In a world saturated with exploitation, greed, and unethical practices that often go unnoticed, there is nothing bolder than a business built around hope and help. To The Market is changing the notion that shopping has to be a materialistic venture. Jane Mosbacher Morris launched To The Market after a trip to India revealed the opportunity to empower survivors of abuse, conflict, and disease by supporting their access to work and providing opportunities for economic independence. From wrap skirts and yoga bags to stationary and jewelry, Jane and the To The Market team support artisans of all kinds in 20 countries worldwide.
Every product page includes tidbits on how the piece was made and details on how your order will empower the designer. Reminders like “hear the stories of redemption and restoration shining through the paint and remember, you are part of this story too” make the buying experience more personal and powerful than any trip to the mall could ever be. In purchasing beautiful, handmade pieces for your wardrobe, you can fashion a better life for someone else.
To The Market doesn’t do “pity purchases” or expose a survivor’s deepest wounds for financial gain. Instead, the company focuses on providing ethically-made, on-trend items while sharing stories of resilience and hope. It’s in these stories that Jane is reminded of why she began in the first place. “There was one little girl that I spent time with in a Red Light district in Mumbai that was so full of joy, despite her circumstances,” she recalls. “It really reminds me that you can find joy, regardless, if you have the right attitude and an open heart. It also reminded me that if economic opportunity could help her mom leave the Red Light district with her daughter, then To The Market would be having a multi-generational impact. THAT is exciting.”
Though these survivors have faced the likes of HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and genocide, To The Market is only looking ahead. “We really try to focus on the future of the survivor,” Jane says. “What has happened to them is only one part of their story. They still have dreams and aspirations that we really try to focus on, instead.” In doing this, To The Market provides survivors with the same level of dignity and sense of self worth that too many of us often take for granted. Their mission is one that we can all apply to our personal and professional lives: you are more than your past and there is always hope.
In working with partners across the globe, Jane has learned one thing that rings true in every country – pursuing passion will always be more rewarding than pursuing money. “If you pursue a mission about which you feel passionate, whether that is addressing a social justice issue or creating a really terrific product or experience for your customer, you have a much higher chance of success than those who are driven by money alone.”
Fashion Publicist Jordan Landes-Brenman, of Haute House PR, was sweet enough to send us a few gorgeous items to play with. Stay tuned for more styled posts with TTM like this one featuring the Arabella Necklace!
You can support To The Market by visiting their website, liking them on Facebook and following on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube.
