Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company – A Business Built on Good Value

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Jessica Alba launched The Honest Company some years back, and faced quite a few worried looks when she pitched her idea and asked for funding. In essence, the idea was a simple and morally correct one – creating, household, beauty and hygiene products using natural ingredients that don’t put anyone’s health at risk, and being incredibly open about what goes into the products.

A high level of transparency, going so far as to make even the containers transparent, combined with what seemed to be a genuine concern for the wellbeing and happiness of the consumers, and just a pinch of movie star charisma, have proven to be an incredibly potent recipe for success.

The Honest Company is now valued at around $1.7 billion, which just goes to show that putting the customer first and focusing on quality can actually work out quite well for entrepreneurs. So, what is this company all about, and why is there such a huge hype surrounding it?

The People in Charge Really Believe in What They Are Doing

The first thing you notice about this company is that it’s not just something a movie star invested in because it looked like a business venture that would make him or her even richer. Jessica Alba has been outspoken about her concerns that too many modern products are loaded with toxic chemicals. Ever since she launched the company she has worked hard on promoting a healthier lifestyle and urging people to pay more attention to what they put on and into their bodies and the bodies of their family. She is a mother of two, and her co founder Christopher Gavigan a father of three, so you know they are not just trying to use clever marketing ploys when they talk about raising healthy and strong children, and protecting your family.

The Company’s Inspiring Mission Statement and Philanthropic Work

The easiest way to know for sure whether a company is just jumping on the latest bandwagon and pulling your heartstrings with one hand while the other reaches for the wallet, or if they truly want to make a difference and give back to the community is to pay attention to their charity work. Those that talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk will make some donations here and there, but the true philanthropists with good moral values will constantly strive to make a difference. The Honest Company invests a portion of the proceeds from every purchase into helping the community in several different ways:

  • Putting healthy food choices in schools
  • Educating people on proper nutrition
  • Funding research and training that ensures the health of developing infants up to the age of three
  • Putting safer cleaning products in schools
  • Funding the education of ambitious young minds

This company’s mission is to ensure the proper development of babies and young children, help improve the health and wellbeing of growing bodies and ensuring that the new generations get the support they need to grow into productive members of society. These are goals that everyone can get behind.

Elegant Design and High Quality Standards

Even if we ignore Miss Alba’s movie star fame, the transparent approach and their philosophy and philanthropic approach, the products can speak for themselves. The containers are simple and elegant, featuring transparent packaging with a detailed ingredients list and calming colors. Putting natural ingredients and carefully avoiding potentially dangerous chemicals isn’t just a neat marketing gimmick – as hundreds of positive reviews, and customers raving about the products on social media can attest to, their stuff really works.

Not only do the products work as advertised, but they are offered in creative little bundles and the customers can sign up to receive monthly packages. This hassle free online shopping model, combined with clearly visible results are the things that made The Honest Company so successful.

They don’t offer products, they offer a lifestyle

When all’s said and done, we come to the very essence of the matter – these people offer a lifestyle and a better future, not mere products. This kind of talk alienates some people who’ve become jaded from years of being exposed to companies that try to paint a pretty picture while making some incredibly shade moves under everyone’s noses, but there are still plenty of good people in the world. Companies like these are run by such people, and if more passionate entrepreneurs followed in their footsteps this would be a much better world to live in.

Post Witten By: Vladimir Zivanovic

10 Eco-Friendly, Luxury Hotels

Looking for a place to stay that offers luxury and comfort without compromising the environment? Look no further! Here are 10 eco-friendly, luxury hotels that are working to better the environment one solar-powered heating and cooling system at a time. Check them out!

