FAIR Talks Podcast

Sole Purpose: Fair Trade, Financial Freedom, and the Future of Haiti | Deux Mains

In this episode, Elisha chats with Julie Colombino-Billingham, Founder & CEO of Deux Mains. They dive into the contrasting dynamics of nonprofits versus social enterprises and how each strives to create lasting change. Julie shares insights into the unique challenges of running a fair-trade business, such as competing against large companies with misleading "sustainable" claims and overcoming Haiti's high import dependence. She explains Rebuild Globally's model in Haiti, which provides jobs, scholarships, and financial stability for graduates, empowering them to become future leaders. They also explore the impact of fair-trade partnerships and the potential for larger brands to step up and help create sustainable economic growth in developing nations. Could big-name brands be the missing piece to long-term social change? Listen in to find out!
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Lather, Rinse, Regenerate: Dr. Bronner’s Journey to Fair Trade and Farmer Well-being

The doctor is in! Join Elisha for this insightful conversation with Ryan Zinn, Regenerative Projects Manager at Dr. Bronner’s. He discusses the company’s pioneering efforts in the early days of the business to ensure their products cared for people and the planet, and shares what he’s learned helping farmers incorporate fair trade and organic practices into their agricultural rhythms. Ryan also shares why the company chose Fair for Life certification and discusses the importance of regenerative agriculture for their farmer partners in addressing both the climate crisis and fair labor practices. Finally, he and Elisha consider how the fair trade approach stabilizes farmer incomes, particularly in light of changing market demands.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

How to Build a Resilient Purpose-Driven Company: Making Real Freedom | MadeFree

Join Elisha for a conversation with Brad Jeffrey, the co-founder of MadeFree, an ethical fashion accessories brand working to end human trafficking. Brad discusses his pivotal experience meeting young women in difficult circumstances in Africa and Southeast Asia, which ignited his passion for addressing global issues like poverty and slavery through sustainable solutions. He notes that consumer behavior is increasingly driven by a desire to buy products that make a difference, but he criticizes handout models for not addressing root causes. Finally, Brad stresses the importance of collaboration and flexibility in manufacturing to meet both mission-driven and design goals, and focusing on energy-producing activities to make fair trade business sustainable.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

A Way Out of No Way: Honoring World Refugee Day with Winston Bui

Join Elisha for a special episode of the podcast in honor of World Refugee Day, featuring Winston Bui, a refugee of the Vietnam War. Winston recounts his family's harrowing escape from Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1975, highlighting their dangerous journey amidst bombings and chaos. They eventually made it to America, where a generous couple in Oklahoma helped them resettle, securing housing and jobs for his parents. Despite the initial hardships, Winston and his brothers adapted by taking on odd jobs and learning English through television, leading to their eventual success. Returning to Vietnam years later, Winston experiences profound emotions witnessing the country's transformation and contributing to its development. His story underscores the resilience and tenacity of refugees, urging others to embrace courage and hope amidst challenges.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Socks That Last: How to Build a Business That Stands the Test of Time | Maggie's Organics

Ever wonder what are the keys to building a business (or socks) that lasts? In this episode, Amie Farkas, Head of Supply Chain & Products from Maggie’s Organics shares with Elisha about their 30-year journey of setting the highest standards as a fair trade and organic apparel company. From moving cotton production across continents due to climate change to welcoming 3rd party certifier audits, this conversation gives important principles to creating longevity and sustainability in business. Finally, the industry has much to learn about its latest transition to employee ownership to ensure a good company can stand the test of time.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Building Hope: How a Direct, Fair Trade Model Fosters Mutual Flourishing | Trades of Hope

Trade in your cynicism for some hope in this heartwarming conversation with Gretchen Huijskens, founder and CEO of Trades of Hope. She shares with Elisha her journey transitioning Trades of Hope from a charity to a direct sales model and how that benefits both the artisans and the sellers. Gretchen highlights her hopes for her new book and how she hopes Trades of Hope will expand in the future. Finally, they both share about how their work in Haiti and the importance of long-term economic solutions to grow a brighter future.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Choosing Fair Trade is a Shoe-in! | The Root Collective

Put on your dancing shoes–we’ve got a special treat for you today! Bethany Tran of the Root Collective walks us through the process of making fair trade shoes, from how the soles are developed to sourcing their materials. She also shares why the company made the switch to pre-orders for their shoes and how they incorporated pre-loved shoes into their overall business model. Finally, Bethany and Elisha highlight challenges facing small fair trade brands in a tough economy and share practical ways customers can support their favorite companies.  
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Making Tea Time Fair Trade: Working with Small-Holder Farmers for Better Tea and a Better World | JusTea

Calling all tea-lovers! We’ve got a flavor-packed episode for you today. Elisha is joined by Paul Bain, founder and CEO of JusTea, to talk about their fair trade partnerships with small-holder Kenyan tea farmers. Paul describes how they were able to set up tea cottages after working to enact legislative change in Kenya and why they’ve worked with women’s cooperatives right from the start of the business. He also shares a surprising fact about where tea comes from and why purple tea is so rare. Finally, Paul talks about why getting JusTea fair-trade certified was so important to the foundation of their business.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

All Treats, No Tricks: Tony’s Chocolonely’s Mission to Transform the Chocolate Industry | Tony’s Chocolonely

We’ve got a sweet treat for you today! Hear from Abby Noel Davison at Tony’s Chocolonely about the company’s fair trade chocolate journey. She shares with Elisha how storytelling and raising awareness about human rights issues in the chocolate industry is baked into their branding and production decisions. They also talk about how addressing child labor directly and compassionately with producer groups leads to stronger supply chain relationships. Finally, Noel shares some encouraging and systemic changes that have happened in the West African cocoa industry in the last 20 years.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.

Bringing the Ocean to the Starfish: How to Create a Thriving Enterprise for Survivors | Starfish Project

In this episode, Elisha talks with Jenny McGee about her journey from a small town in Indiana to launching a nonprofit to support survivors of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. She talks about the importance of developing survivor leadership in all areas of their business, not just production, to foster a different future for themselves. Jenny also shares how the Starfish Project builds a culture of trust across cultural differences and emphasizes the need for a team-oriented mindset that prioritizes each person’s gifts over their educational backgrounds.
Visit fairtradela.org/podcast for show notes and exclusive discounts.