5 US Social Enterprises to Shop this Holiday Season

This social enterprise post contains affiliate links.

We did it, friends! We made it to a new week! We’re also THAT much closer to Christmas. While this is a fun time of year to receive and give presents, it’s also a time to give back to local charities and organizations. I say, if you’re already buying presents, why not buy from an organization that gives back?! Today I’m sharing 5 of my favorite social enterprises! This is great for me since four of them are in the Nashville area!

5 Social Enterprises to Shop At this Holiday Season:

1) Thistle Farms

Thistle Farm’s purpose is to help women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction and give them a second chance at life. The women start in a 2-year residential program in Nashville where they have access to housing, food, healthcare, therapy, and education. Did I mention this is all free of charge?

Then the women are employed in one of Thistle Farms’ social enterprises where they can learn a new skill or craft. This gives them the tools to support themselves. You can shop their amazing products or donate directly, but their products are out of this world. A few of my favorite products are candles, lip balm, and bug spray.

2) Nashville Blanket Project

A cozy blanket is a gift that keeps on giving. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love a blanket as a gift. For every blanket purchased, one is given to a neighbor in need. Blankets are donated to Nashville-based nonprofits that work with those experiencing homelessness. They’re ethically made and come in the most beautiful colors. Plus, every blanket sold is made from 100% recycled materials: acrylic, polyester, and cotton. Good for the community and the environment.

3) ABLE

On the opposite side of Project 615’s store is ABLE.ABLE is a lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty by providing economic opportunities for women. The story is about the owner who lived in Ethiopia and saw how the women have to resort to prostitution to provide for themselves and their families. ABLE gives them an alternative way to make a living while empowering them at the same time.

ABLE has grown from producing a single collection of hand-woven scarves to a one-stop shop for ethical fashion, offering leather goods, handmade jewelry, denim, clothing, and footwear. Another cool thing ABLE is doing is being one of the first companies to publish their wages. So you can see for yourself how much everyone is making.

4) Nisolo

I shopped at Nisolo for years before learning about their mission. They have the best shoes and pride themselves on being an ethical company. All Nisolo producers receive, at a minimum, beyond fair trade wages, healthcare, and a healthy working environment. Your purchase enables them to create an opportunity for over 500 people. They have factories in Peru and Mexico as well as independent artisans in Nairobi, Kenya & Trujillo, Peru. In addition to shoes, they also have bags and jewelry!

5) The Giving Keys

One of the social enterprises listed that’s not in Nashville is The Giving Keys. You may not know this but I have a necklace from The Giving Keys that says FAITH and I wear it almost every day. Through their social impact employment model, every product you purchase supports job creation for people transitioning out of homelessness. I give my girlfriends a The Giving Keys gift every year!

What about you? What are your favorite social enterprises? I’m always looking for new brands to support so share with me in a comment below!

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