Fairly Traded

Just a quick post for you today! ​​​​​​​​
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Fairtrade chocolate truffles won as the number one item you wanted to see me make! 🙌​​​​​​​​
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I will be make them Live on Instagram this Friday at 12pm! Hit the reminder button in my stories if you'd like to be alerted when that happens. ​​​​​​​​
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There will also be a blog post with the recipe up in the next couple of days. I'm hoping to have a vegan and non-vegan version for you all. ​​​​​​​​
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Thanks to everyone who voted and hope to see you there! ​​​​​​​​
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(Now back to my very tough job of taste testing the different recipes- someone has to do it 💁‍♀️)

Looking forward to speaking with Fair Trade Minneapolis tonight about the work I do with Fairly Traded :)

Last week in my stories we were chatting about what brings us joy!​​​​​​​​
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This week I want to continue that with one of my greatest joys- baking 🥣​​​​​​​​
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I’ve mentioned this before but especially in these times we live in, baking is a beautiful way for me to get out of my head and create something for the people I love 💕​​​​​​​​
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One of my other joys is making sure the products I buy make a positive impact on the producers and people involved in bringing them from the farm to my table! ​​​​​​​​
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I have been testing out a few recipes lately and would love to get your vote on which one you would like to see made with fair trade ingredients in an IG Live 🙌​​​​​​​​
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•Saucy Citrus Pudding ​​​​​​​​
•Chocolate Truffles​​​​​​​​
•Black Pepper Cake ​​​​​​​​
•Or some type of pie! ​​​​​​​​
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I’m also taking requests haha! So far I’ve been asked to do strawberry shortcake and cinnamon rolls 😍​​​​​​​​
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I’ll put a poll in my stories- let me know what you think!​​​​​​​​
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Happy Wednesday, ​​​​​​​​
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Mel

"Nothing matters anymore. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Or, at least…what used to matter somehow doesn’t now."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That’s what I wrote in my journal the morning of Christmas Eve. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What overwhelmed me on Thursday, I wish was all I had to worry about on Friday. And what worried me on Friday was replaced with what I was grateful for on Saturday. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But I’m getting ahead of myself.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I don't know what to do, I write.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Read the rest on today's blog post. 💕

https://fairlytraded.ca/blogs/news/when-i-dont-know-what-to-do-i-write

Hi there,
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You may or may not have noticed I've been off of social media for a bit now.
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I took a week off for vacation and then, due to some things in my personal life, that turned into longer than I expected.
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I'm still not 100% back on here. I will be showing up when I can but it won't be every day.
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The website is still up if you had your eye on something and I'm always available by direct message or email too.
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I know the timing isn't great with the Holiday season upon us but sometimes these things are out of our control.
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Thank you in advance for your understanding and I hope to be back as soon as possible.
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With gratitude,
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Mel

may not remember this but exactly 2 years ago she messaged me saying, "This is probably a long shot but…would you be interested in working a trade show for us."
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Little did she know I just spent the last month dreaming up what my own business could look like. 2 months prior I had created Fairly Traded as an educational blog. (I had 100 followers and was thrilled with that number!).
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But, I always wanted it to be more than that! I knew it could be. Just as the thoughts and dreams were roaming in my head of what services to provide clients and IF they would even be interested...I got that text from Krista.
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She sent me the validation and encouragement I needed. And no, it wasn't a long shot!
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Flash forward 2 years and today I'll be hosting my first vendor-to-vendor webinar. A place for brands on the Marketplace to meet, learn, and grow from one another.
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This amazing group of people has hired me to work trade shows, participated in my virtual markets, invited me to model for their photoshoots, and registered for the Marketplace!
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To have them all in one space today, meeting and chatting is just a dream come true. I almost cry thinking about it! (Jk I do cry thinking about it)
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I would not be where I am today without vendors like Krista believing in me, helping me brainstorm ideas, and inspiring me through the work they do! I cannot wait to see what the next 2, 10, 20 years brings for all of us 💕
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All this to say, if you feel the need to reach out to someone and say, "I have this crazy idea..." do it! And I'm always happy to be that person for you.
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Interested in being a part of our Vendor Slack Community and Webinars? Send me a message and let's chat!

