A few years ago I started thinking more about where I spent my money and what I spent my money on. Honestly, words like fair trade, locally sourced, and ethical shopping were not part of my vocabulary. Now, the times I get really jazzed about buying stuff (you know I’m an experience kinda gal) is when I’m supporting social causes. I love that in the spirit of gift giving, I can buy cute and comfy lounging pants for my mom and support women in India who have survived human trafficking. I can buy the most luxurious lavender lotion and support women in Nashville find healing and economic independence. Pretty sure that’s the definition of a win-win situation!
If you’re not familiar with fair trade, essentially, it’s a way to make sure fair prices are paid to producers, often in developing countries. My favorite place to shop both locally and responsibly is It’s Only Fair in Covington, KY. The owner of this adorable shop has a heart for empowering and providing economic freedom for survivors in places like India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangkok, and Guatemala.
Reegan, the owner of It’s Only Fair, began simply by buying fair trade products for herself. She connected with a nonprofit organization in Bangkok- loved their story, and wanted to do more. Their answer? Market their products in the West. And that’s exactly what led her to open her own store. The products sold at It’s Only Fair come from companies like Sari Bari, an ethical fashion business that employs women who have been exploited by human trafficking, and Freeset, a business that trains women rescued from the sex trade. These artisans create beautiful handmade items; they just need buyers. That’s where we come in.
Yes, I love the mission of It’s Only Fair, but I honestly love the products even more. Every single thing is unique. Gorgeous jewelry. Handcrafted bags. Sweet children’s gifts. Essential oils. Adorable booties. Such special pieces that you just can’t find in other places. It just feels good to shop here. I bought a blue kurta (made in India) and it’s one of my most favorite pieces of clothing! If you don’t own a kurta, you need one in your life. Kurtas are long so they cover all the parts I like to hide! I also bought a stunning leather bound journal to house all my deepest darkest secrets.
By choosing fair trade and shopping at places like It’s Only Fair, we can become part of the amazing stories of hope, change, and empowerment that are being written all over the world. If I can spend my money in a way that provides justice and freedom, strengthens communities, breaks the cycle of poverty, and assists in fighting for freedom, count me in. No brainer!
Let’s make the world a better place and let’s use our dollars to do it. Let’s lift others up and let’s buy precious products in the process.
GO THERE (It’s Only Fair)! TRY THAT (change the world the way we shop)!
2 Comments
Donba Azbelk
November 3, 2018 at 5:10 pmThat awesome, I have been wanting to come to Covington to see all that is new, can’t wait!!!
Mindy Trujillo
November 5, 2018 at 4:41 pmLet me know what you think!