Such was the inspiration forLauren Conradand Hannah Skvarla, co-founders ofThe Little Market, a non-profit marketplace for fair trade goods from artisans around the world.
“This day has an extra special meaning to me,” says Conrad, 33, who, with Skvarla, gathered the group of women for an intimate lunch at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica on Wednesday. “It’s a day for us to acknowledge the accomplishments we’ve made and the things we still want to achieve.”
The Little Market
Adds Skvarla: “International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate those who fought before us to pave the way for our right to vote, our right to autonomy over our bodies, our right to self-determination. With that celebration comes the recognition of a responsibility to carry forward their work and not take any of it for granted.”
Leah James.Courtesy of The Little Market
In just five years, The Little Market has expanded from helping eight artisan groups in five countries to 68 female artisan groups in over 28 countries.
Courtesy of The Little Market
And now that both Conrad and Skvarla are mothers (Conrad has19-month-old Liamwith husband William Tell; Skvarla has 4-year-old Liora and 9-month-old Luca with husband Ryan), the pair feel even more inspired to do good.
“Becoming mothers has motivated us to work harder,” says Conrad. “A lot of the artisans we work with are trying to support their families and we understand that there is nothing more important than the well-being of your children.”
Says Skvarla: “We have a responsibility to help other moms. We want to do everything we can to help break the cycle of poverty for women so their children can have better and brighter futures.”
source: people.com