Instead of thinking "How am I going to do this?" ask yourself "Who am I going to do this with?"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today I'm coming atcha with a podcast recommendation! I love and the fair trade brand she has built (see their beautiful products in the photo 😍)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yesterday, as I was driving to meet my friend .to for some Sunday Shopping, I listened to Jessica's ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This season is all about getting to know yourself and she had her therapist as a guest. They specifically talk about attachment styles and how we bring them into our work, friendships etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The quote I just mentioned above really stood out to me! I remember first getting introduced to the social justice world and being overwhelmed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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From climate change to fast fashion to anti-racism, I would wonder, "Where do I begin? How am I going to do this?"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But yesterday's podcast put it into perspective to me. That is the wrong question to ask. Not just pertaining to social justice but in all areas of our lives we can instead ask, "Who are we going to do this with?"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That perspective also helps bring us into secure attachments and relational flourishing! I definitely recommend listening to the episode to learn more 💕 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I would love for you to tag someone below who comes to mind for you and the topic you'd love to work on together. I'll start in the comments! 👇

Coming at you on a Friday at 5pm with a post that may RUFFLE SOME FEATHERS 💁‍♀️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Can we please normalize doing the bare minimum?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Wait what? Melanie what are you talking about! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Hear me out...every day I try to do my best. That's what we've always been taught right? "It doesn't matter the outcome as long as you do your best."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But, guess what? Today I didn't do my best and it was so lovely. I did the bare minimum and everything was fine! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I got my important tasks done and the rest can wait until Monday. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Oftentimes doing our best every single day can not only be overwhelming but can also cost time, energy, and money. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Why do I bring this up now? What does this have to do with fair trade?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This weekend, I encourage you to find the SMALLEST thing you can do to make a positive impact in the world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That may be paying for someone's coffee, bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store, buying one Fairtrade ingredient for a recipe...you get what I mean. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Let me know the one thing you're going to do and then let's pat ourselves on the back for what we DID do and not what we didn't. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TED Talk over. Enjoy your weekend folks 🍂

Like the rest of the world, Dan and I binge-watched Squid Game last week. One thing I was mesmerized with was the amazing sets and colours featured in the show. 🎨⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It reminded me of a scenic art class I took in university. I forgot how much I loved that class and so I went to my laptop to try and find some photos/notes from it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I came across a reflection I made noting how the course was helping my perfectionism. Our professor, Chuck Driscoll, told us that painting is more about correcting errors than preventing mistakes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Looking back 6 years later I can relate that to so much of what I do today! Often I find we are so scared of making a mistake when it comes to ethical purchasing that we don't try at all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What if, instead, we tried and failed? And then tried again and improved upon on the last time? I hope you see where I'm going here!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Let's say we see a clothing item we love and the label says "made of recycled materials" so we buy it! But a few months later an article comes out that the company isn't paying workers well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do we beat ourselves up for making a mistake? Nope!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Now that we know, we don't support them anymore. We did our best at the time and, now that we know better, we do better. 🙏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Could it be as simple as that? I encourage you today to look at areas in your life where you could be trying too hard to prevent mistakes instead of correct errors. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, maybe pick up a paint brush while you're at it? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Let me know your thoughts on this below! 👇

This past weekend Dan and I celebrated 6 years together! ❤️
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You don't see his face on here often (he's too busy teaching today's youth) but, I couldn't do what I do without him.
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We met in grade 11, started dating in 4th year of university, and he's been through it all with me every since.
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Dan has loved and supported me through my highest highs and my lowest lows. Brainstorming sessions, job changes, volunteer positions, side hustles and everything in between. 🙏
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He is always the first one to buy something from my Virtual Markets and was my first customer on the Marketplace! He makes me food when I forget to take a break and makes me lattes when I'm fading at 3pm.
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Dan is the funniest and most considerate person I know. I love how he puts family and friends above everything. And how much he cares about his students. I could go on and on but I'll spare you the cheese. Too late?
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All this to say, Happy Anniversary my love. I can't wait to see where the next 6 years take us. You’re simply the best. 😘
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P.s. Thank you for cooking for me at Spring Grillhouse even though everything was smoking and stressing you out 💁‍♀️ Just another story to add to the collection!

