order to continue to fight slavery.

Some facts for you (from causegear.com) 750 million people living in poverty and over 40 million slaves. 40% live in India. 70% are women. 

Good Hospitality Group

premium hospitality with a cause. stay good, do good.

CEO Marten Dresen believes that all business should be social business. He began his journey creating Niños de Guatemala, an orphanage within in the hills of Guatemala. He found fundraising to be challenging and in order to create sustainable funding for the NGO he established a hospitality business that reinvests their profit to support social causes. Welcome Good Hotel Group.

Good Hotel currently has locations in both London, England and Antigua, Guatemala. i was able to stay at the Antigua hotel during my time in Guatemala. The rooms are bright and authentic with a minimalistic design. Many of the employees are single mothers being trained through the Good Hotel Training program. It was incredible to see the impact that the hotel is having within the small town. An impact that I believe all businesses should be able to create.

The Good Hotel Group will continue their expansion by aiming to have five innovative locations by 2021 and of course continue to utilize their social business model through up-cycling real estate, charitable giving, and the Good Training program. Did I mention their London location is a redesigned industrial floating platform? I cannot wait to stay there soon. Start looking out for Good and of course #travelforgood.

Plastic Bank

stop ocean plastic.

Plastic Bank is a non-profit partnering with large organizations in order to reuse and reduce plastic, but also to create a global currency for impoverished communities. I have been able to meet some of the team and they are creating both social and environmental impact.

First, they are helping to stop ocean plastic, but the difference is they are educating the value in the plastic to the collectors. Plastic is collected and then sold at a premium and branded Social Plastic. Individuals who gather the plastic can exchange it for money, items or educational services. Plastic Bank currently operates in Haiti, Philippines, Brazil, and plans to expand across the globe. The organization has become an award winning solution and a non-profit that is working towards multiple UN Development goals. Plastic Bank can certainly create powerful innovations when partnering with large brands. This is an inspiring example of a company wanting to expand their global impact through tackling plastic in a new way while reducing, reusing, and creating opportunities to improve lives.