Skip to content

Pre-order my debut book, "If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry"

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube Email
Still Being Molly
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Brands
  • Contact
Buy the book

Pre-order my debut book, "If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry"

Still Being Molly

Business with Purpose Podcast EP 99: Carly Burson, Founder & CEO of Tribe Alive

Business with Purpose Podcast EP 99: Carly Burson, Founder & CEO of Tribe Alive

One of the things I talk about a lot is the fact that there are a lot of layers to the ethical and fair trade fashion world. It’s not just about pretty, handmade clothes. There are so many complex issues that really hide beneath the surface, or sometimes maybe they’re brought to the surface. Everything from the orphan crisis to human trafficking to child and slave labor, all those types of things really are there hiding beneath the surface and it’s time that we talk about those issues so that people can understand why ethical and fair trade fashion is so important and why it’s important to be purchasing from companies and brands that you know the practices behind the things that they make. And it’s time, in my opinion, that we talk about those things and we bring them to the surface and we make it not scary anymore to have difficult conversations!

My guest this week is Carly Burson, the founder of Tribe Alive. Tribe Alive is one of my favorite ethical fashion brands. They employ and empower artisans in 6 countries around the world and they are the epitome of a brand that’s changing communities, countries, and people’s lives. This was such a fun conversation and we talk about just about everything. I know you’re going to love it!

[click_to_tweet tweet=”“What we do is really rooted in women believing in themselves and recognizing their worth, recognizing their capabilities.” @tribealive #businesswithpurposepodcast” quote=”“What we do is really rooted in women believing in themselves and recognizing their worth, recognizing their capabilities.” @tribealive #businesswithpurposepodcast”]

WHEN ORPHANS AREN’T REALLY ORPHANS

The inspiration behind Tribe Alive came from the adoption of of Carly’s daughter when Carly and her husband went to Ethiopia to finalize the adoption. Carly had no idea just how life-changing this trip would be. After spending time in their daughter’s orphanage, she realized that many of these orphans weren’t actually orphans at all. Carly and I chat about parents not given the choice or the chance to raise their kids and how this trip inspired her to make a change in her professional life.

TEACH A PERSON TO FISH

Carly knew from the very beginning that Tribe Alive wasn’t going to be based of a give-back model. While charity is important, many people don’t realize how charity can hurt a community. Carly never wanted to give anything away, she wanted to create opportunity for people to earn for themselves and stand on their own two feet. Carly and I talk about helping others live successfully and why Africa is fed up with the West’s hand-me-downs.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”“I know what it feels like to be successful, to feel capable, to be a part of taking care of my family, and that’s where I get my self esteem and I wanted that for other women.” @tribealive #businesswithpurposepodcast” quote=”“I know what it feels like to be successful, to feel capable, to be a part of taking care of my family, and that’s where I get my self esteem and I wanted that for other women.” @tribealive”]

ETHICAL NOT EXCLUSIVE

Joining the ethical and fair trade fashion can be very intimidating. Many people established in this community often take the ‘all or nothing’ view, which honestly isn’t realistic for most people and sometimes even makes me feel like a little bit of an outsider.  At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that there is right and wrong, but that it should be all or nothing. Carly and I discuss the importance of being accepting and accessible and how to make changes over time.

About Carly Burson, Founder of Tribe Alive:

Carly Burson is the founder and CEO of lifestyle brand Tribe Alive. The name Tribe Alive came from her ambition to build more than just a company but rather her desire to build a movement. When Carly Burson began her adoption journey, she knew that becoming a mother would profoundly impact her life. She never imagined that it would alter the course of her life’s work. Although adoption presents an opportunity to support an individual child, Carly was struck by the desire to address the core issue of child relinquishment on a global scale: namely, the economic insecurity facing women in the developing world. Tribe Alive was born from Carly’s decision to utilize her years of experience in the fashion industry as a platform to alleviate poverty among people in the developing world. Carly believes that ethical fashion has the power to change lives, and it is her hope that Tribe Alive’s artisans will be empowered with the means to care for their families. Carly has been interviewed and featured by Darling Magazine, The Good Trade, The Bump, and Pop Sugar to name a few and is admired nationally and internationally for her work and inspiring story.

Carly lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband Kyle, 7 year old daughter Elie, 18 year old daughter Pricila, 3 year old granddaughter Flory, and four-legged soulmate, Remy Dog.

“I loved the challenge of competing with brands that cause poverty through their production while our platform alleviates it. It’s our way of exposing the fact that you do not need to compromise the human factor of business in order to succeed.” – Carly Burson

CONNECT WITH CARLY:

  • Website: https://tribealive.com
  • Instagram: @tribealive  | @carlyrburson
  • Twitter: @tribealive
  • Facebook: Tribe Alive  | Carly Burson
  • Pinterest: Tribe Alive
  • LinkedIn: Carly Burson
  • Poshmark: Tribe Alive

Special thanks to CAUSEBOX for sponsoring this week’s Business with Purpose podcast. Use coupon code MOLLY for $15 off!

Join my Purchase with Purpose Facebook group and let’s continue the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/purchasewithpurpose/

Subscribe to the Business with Purpose podcast (and I’d love it if you left a review** on iTunes!)

