“A mindful purchase that creates balance between the style-conscious fashionista and the cause-related passionista alike.” This is how President of Indigenous Designs, Matt Reynolds, describes his products. Creating organic, fair trade apparel, this B Corp is built upon a global, socioeconomic trade-model which encourages indigenous peoples to organize. They then go even further and help with funding, organic certification and access to the global market. A fair trade and organic company for 15 years now, Indigenous improves communities through business, not charity.
Indigenous Designs partners with Peruvian artisans for shared success. Working with organizations to provide training, financing and education, it is possible to interlace the company’s financial performance with that of the craftsmen. Better markets, prices and materials are available, as well as education on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Such beneficial practices have earned this B Corp the privilege of soon being one of the first Transfair USA certified apparel companies. By building a relationship with people, rather than faceless suppliers, it is possible to earn profit and deliver a quality product, while bettering communities and the planet.
Our fifth founding B Corp, Indigenous Design became certified after seeing the huge potential of the B Corp vision, plan and community. Hoping to protect and cement all stakeholders into their corporate law, they quickly worked to safeguard the company’s integrity and legacy. They’ve also utilized the B Impact Assessment to improve corporate structure, educate their board members and distinguish themselves amidst a sea of greenwashing. Proudly displaying the B Corp seal everywhere, they’ve expanded their commitment to community from the supply chain to the business world.
There are so many exciting things in Indigenous Designs’ future, it is difficult to choose just one to highlight. This B Corp is moving further into mainstream consciousness with celebrity fans and coverage in major magazines like Cosmo. An exciting traceability platform, to connect people with the story behind the production of each piece of clothing, is also in the works. This will allow each and every one of us to see the impact our purchase makes and to better understand the supply chain of a socially-just trading system. Providing products that match mainstream offerings in cost and quality, Indigenous pushes above and beyond your normal shirt. The producer, consumer and environment all win.
Interested in learning more about their innovative practices? Visit their site and Better Know this B.
Discussion: 1 Comment
The people behind Indigenous Designs are both wise and altruistic to provide help to these communities “through business, not charity.” The relationships they’re developing are mutually beneficial, and serve as a strong base for future global improvement. This is exciting news to read about! May their popularity and success continue to grow.