16 days until Christmas. Sixteen, people!!!

Do you have your shopping done yet? I’m about half done. Only a few stocking stuffers, a secret santa gift, and Handsome left to buy for.

But the more I wander the aisles of the big box stores, the more I’m inspired to instead find thoughtful handmade, local, or fair trade items to gift. Lucky for me, I have an “in” on an exceptional company that offers just that and I want to share their inspiring story with you.

Trades of Hope is a missional business that was started in 2010 by two women and their daughters. The founders believed that women worldwide are skilled, valuable, and could join together to change the face of poverty. By hiring artisans in impoverished nations, Trades of hope is empowering these women to become financially-independent businesswomen so that they may provide for their families, escape the sex trade, or afford much needed medical care. I love that it is a BUSINESS; not just a charity. 

Trades of Hope partners with artisans in 16 different countries and practices fair trade principles. This means the artisans are paid 100% of their asking price to earn a living wage (housing, food, medical care, education) and they are paid in full up front — regardless of how successfully their product sells. This fair wage is typically 3-6x the average of their community.

For example in Haiti, the minimum wage is $5/day and most make $3. Trades of Hope artisans are paid $15 and up to $25!

These artisans are not in poverty because they lack ability, but because they lack opportunity. That is where Trades of Hope is beginning to make a difference.

Spoiler Alert: If you’re on my Christmas list, do not peek at the image below.

With offerings of jewelry, scarves, bags, home decor, and stationary, I easily checked several people off my gift list! I especially like how every item is accompanied by a card that tells about the women who made it and the impact this business is having on their lives.

(Yes, that’s my kids artwork in the background… #notaproductphotographer)

This is Jane.

You may remember her from the baby shower I hosted last year. She’s a mom of 2 young girls, a fellow military spouse and a dear friend. She will be ridiculously embarrassed that I’m plastering her beautiful face on my blog, but she is my Trades of Hope secret weapon. As a partner in this business, she is the link between these talented artisans and us! Every purchase made through her website not only provides hope for the impoverished, but a portion of the proceeds also helps Jane contribute to the financial health of her family as well.

Good things all around!

The best news is that if you order by December 13th (this Sunday) all your gifts will ship for a flat $4.95 fee AND (more importantly) arrive in time for Christmas! Get that list done, friends. And feel really good about the women you’re supporting with your gifting this year.

Learn more about the artisans at her Facebook page HERE and shop at her website HERE.

*This post is not sponsored. I just adore this business model and my friends.