It is defined as the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. This word has become the champion for socially, ethically and environmentally conscious organizations seeking long-lasting results. Everyone wants to join the sustainability party these days! It is one of the reasons I started HandUp Global Goods five years ago. I knew that providing jobs for orphaned young men, in addition to other programming, was the key to maintaining success at a consistent level in Haiti. Jobs mean independence. Here’s the Truth. But it was several years into our project that I realized we had created...

    I don’t remember ever doing my makeup at home.   Through my teenage years I only wore lipstick and mascara and both were easy to throw on while I drove stick shift with one hand and coddled a cup of overly sweet coffee in the other.Really--I am a walking miracle, people.   Then married life happened early for me and MAYBE there was a pocket of time that I took the time to apply makeup in front of a bathroom mirror but honestly, I think more often than not, I chose sleeping over beautifying. So there’s that.  ...

    When I first heard the term, “capsule wardrobe”, I pictured a sampling of my clothing stuffed into a glass capsule. For what reason? I didn’t know but it sounded interesting. When I asked people if they knew what a capsule wardrobe, they would respond “A time capsule?”   Glad I wasn’t the only clueless one.   So after researching, I learned that the capsule movement was spurred by a British boutique owner named Susie Faux. She was tired of seeing less quality apparel come and go and was looking to curate classic pieces that could be worn for...

When I started HUGG Mission Market 4 ½ years ago, I had ZERO idea what I was doing. Let me count the ways: -No design experience -No retail experience -No finance experience -No Haiti experience -No e-commerce experience Zip. Zero. Nada. Anye! I had to do LOADS of online research, ordered every book, it seems, on social enterprises and dove through all the ethical fashion brands I could find. Raven and Lily was one of those brands. I remember falling in love with their elevated global patterns and sleek designs and dreamed that one day, we would be able to...

My devotion to Target was severely compromised in 2014--the year that I learned (and took seriously) about the exploitation of garment workers across the world.    I researched some of their clothing brands and was disappointed at the lack of traceability and overall lack of social responsibility towards the people who made their garments.   And I knew what I had to do.   It was one of those “say it ain’t so” moments.   No more “keep me sane” ICEE runs for my kids.   No more grab-and- go $15 blouses while running in for milk.   But I...