  1. Belle Mont Farm

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St. Kitts, West Indies: This boutique hotel is home to a variety of Guesthouses and Farmhouses that sleep up to eight people. Eco-friendly perks begin with fresh fruits being delivered to guests each morning, but don’t end there. They also feature:

  • Rainwater showers
  • Organic farmland
  • Edible landscape
  • Foraging or fishing? The chef will happily incorporate your results into the nightly meal
  1. Rafayel on the Left Bank

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Battersea, London: Rafayel on the Left Bank is a luxury eco hotel whose mission is to provide green quality and comfort. Some of their environmentally-friendly features include:

  • A bamboo grove that has been planted to release 35% more oxygen than any other plant
  • Organic spa treatments
  • Fair-trade mini-bar goodies
  • Wines and cocktails produced using farm-to-bar methods
  • Activities that won’t leave a carbon footprint
  1. Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

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Charlotte, North Carolina: The Ritz-Carlton is a staple of luxury hotels and now, thanks to their Charlotte location, they’re also a staple of eco-friendly luxury. Some of their commitment to luxury and ecology include:

  • A rooftop garden featuring two honey-producing beehives and herbs and greens
  • Organic spa treatments
  • Organic meal options
  • Free parking for anyone driving a hybrid or electric car
  • Trek Bike rentals
  1. Paradise Bay Island Eco-Escape

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Whitsunday Islands, Australia: As the name suggests, Paradise Bay Island Eco-Escape is an eco-friendly escape from everyday life. Located near the Great Barrier Reef and Conway National Park, this luxury escape features a variety of eco-friendly offerings, including:

  • An eco-tour adventure where guests can see the Solar Field, Solar Water Heaters, and Bio-Cycle System
  • NaturaEco ingeno-quilts made from corn for when it’s warm
  • Opportunities to view and appreciate nature through wildlife watching
  1. Urnatur

Urnatur

Sjogetorp, Sweden: Urnatur thrives on sustainability, possibly more so than any other eco-friendly hotel. A self-sustainable hotel, Urnatur is a three-hour drive from Stockholm and offers accommodation in tree houses and hand-hewn huts. Some other features include:

  • Light from kerosene lamps
  • Heat from solar or wood power
  • Locally procured menu items
  • Activities including building nesting boxes for owls
  1. Gaia Hotel and Reserve

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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Dubbed as one of the most ‘green-enthusiastic hotels in existence,’ this 5-star, adult-only, beachfront resort dedicates three-fourths of its land to create a private nature reserves that guests can enjoy. Additional ecological features include:

  • Raw, organic spa treatments
  • Farmer’s Market Tour
  • Ecotours
  1. URBN Hotel

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Shanghai, China: Developed from a renovated factory warehouse, URBN Hotel Shanghai is the country’s first carbon-neutral hotel. Some of its eco-friendly features include:

  • Air purification systems in every guest room
  • Beds made from cactus fiber and seaweed
  • Organic cleaning products
  • Energy-efficient cooling and heating systems
  • Participation in the Million Tree Project which plants trees in Mongolia to help offset carbon emissions
  1. Waipiata Boutique Lodge

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Warkworth, New Zealand: This 5-star luxury accommodation sits on 5 acres of manicured

lawns and gardens. Some of its eco-friendly features include:

  • Large orchards, vegetable and herb gardens
  • Vegetarian, organic meals for guests
  • A solar heating system
  • A recycling program
  • Wastewater recycling
  • Educational experiences at nearby marine reserves and bird sanctuaries
  1. The Green House

The Green House

Bournemouth, UK: The Green House claims to be the ‘greenest hotel in the UK,’ but is it really? If you look at all of the eco-friendly offerings, it seems they might be right. Some of their regular commitments to ecology include:

  • LED lighting
  • Solar powered heating
  • Organic and local cuisine
  • Furniture crafted from storm-felled trees
  • Suppliers assessed using environmental standards
  • Staff possess GOLD level status from the UK’s Green Tourism board
  1. Six Senses Samui

Six Senses Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand: Greeted by your very own private butler, Six Senses Hideaway Samui is surrounded by nature, the calming sea, and far off islands. Six Senses Hideaway Samui is committed to ecology through a variety of unique initiatives, including:

  • Creating their own bio-diesel to reduce CO2
  • Filtering and recycling their waste water
  • Educating guests on how to help the local environment and culture through a free Thai Culture Class
  • Growing their own organic food for guest meals
  • Utilizing pesticide-free gardens to grow herbs for spa treatments

Post written by Aly Wolfe. She is the founder of style and beauty blog, The Wolf + The Wardrobe. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheAlyWolfe.

