In today's episode I interview Jen Lewis the Founder of Purse & Clutch an ethically made handbag company that works directly with artisans in Guatemala, Mexico, and Ethiopia. Purse & Clutch strives to provide thoughtfully designed & ethically made handbags to help end the cycle of poverty and to be a part of changing the fashion industry for good.
Jen has always wanted to spend her time focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions for men & women living in poverty in developing countries with limited opportunities. She has been drawn to the beauty of international cultures & wanted to join alongside their fight against the systems that keep people in poverty generation after generation.
From summers spent in Mexico & Bolivia to longer stints in Guatemala & Honduras, Jen has seen the need for sustainable job opportunities first hand. Jen started Purse & Clutch in 2011 to connect talented artisans with a market here in the States. She was amazed to learn about how these jobs were transforming the lives of the women & men we were partnering with & realized since she was based in the States, she could facilitate that connection to help them grow. They have the privilege of working directly with artisan groups in Ethiopia, Mexico & Guatemala, designing & co-designing beautiful textiles & styles that are meant to stand the test of time.
At Purse & Clutch, every purchase contributes to their mission of supporting long-term employment for men & women in developing countries with limited opportunities. Their handbags are truly one of a kind, slowly handcrafted by their dedicated artisans.
Jen and I chat all things entrepreneurship, getting started and building a business from the ground up, and how to balance owning a business and motherhood. Jen has an undergraduate degree in Chemistry & received her Master's in Leadership & Ethics from John Brown University in 2009. In addition to running Purse & Clutch, she & her husband Jonathan do their fair share of running after their daughter Grey.
Jen is giving all of YOU listeners a discount code for the month of December where you will receive FREE shipping off any purchase!
Use code AMBITIOUSSOUL at check out
www.purseandclutch.com
On Instagram
@purseandclutch
Ways to Connect with Me:
www.ambitioussoul.co
Get on the Soul Squad Newsletter List & Get Inspiration in Your Inbox:
https://ambitioussoul.co/soul-squad
Instagram
@christylepley
https://www.instagram.com/christylepley/
@ambitioussoulpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/ambitioussoulpodcast/
AND Don't Forget to Subscribe on iTunes to get Next Week's Episode!
