Holiday Edition: Gifts that give back!

The holidays are a time where we learn to appreciate what we have: our families, opportunities, etc. Since it is also a big time for gift giving, I wanted to spread the word about brands that have cute gift ideas where the brand also serves people in our local and even international communities. We can always do our part to benefit others, even if that doesn't mean donating large sums of money or time. There is always something we can do!

Here are some brands I have stumbled across that have great causes and ensure that your money is going to said causes. If you know of anymore brands like this, please let me know!

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1) SEQUENCE COLLECTION

Sequence collection sells accessories hand-crafted by young men in El Salvador who are susceptible to gang violence. The country is getting more violent by the day Ariela Suster, the founder, is doing what she can to save her home country.

Check it out at : https://www.sequencecollection.com/

2) LUELLA ROCKERFELLA

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Luella Rockerfella last night when I stumbled upon her pop-up shop on Melrose Avenue in LA. I went in because I had never seen the store before and the clothes were really cute! I was greeted by the owner and she told me the story of her brand, specifically the hats. These hats are made by women in prisons which teach them a trade and ALL the proceeds go to put people through rehabilitation from substance addiction. She has put 18 people through rehab thus far and its the same rehab she went to and claims it saved her life. The brand is also named after her two kids: Luella (daughter) and her son's nickname "rockerfella". The brand is from London but the LA pop-up will be there for two more weeks. They also have an online shop as well.

They mainly have women's clothing but also some unisex clothing as well.

Here's the site (there is also a blog): https://www.luellarockerfella.com/

3) EVERLANE

This brand is really great for clothing basics that are manufactured to last. Everlane stands apart from other brands with their idea of "radical transparency". Basically, they map out for you how much the materials cost, how much they spend on labor, shipping, etc. Then they tell you their mark-up! They employ people in overseas factories but have very strict standards to ensure everyone is treated and paid fairly. For Black Friday, they donated all their proceeds to buying organic food for their workers.

Everlane also uses sustainable practices to make their clothing. For example, they use way less water to dye their jeans than other brands and the water they do use, they use a reverse osmosis process to make the water drinkable again. Pretty cool! They also have a "100% Human" collection where they donate $5 of anything from that collection to the ACLU. I have one of these shirts and its super comfy!!

Here is the site: https://www.everlane.com/

4) HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES

Homeboy Industries is an LA based organization that strives to improve the lives of high-risk or former gang-involved men and women by serving and employing them. They offer services such as tattoo removal, workforce development, legal services, mental health services, and education services. They have restaurants, bakeries, as well as merchandise. My aunt has been donating to them for years. This holiday season, you can give some of their merchandise as gifts or buy the food for your holiday meals!

Here is the site! https://www.homeboyindustries.org/