On the theme of monkeys in my stories today...I thought I'd drop a Jane Goodall quote for you! 🐒⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm not studying chimpanzees in Tanzania like I thought I'd be as a kid but I'd like to think I'm still making a difference in this world we live in 🌍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And a positive one at that 💁‍♀️

Can I be honest with you for a minute? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I was journalling this morning about the past couple of weeks. Thinking about where I've been and where I want to go- with Fairly Traded and with myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Marketplace Launch was amazing and I'm so grateful to this community for their support! But, as an introverted extrovert, I'm definitely feeling tired and the need to show up less on social media this week. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, I thought to myself, as a typically black and white thinker, "Do I announce that I'm taking a week off social media? How will that look after a big launch week?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But, then I realized that by doing that I'm not actually showing up as my true self. That either I show up here at 100% or not at all. Which doesn't seem like setting a great example. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I know this is getting long but bear with me. It reminds me of the chats I had last week with vendors about starting small and progress over perfection. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I always tell people to start where you are and, when you know better, you can do better. More than anything, I want Fairly Traded to be a place where you can ask questions, try, make mistakes, fail, and then try all over again. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I don't want you to be so afraid to do or say the wrong thing that you end up doing nothing at all. Let's learn from one another, grow together, and give each other grace when we get it wrong 🙏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, no, I'm not taking a week off social media. I'm going to show up exactly as I am. It may not be every day and it may not be on camera but that's where I'm at. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And I think we are at a place where I can be where I'm at and you can be where you're at. And we can see each other and meet each other there. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What do you think? Do we have a deal?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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P.s. I wrote this out yesterday and then Instagram had an outage so it must've needed a break too 🤷‍♀️

DIDI BAHINI 🎉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm especially excited for our vendor feature today! Margaret and I used to volunteer for Fair Trade Hamilton together before she moved out to Nanaimo, BC.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We worked to get more fair trade products sold in Hamilton, held movie nights, did educational pop-up events, and more! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Since then, she has taken over an amazing fair trade brand () and I can't wait to hear more about it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Didi Bahini sells distinctive and unique handmade jewelry and fashion accessories handmade in Nepal. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They are committed to a vision in which justice, equity, and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures so that everyone can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I'm particularly interested in hearing about Margaret's trip to Nepal to meet artisans right before the pandemic hit! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join us at 12pm today to hear more of her story 💕

ETIK & CO 🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We know that fair trade can include coffee, chocolate, clothing, and jewelry but what about things like socks and shoes? That's where comes in! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Etik and Co curates the best ethical fashion items that are both Fairtrade and Organic certified. They are based in Montreal and work with artisans in Pakistan and India. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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All of their products also meet the highest standards for human rights and respect for the environment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join Loïc and I at 2pm today to learn more about the items offers and how they positively impact the world! 🌏

JUST ONE 🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love this quote so much, I *just* had to share it with you all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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follows fair trade practices to offer world changing fashion. Each purchase directly supports people around the globe struggling with poverty and brings awareness to their needs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Through the purchase of their products, you are supporting skilled artisans enabling them to provide for their families and build their capital in a dignified way.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love going to their shop in Caledonia and discovering new brands! Krista carries a wide range of products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, purses, home decor, jewelry, and more! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Hope you can join us live today at 12pm to learn more the amazing work Krista is doing through Just One 🙌

POMP + SASS 🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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offers an exclusive line of luxury woven towels that are useful, sustainable, and ethically made with a built-in social mission. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A portion of their profits are donated to charities supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Wellbeing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My towels came in just in time to show you how beautiful they are on stories! I can already see how they can function as a great scarf, blanket, throw, and more! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I highly recommend giving the about section of their website a read. I was so impressed by Pomp and Sass's commitment to inclusivity, ethical treatment, environmental standards, and charitable giving. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join Nikky and I at noon today to learn more about the artisans she works with and the stories behind the brand! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Hope to see you there 🏖

Malleable Jewellers 🎉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is a new one for me! Today we are learning all about the term Fairmined and what exactly it entails. I'm so excited to talk with John and learn all about his brand. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As one of just two Fairtrade Licensee Goldsmiths in Canada, uses ethically sourced gold in all of their Fair Trade certified jewellery — in fact, they can tell you exactly where the gold in each piece came from.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Whenever possible, also likes to use recycled precious metals and gemstones in their pieces. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And as if that wasn't enough, they also abide by the Kimberley Process to ensure all diamonds sourced from suppliers are conflict-free. Talk about walking the walk of ethical sourcing! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join John and I at 12pm today to talk all things Fairtrade and learn more about what he does. Grab a coffee and bring your questions too 😊

