Shop With a Purpose

As most of you know, our Global Artisan program aunched less than a year ago. Since then, it has grown exponentially. Check out what Stefanie Nichols, our Artisan Empowerment Specialist, has to say about this endeavor and the global impact it makes.

One of our Global Artisans looked at me with her eyes shining in anticipation and then gave me a big hug; I had just told her about our new partnership with The Shops at Sharp End and offered her a space in the new “City Corner”. Another Global Artisan, Star Beadworks, asked if her wares could start to sell soon because, with the new school year starting, the orphanage of 90 children in Afghanistan that her family sponsors has many needs. One of our teenage entrepreneurs excitedly prepared new jewelry offerings, and then her family gathered around to help her package those items with her new unique tags. Yet another artisan is thrilled to potentially send more money home to ensure that her family will eat while they search for those ever elusive job opportunities in Afghanistan. All of our artisans are so excited to have another venue in which to sell their wares, and to share their culture with the community.

The Shops at Sharp End is a fun little boutique at 500 E Walnut; this boutique offers minority entrepreneurs a place to hone their skills in a business incubator setting. We now have a presence so that our Global Artisans can sell their handcrafted items and provide the community with one more place to “shop with a purpose”.

Meanwhile, our Boutique line artisans, all of them teenage girls, are having fun creating fall offerings in our Boutique line of candles, soaps, and cards. Our fall line of scents will include Frasier Fir and Toasted Pumpkin Spice – smelling just as amazing as they sound! The girls will be able to work more hours as the line currently sells in City Boutique, The Shops at Sharp End, and around the community in fall markets. The girls are earning a supplemental income, as well as accruing job experience for the future. 

Additionally, many of our Global Artisans will be appearing at area markets in September, as well as at City of Refuge’s Holiday Market on December 7th. You can even order a custom-made bundle of our items for gift baskets! Here’s an idea of what they can look like. All of these artisan opportunities have a beautiful ripple effect of empowerment, not just in the Columbia area, but around the globe. As you ponder personal or corporate gift ideas for special events, please keep our Global Artisans in mind and “shop with a purpose”!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Nichols
Artisan Empowerment Specialist

City of Refuge provides relational care and ongoing case management, but we also are able to meet some physical needs in real time, thanks to donations of Basic Needs items! We are looking for groups (schools, clubs, families, businesses, departments, etc.) to host donation drives to keep our Basic Needs Closet stocked with things like toilet paper, shampoo, and body soap. We are especially in need of shampoo, body wash/bars of soap, and toothpaste currently.

Groups can either donate items directly from our Amazon Wishlist, raise funds and make a “basic needs” donation for us to then use as needed, or collect items on their own and deliver them to our building! 

We are looking for two groups each month, from now through December. Sign your group up for a month (or two!) below.