Indie Designer Interviews: Women for Hope
| Posted May 1st 2008 8:00AM by Mallory Whitfield
Filed under: Stores, Interviews, Do Good, Under the Radar
We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.
Today's interview is with Pam Swider, owner of Women for Hope, a site that focuses on women's issues and features an online shop filled with products made by female artists. 10% of the proceeds from the shop are donated to one of the national non-profits that Women for Hope works with.
Tell us a little about what you do. Women for Hope is a site whose mission is to help bring hope to women. We provide information about women-related issues and resources for our visitors to find more info. The heart of the site is a shop where we feature products made by women-owned companies. We have jewelry, candles, bath and body stuff, t-shirts and more. 10% of the proceeds from the shop are donated to one of the national non-profits we work with. In addition, we volunteer with local nonprofits to help directly in our community.
I am a sexual assault survivor and I started the company with my husband Tom as a way to give back. It has been a very rewarding experience. I am a big believer in Breaking the Silence and knowledge is power. My initial goal with Women for Hope was to help one person. We have done that 10 fold. I get emails from women thanking me for just speaking out and telling my story. I know when I first went through the healing process, it helped so much to know I wasn't alone and what I was feeling was normal. I hope that other women have found the site and get some reassurance from it.
How did you get started as a designer? I have always been creative and love to craft. I used to make gifts for family and friends. The whole concept of Women for Hope was providing a fun shopping experience that features women making products that women love, along with raising awareness about issues and giving back. There was no way I wasn't going to have some products on there that I made myself! So I taught myself how to make jewelry, and focused on awareness jewelry in the beginning because it hit all the aspects of Women for Hope.
Any advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Take your time growing your business. Nothing happens overnight and hard work pays off. (I have to remind myself of this one sometimes!)
What inspires your work? My work is inspired by the people who wear it. It is amazing to get an email from the daughter of a breast cancer victim who wears the bracelet in honor of her Mom, or to hear from a fellow sexual assault survivor that she never takes off her bracelet, ever.
Who are your favorite designers? I like simple styles with a little flair. Like wearing a nice simple Ann Taylor outfit, but with a fun pair of earrings.
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I love jeans and long flowing skirts. I also constantly put up my hair, so hair clips are a big one for me!
Where can people find your work? You can find it on the website www.womenforhope.com
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