Today's vendor feature is ! 🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Beautiful and contemporary, Daria Day Jewelry is ethically sourced and exquisitely handcrafted. They create wearable and functional art, believing in the healing and connecting power behind each gemstone.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Daria Day is based in Toronto and works with artisans in Northern Pakistan who make their earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They also work with a group of local miners in Pakistan to source all their gemstones and silver. These miners are closely affiliated with the Rupani Foundation, an NGO that has created a rigorous testing process and ensures the gemstones are of the highest quality.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join us at noon on IG Live to learn more about the amazing work they do and artisans they partner with! 💕

BRAVE SOLES 🎉🎉🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I am so excited to talk with Christal from Brave Soles today at 12pm! 🙌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Brave Soles is female owned, ethically produced, and globally inspired. They believe in work done with dignity, sustainable fashion, and a future that we can all create together. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Your soul will feel good in Brave Soles. They carry beautiful upcycled shoes, purses, and accessories handmade by artisans in the Dominican Republic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, Christal has a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for us all about some great news she just received! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Learn more about this amazing business and what Circular Fashion means during our IG Live today! 🎉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Then, check out .life on the Fairly Traded Marketplace and try to figure out which products are made of upcycled air plane seats!!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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See you at noon 👋

LITTLE FISH CREATIONS 🎉🎉🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀creations works directly with artisans in Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Nepal so the original methods of weaving are preserved for generations to come. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Their weavers are individuals, families, and women co-operatives. Through the principals and practices of fair trade they have been able to provide a living wage to artisans for over seventeen years.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They design and create sustainable, organic, and environmentally-friendly clothing and accessory lines. And, a proceeds of all sales contribute to child sponsorship programs, community empowerment, and local projects.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Join Samuel and I at 12pm today on IG Live to learn more about their amazing products and the artisans that make them! 💕

The Fairly Traded Marketplace is LIVE! 🎉🎉🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Words I've been wanting to say to you for 6 months 🙌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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On it you'll find over 600 products from 13 local, fair trade vendors partnering with 15 different countries. You will also find education on fair trade and my favourite recipes! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I have to say a HUGE thank you to , , .co , and for bring this vision to life including branding, website design, marketing, photography, and business planning.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you follow me then you probably already know this but the marketplace was created as a place to bring the "Shop Local. Think Global" mentality to life. I only work with Canadian-based brands who fairly source their goods both locally and globally. 🌍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Enjoy the website and please let me know if you have any questions! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you so much for your continued support 🙏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mel

Good morning my loves! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Fairly Traded Marketplace is launching *so soon*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Stay tuned on my page today for all the updates 💕 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thanks for your patience as we put the finishing touches on it. I can't wait to celebrate with everyone! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In the meantime, enjoy this lovely photo by the talented .co 🙏

GEEK + TEA 🎉🎉🎉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I am so excited about today's vendor feature! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I met Alyson at a McMaster fair trade show a couple years ago and I've been admiring her products ever since! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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features fair trade, organic, affordable, and *really geeky* teas. Most of the herbs are grown on the owners property or wild-collected in the Canadian Shield on a family farm. And all purchased ingredients are certified organic and fair-trade! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My favourite thing about Geek + Tea is the fun names and descriptions associated with each tea. For example, the one pictured is called Hagrid's Hedgerow Harvest and is an Herbal Tisane. 🫖⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As fall approaches, I can’t wait to cozy up with a good book, cup of tea, and the fireplace channel. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Find on the Marketplace TOMORROW and be sure to look for your favourite characters!

