Ninety-six years ago, women in the United States were granted the right to vote through the 19th Amendment. Today, nearly a century later, we celebrate the many milestones women have made, along with the accomplishments of courageous women like Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
We also reflect on the advancements that have yet to happen, here in the United States and around the world.
My close friend Hannah Skvarla and I founded The Little Market almost three years ago in an effort to empower female artisans throughout the world and to provide them with meaningful opportunities. We are committed to fair trade principles, and our nonprofit social enterprise provides women artisans access to a wider audience to which they can sell their beautiful and handmade goods.
The Little Market is currently working with more than 40 artisan partners in 16 countries. Four of our artisan partners are based in the United States: Bright Endeavors, Downtown Women’s Center, Gaia, and Prosperity Candle. Each of these groups has a deep commitment to women’s rights, and we are so inspired by the artisans and the products they make.
Bright Endeavors in Chicago, Illinois supports and provides young mothers with professional job skills as they create products such as the soaking salts we carry at The Little Market.
In Los Angeles, the Downtown Women’s Center works toward combating unemployment and homelessness and offers design and development workshops centered around products like the soaps we carry.
Gaia empowers female refugees now living in Dallas, Texas, and the women transform beautiful textiles into accessories like our circle bags.
Prosperity Candle is a social enterprise in Easthampton, Massachusetts and invests in female entrepreneurs and refugees as they develop hand-poured candles.
Through The Little Market, women artisans are able to earn a sustainable income and gain access to important resources such as vocational training. Your support empowers these artisans and helps promote women’s equality, both in the United States and around the world.
To say I am inspired by these women and their passion for what they do would be an understatement. To learn more about these amazing artisans and the fair trade products they make, head over to The Little Market.
XO Lauren
Photos: The Little Market