Denim Jacket: Old Navy | Scarf: Southern Charm Apparel c/o | Jeans: Stitch Fix | Watch: Vierra Watches c/o (use code “BEINGMOLLY” for 10% off your order!) | Necklace: Root Collective | Clutch: Root Collective | Ballet Flats: Root Collective c/o | Top: JCrew Factory | Earrings: Nickel and Suede c/o

Photography by Em Grey

When I find out about a company that not only produces amazing quality items, but also gives BACK… I basically fall in love. You know, with their stuff. I love sharing with y’all companies or organizations that I come across that are fabulous and are doing wonderful things to make this world a better place. Some of my favorites like The Mighty River Project or Noonday Collection or Mocha Club or Sseko Designs…

Earlier last year I learned about an amazing company called The Root Collective and the more I learned about them the more I realized that the world, with the fashion industry in particular, needs more people and companies like The Root Collective.

NOTE: this is not a sponsored post and they didn’t even ask me to write this… I just REALLY wanted to tell y’all a little bit about them because I think they’re so amazing and the message of what they’re doing should be spread across the globe!

In short, The Root Collective “partners with small-scale artisan businesses in marginalized communities to promote change through dignified jobs.

“Many of the artisans [they] work with live in slum communities, where their address defines who they are in greater society. In the slum of La Limonada in Guatemala City, many residents are unable to find work due to their address, causing some of them to lie on employment applications about where they live. Social stigmas are intense for those who live in slum communities, and can dictate their success in life.

“[They] work heavily in Guatemala, where gang violence is rampant. Children are targeted by gangs, and refusal to join can lead to severe consequences, even death. Many children grow up on the streets, sometimes to escape violence at home, other times due to their parents needing to work far away. Once someone has joined a gang, leaving is very difficult. It is nearly impossible to find a job if you’re known to be a past gang member, and you are identified through gang tattoos. Vulnerability, lack of options, and the need to belong can all lead to increased involvement in gangs. Access to a job can show children living in the slum an alternative to gang life as an adult, provide employment for those trying to leave the gangs, and can decrease violence through opportunity.

“[Their] partner artisans own their own businesses, and set their own pricing. They are often receiving business training through the nonprofits working in their communities and have come to understand how to set their pricing to ensure fair payment to their employees.

The Root Collective doesn’t just stop there…

“[They] have strong nonprofit relationships in the communities that [their] artisans live. 10% of the profits from each sale is donated back to these nonprofits to support their programs. Each nonprofit has the goal of not being needed one day. This is important because [their] goal is to partner to provide independence. Many aid programs these days have the unintended consequence of creating a dependence on aid, thus keeping members of the community stuck in their current situation.”

The more I learn about the kind of impact The Root Collective is having on lives, families, and communities in Guatemala, the more astounded I was. It may seem like a small change, but the fact is, that just a few lives impacted in this way can have a trickle down effect that has a positive impact for GENERATIONS to come.

You can check out The Root Collective to see all of their gorgeous handmade shoes, bags, jewelry and scarves. The jewelry and scarves will actually be going away for awhile, so check their site this week and next week for major discounts and sales! 

Also, their spring line is coming out March 5th. You will LOVE it. I got to do something super fun with them this weekend and got a sneak peek of the line and it’s pretty much amazing.

I’d love to see more people shouting the message of The Root Collective from the rooftops. I’d love to see more women rocking the gorgeous flats handmade by Otto or the gorgeous clutches handmade by Willy.

What about you? Do you know of any awesome organizations that give back that I should know about? Have you heard of The Root Collective? 

Welcome to Let it Shine! Welcome to the new, revamped Funday Monday! After two years, we decided to rename our link up to something we felt was a better fit. Welcome to Let it Shine! Why the name? Because, we want this link up to be just that…..your chance to let it shine! We will be sharing our favorites each week here, and on social media!
/ Sueder Daze / Weekender /

Another place we will be showcasing our favs? The Let It Shine Pinterest Board! So, go ahead…..and Let it Shine!