Ethical Gifts by Mi Esperanza Hope Supply

Mi Esperanza is a combination of so many things that I love: subscription box surprises, artisan goodies, and female entrepreneurship. This month I received the Hope Supply Box, which is filled with lovingly produced goods curated through Mi Esperanza, an ethical gifts and fashion brand.

The goal of the box is to support long-term programs of Mi Esperanza, and to put the faces behind fashion at the forefront. To do this, Mi Esperanza is committed to honoring the artisans who produce their products, like this beautiful Liz Alig upcycled scarf!

Fair-trade Fashion

Mi Esperanza employs women with a fair living wage, and supports their personal and professional growth. The Hope Supply Box offers a unique, transparent story to showcase the women are who make the featured ethical gifts…and explains why unveiling this curtain matters.

Mi Esperanza, which translates to “my hope,” started in 2002 with a goal of sustaining the lives of women in Honduras villages through fair-trade entrepreneurship. For over ten years, Mi Esperanza has elevated women in these communities by offering fair-pay, actively  communicating with their team, and joining in a loving partnership to help women lift themselves out of poverty. This partnership has empowers women to maneuver towards whatever dreams they have for the future by providing financial stability.

“Poverty throughout the world has a woman’s face. Of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty, 70 percent are women.”

 Women Supporting Women

All the profits attained from Mi Esperanza support trainings for impoverished women who often do not have the access or resources to get an education. These courses include sewing, computer management, jewelry making, and cosmetology. The goal of the program is to support these women so they can seek the employment of their choosing. The overall goal is this: stability, success, and a stable future for themselves and their children.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting women in need. Everyone has talents, dreams, skills, and worth, and what better to elevate someone to do whatever they wish to in life than an education with an emphasis on polishing their unique craftsmanship?

In my life, I feel most inspired and empowered when I am constantly learning things, experiencing new experiences, and working on my career. I am so blessed and thankful when I have the opportunity to go to a conference or training, because it give me confidence in my skill set, and inspires me to be around other people who are excited to enact positive change. That’s one small way the mission of Mi Esperanza resonates with me, and I love the beautiful mission of women supporting women.

Pillow Cover

The first item I received was this Arrowroot 12×12 pillow cover! It’s hand stamped with gray arrows for a rustic, homey feel. The fabric is super soft too!

Upcycled Scarf by Liz Alig

The next piece I love from this Hope Supply Box is this upcycled infinity scarf by Liz Alig! It comes with several fabric patterns stitched together into a long continuous scarf. It’s super comfy and is made from recycled t-shirts! I really like that it’s made from upcycled materials and how unique the scarf is, since I don’t image there’s any other scarf that looks just like it. The upcycled patchwork of this pieces also reminds me of a handmade item from a loved one. That feeling of stitched handiwork that goes into items makes them more special to me than a factory hemmed scarf at a department store.

Liz Alig emphasizes “Effortless Style, Ethicaly Produced” within their brand.

Ring & Necklace

This next piece is probably one of my favorite of the ethical gifts! For my 25^th birthday this year my apartment-mate bought me a beautiful gold bangle, which I wear now almost every day. I’ve always been a huge fan of vintage rings. Although, all of the rings I have are silver, which clashed a bit when I wore my gold bangle. I was really happy to have this beautiful golden brass duo ring by Tribe Alive come into my life!

I have also been particularly fond of delicate pieces, so I really like the slim bands of this ring. The duo band also gives it a curious, dimensional touch.

Another item I love is the Mi Esperanza simplicity necklace. This piece, like the duo ring, is very delicate.

The simple golden chain and beaded design is just what I need as I transition from large statement pieces to classy, smaller pieces like these classy ethical gifts.