Purchases That Pay It Forward
Some see fashion as ‘frivolous,’ a waste of time, focus, and resources. However style serves as a thought-provoking art form, reflective of self and society. This makes it an incredible catalyst for change. Many modern companies are harnessing this power and using it to promote a tender heart and genuine care for others.
What we wear each day is a choice, an expression of the self. Most of all, that should be a spirit of love and generosity. Trends come and go, but kindness is timelessly beautiful. Here are some brands that both live and dress with intention.
TOMS
Originally named “tomorrow shoes,” TOMS has long been known for their buy one, give one campaign. Their original canvas flats are versatile and simple, but carry a world-changing initiative. For every pair sold, TOMS gives a pair of shoes away to a child in need.
“I think the great thing about TOMS is that we make it so easy for people to do something. I think everyone wants serve, everyone wants to give back,” said founder Blake Mycoskie (The Ellen Show). “We’re looking to expand to many different products so that people can give back with all of their purchases.”
TOMS has not only expanded their breadth of designs (they now carry sunglasses), but also their giving, putting money towards finding cures for diseases, providing water, and more.
TOMS original canvas flats are versatile and simple, but carry a world-changing initiative. For every pair sold, TOMS gives a pair of shoes away to a child in need.
Ruby Cup
In the U.S., feminine care products like tampons and pads are easy to take for granted, but in third world countries, a lack of sanitary options has derailed the futures of many girls. Without the proper care, they will use any materials they can find including newspapers, rags, leaves, and tree bark to absorb blood. Due to embarrassment, they will frequently stay home from school. Sometimes they will marry early to earn money, which will gain them access to better care, yet quickly picking a spouse often leaves girls into abusive or vulnerable relationships.
Ruby Cup is working to change this cycle by promoting healthier options for women across all countries and financial circumstances. The Ruby Cup is sustainable menstruation cup made from medical grade silicon that can be used for up to 10 years with proper care. It carries 3x the blood of a super tampon, yet can be kept in for 10-12 hours without concerns about infection or illness. Not only is it a healthy pick for you, but by purchasing a Ruby Cup you are also giving one to a young girl who needs it. In addition to giving out Ruby Cups, the company provides young girls with an education on reproductive health and how to properly care for themselves, while still pursuing schooling.
Once you have worn a Giving Keys necklace and moved past that season, you are encouraged to pass it along as an encouragement to another who needs it.
The Giving Keys
In challenging times, we all reach for solace, a piece of truth to cling onto. These necklaces made from repurposed keys are sturdy, fashionable, and also awe-inspiring. Select a word to represent a season that you are in or a value you hope to embody, which will be engraved on the key. Once you have worn the necklace and moved past that season, you are encouraged to pass it along as an encouragement to another who needs it.
The company’s founder, Caitlyn Crosby, got her start following in her parents’ footsteps pursuing music and entertainment. Yet she wanted to offer the world a different perspective, less focused on external image and more focused on internal worth. She started taking pictures of people with signs saying “I love my cellulite” or “My acne is beautiful,” in hopes of breaking the stigma of appearances. She called the movement “Love Your Flawz.” At one of her concerts, she wore a hotel key she’d engraved with the message. After she was complimented, she started making more of them and selling them as merchandise. Later down the road, she met a homeless couple named Rob and Cera. She invited them to dinner and Cera mentioned how she loved making jewelry. Caitlyn, Cera, and Rob started making and selling keys and it grew from there. The couple continued to save money until they could buy a house and embark on their own career paths. The keys are continually made by people transitioning out of homelessness. It creates a cycle of hope for the producer and the owner, a chain of change.
Beauty Editor | Equal Time
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