It’s one of our favorite seasons of the year. And we can’t think of anyone better to spend it with than these two cuties and their brand new shop (and our latest shopping obsession): The Little Market!
When Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla first met in fashion school, it’s likely they never imagined they’d one day join forces to help uplift hundreds of artisans around the world into sustainable livelihoods. But through their new curated online shop, that’s exactly what they’re doing.
After joining Hannah on a few of her many charitable travel excursions, Lauren was amazed at the quality of artisanship they seemed to encounter everywhere. Many of the artisans they met were in desperate need of larger, more sustainable markets and, though the girls were happy to swipe up gifts for friends, they quickly realized the potential of matching these talented artisans in need with the folks at home they knew would make happy buyers – if they only had access to their goods.
Together, they built The Little Market and whether it’s the gorgeous etched glassware from artisans with disabilities in Mexico or the hand-blocked prints from formerly-trafficked young women in India, we love that these two have bridged the gap between talented artisans in need and those of us looking to shop with our hearts for a few unique and sustainable finds.
We knew this stylish and sustainable duo and the concept for their new shop would be an instant Chalkboard reader fave and the perfect fit for the holidays. We hope you enjoy as this pair guides us through a season of mindful shopping and other fun this month on The Chalkboard Mag! Here are Lauren and Hannah…
Dear Chalkboard readers,
We were very excited when The Chalkboard invited us to guest edit for December. As winter sets in and we celebrate the holidays, we seek out opportunities for giving, and we reflect on striving for peace in the coming year. Every year at this time we are reminded that we have the capacity to bring light into lives and we rediscover the joy of giving. Caring for others – locally or globally, family or strangers – has a powerful impact on our own well-being.
This month we’ll be sharing a few of our favorite holiday ideas, a glimpse into our typical day, and all about our new shop!
We created The Little Market to give you a place to shop where you can feel good about every purchase. The Little Market is an online marketplace that builds sustainable partnerships with artisans in struggling communities. These artisans create one-of-a-kind goods and they all meet our fair-trade standards. On the site we offer design insights, and help these artisans reach a global market.
When we meet women who live with hope despite living with hardships, from extreme poverty to unimaginable trauma, it moves us to work as hard as we can on their behalf. We are humbled by the women we work with and are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their future. The Little Market was inspired by our trips, where we met highly talented artisan women struggling to support their families.
Shopping at The Little Market makes you part of a community that believes our individual deeds change the world. Each purchase makes it possible for the artisans to earn wages to support their families, for the artisan groups to offer health and education services, and for the customers to connect directly to the artisans. A holiday gift from The Little Market supports an artisan while sharing the message of light, joy and peace with your loved ones. We can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate the season!
Happy Holidays,
Hannah & Lauren