Olivia Wilde + H&M

H&M is unveiling their new social conscious campaign with Olivia Wilde as the model. As many of you know, H&M is one of the largest buyers of organic cotton. They have made strong efforts to support and sell sustainable fashion while not sacrificing style and glamour. Each piece in the collection will be made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyamide and Tencel.

Olivia Wilde wasn’t picked to be the face of this campaign for her pretty face (although I am pretty sure that helped her too…hehe), she is feminist and a strong believer of smart consumerism. She is not only an actress and model but also the founder of an e-commerce company called Conscious Commerce where you can experience shopping with a purpose.

Check out my faves from the H&M’s new conscious collection and if you live in NYC pass by the pop-up shop today for a preview of the collection in time square at 5PM. Reservations can be made here: HMconscious@kcdworldwide.com .

Donate your clothes and receive 20% off and the chance to meet Olivia Wilde!

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UN Women + Uber

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Hi friends:

Did you hear the big news? Uber has partnered up with the United Nations and has pledged to provide 1 million jobs to women by 2020. The Executive Director of UN Women and Uber announced that they will work together to promote global economic growth and gender equality by making sure 50% of Uber drivers are women.  UN Women is the branch at the United Nations that promotes gender equality and female empowerment globally. In honor of this amazing partnership, use the promo code, lourdes03 to get a free ride (up to $20)!

Thinx: Change the World, One Pair At a Time

Hi friends:

I found an underwear that could replace your tampons. Yes, you read that correctly. The company is called, Thinx and they are on a mission to change the way the world feels about menstruation. So you may be wondering how this is possible? There’s four layers of protection in these panties: one with continual moisture-wicking technology, another that contains fibers coated with silver to make it resistant to bacteria and stains, a third that’s able to collect up to six teaspoons of fluid (depending on the style you buy), and a last leak resistant layer. I tested the hip hugger style and loved it-they kept me free from leaks all day. It was such a relief to not have to wear a tampon all day.

Not only is this product innovative and cool but also philanthropic. Thinx gives women the tools to become entrepreneurs and young girls the resources to help them not miss school on days when they have their period. For every pair you buy, seven reusable menstrual AFRIpads are made available to keep adolescent women in school in Uganda. So awesome! 🙂 Read more here.

Do yourself a favor and buy a pair…you will thank me later. 🙂

 

 

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girls get free menstrual protection from thinx

Photo by Afripads.

 

Kate Spade’s On Purpose Collection

Hi Friends:

Kate Spade’s core business values are seriously one of the best. I feel so happy when I see what this brand is doing to make an impact in the world. Their work with women in Rwanda really warms my heart and pushes me to continue talking to you all about how fashion brands really can make a difference.

So what are they doing? Kate Spade has collaborated with 150 talented women from Masoro, Rwanda to handcraft an accessories line called, On Purpose (super cute name, right?!). These women are being paid 40% higher than the average wage in Rwanda and are now able to help their community of 20,000 people.

I was inspired to do a Kate Spade pinterest mosaic (yes, mosaics are my faves lately..lol) for you! Also, don’t forget to check their site here. Do you have any brands you love that have a cool philanthropic initiative? Share them with me! 🙂

V-DAY RUNWAY FUNDRAISER

Happy Friday!

What is New York Fashion Week without a charity event? In 2005, Naomi Campbell created Fashion for Relief to fundraise for worthy causes via fashions shows and events during NYFW. Fashion for Relief is now global with past events in London, Moscow, Tokyo and Cannes that have raised millions of dollars for various causes. This year Fashion For Relief is on Valentine’s Day and you can go for just $40! Naomi Campbell once again will hit the catwalk with models alike to raise funds and awareness for victims of the Ebola disease. Celebrities will model amazing designers and after the show you have an opportunity to buy pieces anywhere from Diane Von Furstenberg to March Jacobs and Givenchy. All proceeds from Saturday’s events will benefit the Ebola Survival Fund that supports communities affected with Ebola.

