It was a very cold Saturday in late November when our family decided to head to North Austin to purchase Christmas presents at a benefit called Market of Hope. It was organized by a Round Rock church called New Hope and featured several organizations selling wares and goods from around the world. It encouraged shoppers to use their purchasing power to support the marginalized and vulnerable in many third world countries.
We packed up the whole crew and headed North to check it out expecting to find a few good gifts for Christmas but I never expected to be forever changed and inspired. Every organization I learned about touched a cord that was already in my heart-a desire to help, to do something for the fragile around us, but I was especially drawn to Noonday Collection.
Their product was absolutely beautiful, their marketing material outstanding and their impact inspiring. I spoke with Michele Hunt, an ambassador for Noonday, who unveiled the story behind one of their Ethiopian pieces. Recycled artillery shells from previous wars are melted down and manipulated to make elegant jewelry. Each women from this artisan group is HIV positive and receiving medication that they can now afford because of our purchases. This was one of 28 artisan groups that are positively effected by Noonday Collection. I was so moved and inspired; I had to learn more!
A few weeks later, with the help of an amazingly inspirational ambassador named Marijoy Horton, I hosted my own show at my church before the holidays. We invited the congregation, friends and family to check out the products, try them on and use their purchasing power for good. There was an amazing response! I begin to see that people today are hungry to help the needy and when they have an outlet to do so they are eager to respond.
Every necklace, scarf, bracelet, earring, and purse has a story. A story of women and men in harsh conditions and backgrounds using their creativity to make amazing products. Every Noonday artisan is lifted out of their circumstances because of a purchase you and I have made. The simplicity of fair wages, caring leadership, and collaborative vision give these artisans around the world an opportunity to thrive spiritually, emotionally and physically.
I was so moved my the Noonday's impact and passion, that I wanted to do even more. This is when I decided to take the plunge and become an Ambassador! This gives me the opportunity to share the vision, partner with friends to host shows, style my friends and be a part of changing the world for good. I am so thrilled for what the future holds and excited to be a part of this movement!
Want to learn more? Please visit my website and watch the video: http://amberholdridge.noondaycollection.com/
Want to learn more about hosting a trunk show? Email me at ambernholdridge@gmail.com
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