A nonprofit and People + Planet first social enterprise with a mission to advance economic stability by creating jobs for the people who need them most. All products are ethically sourced and selected for their style, quality, and craftsmanship, in addition to the impact they provide. Weave purpose into the fabric of your corporate culture with customizable, social impact products.
The foundational idea that everyone deserves opportunity for a better life free from poverty led to the creation of our LiftWorks Program. Here, we provide sector based skills training in production, fulfillment, graphic design, and digital fabrication to people in Chicago overcoming gun violence, poverty, and other barriers to fair wage employment.
Lift hand-poured candles are paraffin-free, made of sustainable soy wax with coconut oil, and 100% cotton wicks. Our soaps are made with natural, sustainable plant-based glycerin of the highest quality. And our bath salts come from all-natural sea salt from the Pacific Ocean.
o Workforce development & job opportunities for people in Chicago
o Leadership training & career development
o Entrepreneurial mindsets
o Dignity and hope
o 37% of our full-time hires came through the program
o 50% in management/supervisory roles
Labels and bands are completely customizable; scent can be custom.
Founded by two adventurous Italian women, one a fashion accessories designer, the other a marketing specialist, our social enterprise partner in Cambodia provides their artisans (with priority employment given to women) with sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. Their commitment to the environment is seen in their fabrics, using unusual and recycled materials whenever possible to craft innovative and fashionable, Italian designed bags and accessories - from repurposed industrial net to a proprietary fabric made of 100% recycled industrial plastic packaging.
o Sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for Cambodian artisans
o 13-month annual salary
o Eco-friendly
o Free healthcare and onsite daycare and preschool for the artisans' children
Customizable by embroidery, screen printing, and sewn on tags.
Our fair-trade partner in India was founded in 1986 to create sustainable livelihoods for artisans living in abject poverty. The company has supported artisans and their families with fair wages 10-15% higher than local wages, longterm business investment and collaboration, and health and education initiatives for over 25 years.
o Economic independence and sustainable livelihoods for artisans in India
o Eco-friendly recycled materials
o Clean water filters and indoor sanitation
o Free education for 250 of the artisans’ children
o 650-700 workers and family members receive free dental, eye and medical screenings
Bicycle spoke bowl: words and design between the words customizable; PMS color match; logoed etched plate can be put on the bottom.
Iron washer bowl: PMS color match; logoed etched plate can be put on the bottom.
Founder Sena was stricken with polio as a child. He then became the first lawyer in Sri Lanka to use a wheelchair and the first person with a disability to enter politics in Sri Lanka. Sena was one of the longest serving elected politicians in the world with a disability.
Sena wrote:
Here in Sri Lanka we see the disabled as sinners of previous lives, the bad karma affecting…and punishing them in this life. This does not apply solely to the individual with the disability, but to his or her entire family….The majority of children living with disabilities are still excluded from school.
His passion for the environment coupled with his indefatigable efforts to provide equal opportunities for the disabled guided his political life but also led to the creation of his fair-trade practice workshop where adults with disabilities create beautiful products made from recycled materials.
o Sustainable livelihoods for Sri Lankan artisans with physical disabilities
o Recycled materials made from waste and natural products
o Eco-friendly
o Economic independence, dignity, and hope
Customizable by laser etching/engraving.
Our better than fair-trade partner in the United States sources their coffee beans ethically and sustainably, partnering with small, authentic farms and estates around the globe. As a result, we know where every bean comes from, and can ensure that they are sourced ethically. Countries where the beans are produced include Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Trading partnerships are based on dialogue, transparency and respect, with the goal of achieving greater equity in international trade.
o Sustainable livelihoods for the artisans
o Economic independence
o Fair trade practice
o Harvested in safe, healthy conditions
Vinyl label on coffee bag is completely customizable.
These delectable loose-leaf tea blends are delicious and aromatic, hot or cold. They are packaged by refugees employed by a social enterprise in Minnesota. The social enterprise gives 10% of sales at the end of each quarter to refugee resettlement agencies in the Greater Grand Rapids Michigan area. The teas are ethically sourced, naturally flavored, and healthy. Loose-leaf blends are known for having higher antioxidant content than tea bag.
o Addresses & counteracts the lack of employment available to refugees upon resettlement Health insurance
o Sourced from ethical suppliers
o Creates job opportunities with flexible work schedules
Vinyl label on tea bag is completely customizable.
Our clocks are produced and assembled at a social enterprise in Chicago by people who are blind and visually impaired. This non-profit agency is committed to helping the blind and visually impaired and provides quality education, as well as clinical, vocational and rehabilitation services for youth and adults. They hold the official contract for manufacturing clocks for the U.S. government and manufacture between 160,000 and 200,000 clocks annually.
o Job opportunities and vocational services for people who are blind and visually impaired
o Rehabilitation and education
o Self-sufficiency and pride
Entire clock face is customizable—entire design, including numerals, or just a logo inserted on the face.
Buy What You Believe In
Upcycled bags, accessories, and homeware made from waste plastic.
Handcrafted by artisans at a social enterprise in Pune, India committed to socialand environmental- sustainability, and founded on the principles of conserving the environment, creating employment opportunities for women most in need, and engaging with the community to raise awareness of environmental issues. Their collection is made by upcycling difficult-to-recycle and non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic bags, snack wrappers, vinyl banners, balloons, and old audio/cassette tapes.
o Sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for artisans
o Eco-friendly, sustainable materials that would otherwise be in a landfill
o Hard-skills
Brandable by sewn on tag and hang tag.
