Many generations of strong women have changed history and some have quietly and anonymously contributed in their own special way. Global Daughter believes that women are a powerful resource and that their economic independence and empowerment are the keys to real change in the development of villages, communities and countries.

More specifically, Global Daughter is a fair trade company that shares the artisan work of women from Nepal with women around the world.

Here’s Erin with Village Elder and Women’s Rights Activist, Dhurga Didi.

Even more specifically, the merchandise Global Daughter offers is amazing … Jewelry, Stationary, Home decor, Handbags and MORE!

(Hint: If any of you know me well enough, you know how I feel about statement necklaces – check out their amazing necklaces at such a steal that I feel I could get one in every color! However, for the sake of my closet (and my wallet), I will control myself and only buy one. But which one??)

With every inspiring company, the question that comes to mind is: WHY?

Erika explains it best …

“After I traveled and lived abroad for over three years with my lifelong best friend and now Global Daughter partner, we were both inspired to turn our cultural experiences  into a direct contribution that would positively impact the world around us. We learned about the hardships of women in emerging nations and the great potential for development of their crafts.

Through a non-profit  organization we were working with in Japan that was building schools in Nepal,  we realized there was a gap there between traditional aid and economic empowerment. We knew we could not save the world, but we did know that we had to try to make a difference.

So, we moved to Nepal and began working on a grassroots level with disadvantaged women artisans  to hone their craft and bring their amazing handicrafts to a Western audience.”

How’s that for a purpose?

What intrigues me about Global Daughter is how it operates as a for-profit and a not-for-profit. Of course, there is a need for a profit, but thepurpose of the business is so much more about not-for-profit.

How is this possible?

Well, simply put Global Daughter is an ‘online fair trade boutique.’ It sells product, but it emphasizes its partnership with the women of Nepal is more of a relationship that encourages community participation, human development and the empowerment of women.

I imagine it has to be pretty empowering for these women to know that their art is being sold to women half-way across the world. Not to mention that they can now make a good living because of their partnership with Global Daughter.

More than access to a global market, Erin and Erika have given these talented women good working environments, fair wages and prices, clean homes and financial independence. All of which are almost impossible to come by in most developing nations.