  • Subscribe on iTunes**
  • Subscribe on Google Play
  • Subscribe on Radio Public
  • Subscribe via Podcast RSS Feed

**Want to know how to leave a review of the Business with Purpose Podcast on iTunes from your iPhone or iPad?

    1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
    2. Tap the Search tab.
    3. Enter “Business with Purpose“
    4. Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right.
    5. Tap the Blue album art for the podcast.
    6. Tap the Reviews tab.
    7. Tap Write a Review at the bottom.
    8. Enter your iTunes password to login.
    9. Tap the Stars to leave a rating.
    10. Enter title text and content to leave a review.
    11. Tap Send.

Get some encouragement in your inbox!

Subscribe

* indicates required

Our girl graduated fifth grade today and sang the National Anthem 🥹 And yes, I was a blubbery mess. I’m so grateful God saw fit for me to be her mama. We are so proud of the amazing young woman she’s becoming. #lillstillhomemovies

346 42
Open
Our girl graduated fifth grade today and sang the National Anthem 🥹 And yes, I was a blubbery mess. I’m so grateful God saw fit for me to be her mama. We are so proud of the amazing young woman she’s becoming. #lillstillhomemovies

🇺🇸 ❤️ remembering her and all those who gave their lives in service to their country.

286 10
Open
🇺🇸 ❤️ remembering her and all those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Spam texts are like a box of chocolates… I just start replying with Forrest Gump quotes ‘til they leave me alone. #spamtexts #lifeislikeaboxofchocolates

70 9
Open
Spam texts are like a box of chocolates… I just start replying with Forrest Gump quotes ‘til they leave me alone. #spamtexts #lifeislikeaboxofchocolates

He is risen indeed! ✝️

258 12
Open
He is risen indeed! ✝️

It’s wild out here in these pollen streets. #thepollening 🤧

52 2
Open
It’s wild out here in these pollen streets. #thepollening 🤧

🎊 ONE WHOLE YEAR 🎉

My debut memoir, “If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry” has been out in the world for one whole year today. Writing this book was hard and holy work, and it’s been such a joy to see how many of you have laughed, cried, and laughed till you cried.

Thank you for the support of this book. ❤️

If you’ve read it, would you do me a *huge* favor and leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? And would you share the book with a friend or on social media? It would mean the world to me.

And if you haven’t picked up a copy or downloaded the audiobook yet, what are you waiting for? 😉

#ifidontlaughillcry #iidlic #nelsonbooks

89 12
Open
🎊 ONE WHOLE YEAR 🎉 

My debut memoir, “If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry” has been out in the world for one whole year today. Writing this book was hard and holy work, and it’s been such a joy to see how many of you have laughed, cried, and laughed till you cried. 

Thank you for the support of this book. ❤️

If you’ve read it, would you do me a *huge* favor and leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? And would you share the book with a friend or on social media? It would mean the world to me. 

And if you haven’t picked up a copy or downloaded the audiobook yet, what are you waiting for? 😉 

#ifidontlaughillcry #iidlic #nelsonbooks

Nine is fine! Happy birthday to the sweetest, kindest, funniest, smartest, best basketball playing boy we know! We love you, buddy roe!

77 3
Open
Nine is fine! Happy birthday to the sweetest, kindest, funniest, smartest, best basketball playing boy we know! We love you, buddy roe!

13 years of being married to the best man I know. Life with you is more than I ever could have dreamed. I love you, J. 🤍 #happyanniversary

📷 @katelynjames

168 9
Open
13 years of being married to the best man I know. Life with you is more than I ever could have dreamed. I love you, J. 🤍 #happyanniversary 

📷 @katelynjames

And the people of God said… AMEN!

#leviticus #allfatisthelords #biblerecap #biblehumor

278 36
Open
And the people of God said… AMEN! 

#leviticus #allfatisthelords #biblerecap #biblehumor

I often wonder if he’d be a red head like Amos or if he’d be musically gifted like Lilly.

Would he love snuggling or be a boy who only wanted hugs on his terms?

Would his eyes be brown like his dad’s or would he be covered in freckles?

What would his laugh sound like? Who would be his best friend? What would his favorite book be? Would he say Gen Alpha slang words like sigma and skibidi or would he love his mom too much to do that?

Would I be mommy or mama or mom to him?

So many questions I won’t get to answers to on this side of heaven. But I think about him today, just like every day, and I hope he’s getting a slice of strawberry cake for his heavenly birthday.

7 years. 🤍 #elijahtimothy

385 14
Open
I often wonder if he’d be a red head like Amos or if he’d be musically gifted like Lilly. 

Would he love snuggling or be a boy who only wanted hugs on his terms? 

Would his eyes be brown like his dad’s or would he be covered in freckles?

What would his laugh sound like? Who would be his best friend? What would his favorite book be? Would he say Gen Alpha slang words like sigma and skibidi or would he love his mom too much to do that? 

Would I be mommy or mama or mom to him?

So many questions I won’t get to answers to on this side of heaven. But I think about him today, just like every day, and I hope he’s getting a slice of strawberry cake for his heavenly birthday. 

7 years. 🤍 #elijahtimothy
Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Brands
  • Contact

© 2025 Still Being Molly - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP

  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Brands
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Brands
  • Contact