When we first started b.a.r.e. soaps, we were naïve on so many levels. We had a simplistic idea on the non-profit front, but didn’t anticipate how difficult executing the non-profit portion would be. We thought it would be as easy as doing a buy one, give one model. However, after careful thought, we realized we wanted to go beyond an immediate short-term impact. We’re in for the long-haul and we want to invest in long term self-sustainable efforts. Not many current social enterprises do this.
Why the Buy One Give One Model Hurts
You see it everywhere now, "Buy One Give One". It provides immediate gratification to the consumer for doing something good, yet consumers do not realize how detrimentally harmful this model is. The model, if not carefully thought out (including detailed research on the area where the donation is being provided), can potentially take away economic and job opportunities locally. Our end goal is to support the local economy. Additionally, think about the consumable buy one give one products. Unless if they can be donated on a consistent basis, their impact can be fleeting (especially soap, which lasts for only so long).
The Solution
To do this is no easy task, which is why we have focused all our efforts specifically on Kaberamaido, Uganda. When Helping Hurts quotes, "It is important to understand that development is not done to people or for people but with people". Through Children’s Hopechest, we have been able to form and build relationships which is crucial for long term success.
Meet our partners who are on ground there.
Pastor Stephen
His job is to oversee the local church and help the children in the Kaberamaido Carepoint.
Monica
She is the 'mother' of the group. She is seen here recording nutritional intake.
Philip, Claire, Sarah (not pictured)
Philip & Sarah are the day to day 'teachers'. They handle all instructional activities and lessons.
Claire is the Carepoint's social worker. She oversees the children's well being.
Anna Grace
Anna Grace is the leader of the group of local women we work with. Through her, we're looking into various trades to make self-sustainability a possibility.
The Difficulties
The difficulties of focusing on self-sustainable efforts makes the non-profit portion extremely difficult to execute. We run into logistical challenges and lack of resources in that specific area. The distance between our location and theirs is another. The list goes on, however, we don't allow logistics to deter our efforts.
In a joint speech given by Bill & Melinda Gates to the Stanford Class of 2014, Melinda sums it best:
The Socially Conscious Holiday Giftguide →
b.a.r.e. soaps offers all-natural, handmade soaps that are preservative and synthetic free. We are partnering with a carepoint in Kaberamaido, Uganda where a portion of our proceeds will be invested.
Copyright © 2014 b.a.r.e. soaps. All rights reserved.
Ecommerce Software by Shopify