METTAMADE 🎉🎉🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is another vendor I don't think I have to introduce to you. You have all shown so much LOVE for .ca as a vendor with the Virtual Markets. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Now, you can shop them year-round on the Fairly Traded Marketplace! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mettamade is a sustainable clothing store offering size-inclusive essentials made with eco-friendly fabrics. They design each piece to be inclusive of every body type and size, because you should feel as beautiful as you are! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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They also happen to be run by an amazing mother-daughter duo that sources local supplies and manufacturers whenever possible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Check out my stories today for more on them. I have so many of their pieces I think I could make my own Metta Capsule Collection! 👗⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Oh, and stay tuned next week for Morgan and I to go live together 🙌

MOYAA SHEA 🎉🎉🎉
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I am so excited to have as a vendor in the Fairly Traded Marketplace.
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If you've been following me for a bit you would know them from our Virtual Markets. Moyaa Shea is always a fan favourite and I've had followers messaging me asking when they can stock up on these products again!
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Well, now is your chance! Moyaa Shea uses a fair trade framework when purchasing their raw materials supporting farmers and families directly in Uganda.
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They carry 100% unrefined, cold-pressed, Grade A Shea Butter as well as floral waters, essential oils, lip balms, soaps and more!
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Not only is Debbie an amazing entrepreneur, she also hosts the .smallpodcast where you can learn simple ways to make a difference. I highly recommend giving it a listen. 🙌
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Join me in welcoming her to the vendor line-up, so happy to have you! And check out my stories today to see my favourite products!

We have another vendor feature coming atcha today! 🎉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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is based in Hamilton and roasted in Toronto. They sell a variety of coffees from Mexico, Ethiopia, Sumatra, Peru, and Guatemala!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Their mission is to effect positive change in some of the poorest regions in the world by promoting great coffees that are traded fairly and grown sustainably. ☕️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love that their beans are freshly roasted every week and sustainably delivered to your door by electric car! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Coffeecology also supports the Cafe Femenino Foundation ensuring women are recognized as coffee producers and paid for the coffee they produce.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Find them on the Fairly Traded marketplace THIS SATURDAY! 🙌

I come across this quote every once and awhile and it always stands out to me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In the conscious and sustainable communities, I see products being talked about in terms of how well they are made, their impact on the environment, on our health etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And while this is so important and needs to be taught, I've always thought..."What about the people who made them?"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How were they treated? How were they paid? What's their working environment like? Do they want to do the work?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These are topics I'm hoping to marry through Fairly Traded. The products on the marketplace are often made of recycled materials, organic, zero waste AND ALSO the producers are treated/paid fairly. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's something I encourage you to look out for next time you see a brand promoting "ethically sourced" or "sustainably made." Ask them exactly what they mean by this. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Some food for thought as you head into the weekend! Enjoy ☀️

In case you missed it, a few weeks ago I celebrated one year of running this business full time! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I wanted to take a moment today to say Thank YOU...yes you! Without the support of my followers, friends, and family, I wouldn't be where I am today. 💕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I am so encouraged by every comment, share, and message I receive. To know that Fairly Traded has helped you discover new brands or learn something about ethical sourcing means the world to me and keeps me going on tough days. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I hope you are as excited for the new marketplace as I am. It has always been my dream to have one place where I can advocate for both artisans and local businesses. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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More than anything, I hope you learn something and are inspired to share that with those around you! I know I'm growing every day and finding new things to educate myself on because of the questions you ask me here. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Anyway, before I start crying (maybe too late)..THANK YOU for allowing me to do what I love every day. And if there's anything you want to see more of please let me know. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have a great week ☀️

So many of you are loving the new branding! 🍋
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I keep getting a similar question though, "But why a lemon?"
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When I met with initially I kept telling them I wanted a *refreshing* take on fair trade.
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When I entered the industry, it was associated with church bazaars, recycled kaftans, and your weird aunt! I'm on a mission to change that (minus the weird aunt- she's goals).
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Oh Sierra came up with some beautiful hand-drawn illustrations for the brand and logo centered around a lemon. Read their description below for why:
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"The lemon was chosen to incorporate its symbolism of unity, longevity, refreshment, friendship, happiness, love, and improved consciousness.
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By placing the lemon in a human hand, we see the act of giving – a play on the act of extending the olive branch, bringing unity to communities, individuals, and the world at large.
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The gentleness within which the hand is holding the lemon feels grounding and relaxed, the way one would present an offering fuelled by equality (tying the "trade" mentality into the image)."
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Hopefully that answers that question! Thanks again to the amazing team for turning my dreams into a reality 🍋

And thank you to .co for the fun GIF she made at our brand photoshoot!