Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the women in our lives – whether mother, aunt, grandmother, or older friend – who have served to shepherd us through the ups and downs as a mentor, guide, and loving shoulder to cry on. What better way to show your appreciation on Mother’s Day than by paying it forward and helping to lift up other women and mothers around the world?
To say the fashion industry is trend-based is an understatement. Trends come and go – whether clothing styles or “it” girls or even business models – so quickly that it is hard even for people who work in fashion to keep up. The newest trend in the industry, however, may catch some by surprise.
A bit unexpected: The concept of closing the clothing loop through recycling, donation and various other models is now the trend du jour for brands. From bigger retailers such as H&M, Madewell, and Patagonia to newer direct-to-consumer brands such as Reformation, M. Gemi, and yours truly – Cuyana — companies are driving increasing awareness of programs that leverage used clothing as a source of regeneration and offering rewards to do so.
The wave of ethical fashion and socially conscious companies continues to rise, which is something that we can’t encourage more. We love highlighting these brands, not only because we can feel good about spending wisely, but also because we get the opportunity to connect with the hearts of founders who have been so moved by experience that they’ve been willing to reorient their entire lives to improving the ones of others.
One such women is Carly Burson. After holding her adopted Ethiopian daughter in her arms, Carly was struck by how often circumstances prevented a woman from being able to care for a child. Carly has since made it her mission to create full-time jobs and to instill confidence and hope in women through Tribe Alive, a marketplace where jewelry, accessories, weekender bags (which we love) and more are made by artisan partners across the globe.
Below, we’re sharing more of Carly’s story and why she believes that women, in particular, hold the key to changing the world.
I started Slumlove* Sweater Company as a way to help improve the lives of people living in the place that I love. I began traveling to Kenya when I was just four years old, and the beauty and magic of this wonderful country seeped deep into my soul; I’ve never been able to let go.
Over the years, my love for Kenya led me to begin working in Kibera. It’s one of the world’s largest slums located in the country’s capitol of Nairobi. Some friends and I spent the summer of 2008 volunteering there. We developed strong relationships in the community and after seeing a need for educational opportunities for students, we developed a long-term plan to help provide high school scholarships to the children of Kibera.
It’s been seven years since that summer, and each year that passes my love for the people and my desire to see real change grows.