“Sky is the limit.” – Nik Kershaw
We’ve all heard that familiar phrase, “give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for life.”
By now, I’m sure you have figured out that I love sharing brands that do more than just provide beautiful clothes for the world. It allows me to write about two of my favorite things – things that are both aesthetically and altruistically beautiful. A rare marriage that is quickly gaining momentum.
The lovely people from beyondBeanie have embraced the idea of helping people “learn to fish” while also feeding them as they learn. On the surface, they make beautiful, artisan beanies, bags and ponchos available for purchase. Each item covers the cost of a specific need for the orphaned school children living in the Amanceer Salomon Klein Center, located in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
1 Beanie = 5 Meals
1 Bag = 1 Set Of School Supplies
1 Poncho = 1 School Uniform
What I love about beyondBeanie is that they are not satisfied with simply giving to satiate a current need. Providing fish for the hungry is not enough. Instead, they want to help the women of La Paz, Bolivia, “learn to fish,” so they can provide for themselves and their families for a lifetime.
Each product beyondBeanie offers is handmade by women of Bolivia. My Illimani Poncho has been handcrafted by the talented Rosy Zarate. Not only does beyondBeanie provide a way for supporters to know who made their garment, they have a dedicated page on their website where supporters can Meet Your Artisan.
Knowing the name of the person who made my poncho, by hand, definitely adds to the sentimental value. But being able to read Rosy’s story and confirms to me the power we have as consumers. We have the power within us to choose how we impact the world. By choosing to purchase from socially conscious brands, like beyondBeanie, we are saying to the world that people matter.
I hope that you have all been inspired by all the brands I have shared with you. I know it has impacted my purchasing habits for the better. I hope you have been inspired to changed yours as well.
Photography by Shanna Gilfix | Makeup by Emily Oliver
Wonderful work! That is the kind of info that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thanks =)
Thank you so much, Deb!! I appreciate your kind words and you taking the time to read the blog – it means the world. Your dresses are beautiful, I did take a look at your site. Thanks so much for reaching out, please feel free to email or comment any time – I love the feedback!!
We love this post! Thanks so much for talking the time to write about beyondBeanie in your blog.
Thanks, Tito!!! Love my poncho and everything you guys are doing. So excited for the many wonderful things you guys are putting together. Can’t wait to see them all unfold!!