Go buy tickets and spread the word!! This is an opportunity for you to attend a fashion show and give back, all on Valentine’s Day.  {But tickets here}

Have a great weekend, Friends!

 

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Jennifer Meyer xo Jessica Alba

Hi Friends:

Everyday 650 babies are born with HIV because their mom didn’t have access to preventative medication during pregnancy.  Jennifer Meyer and Jessica Alba did not just want to live with this reality and so launched a campaign that will benefit the Global Fund through the Red foundation. They designed a Gilt only jewelry collection that includes an 18k ruby heart necklace and an 18k yellow-gold heart necklace.  Each necklace purchased will provide over 9 months of lifesaving medication to a HIV+ pregnant woman in need. This medication will not only keep her alive and healthy but it will also prevent her from transmitting the virus to her unborn baby.

Isn’t this amazing?! Go check Gilt.com, it’s never too late to buy a Valentine’s Day gift that gives back. 🙂

 

 

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Photo Credit: Gilt.com

 

Bobbi Brown + GirlRising

Hi Friends!

I want to apologize for deserting you for a week. Things got really busy but I’m back with some exciting new posts! 🙂

Today we will talk about how Bobbi Brown is using her company to empower girls around the world. Before I go into the details of her campaign, I want to give you some alarming statistics.

  • 65 million girls around the world don’t attend school.
  • Two-thirds of the 792 million illiterate adults are females.
  • 14 million girls under 18 will be married this year.

Crying yet? Yup…this is really happening.  So now you understand why I jumped with joy when I heard that Bobbi Brown was joining the GirlRising movement and launching her own campaign called: The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women and Girls. Bobbi Brown is giving us the opportunity to all make a difference and empower women and girls through this initiative. Bobbi Brown will give 100% of the proceeds of every Pot Rouge sold to one of these organizations :

US & UKDress for Success, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Hong KongHER FUND, a charity that promotes human rights and gender equality for women and girls.

KoreaOpen Closet, an organization that supports job seekers with limited resources by providing access to professional attire, as well as other career development tools.

South AfricaHeartBeat, a charity that cares for the emotional well-being of orphaned and vulnerable young women and girls suffering from the impact of HIV.

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5 Reasons You Need a BKR Bottle!

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Hi Friends!

Today I would like to introduce to you the cutest water bottle you will ever see…well, at least for now! 🙂 I am not exaggerating, it really is freaking adorable. This is why I think you should get one right now:

1. Environmentally Friendly

Yes, plastic is the devil so why not get a pretty bottle that can help the environment! These glass bottles are BPA free and phthalate free.

2. Beautifully Designed

I recently read an interview on Dwell.com where the CEO of BKR  (pronounced: beaker) spoke about the design of the water bottles and she couldn’t have said it any better. When asked about the design of the bottle, she said:

To quote Dostoevsky, “Beauty will save the world.” People will be willing to change their cultural values and habits for beautiful design. We created something artistic and functional so that design-minded people have an option that’s aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.

I completely agree with her. I mean, let’s be honest for a sec…no one wants to walk around with an ugly water bottle just because it’s saving the environment! Hello! I know it sounds harsh but it’s the truth. Why not do both? Beautiful and environmentally conscious! 🙂

3. You can combat the global water crisis

Buying one glass bottle will definitely not end the global water crisis but some of the proceeds will help combat it and help in the fight against cancer. They have supported organizations like the Obakki Foundation, the Canary Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

4. Affordable

BKR bottles are only $30! That is pretty affordable considering that some of the proceeds will be going to the global water crisis and cancer.

5. Fashionable

The founders take cues from runway trends and release glass bottles every season with new colors and designs that are high-end and glam. These bottles are especially popular among A-list celebrities. Everyone from Zoe Saldana to Jessica Alba is loving these beautiful water bottles.  It’s truly a beauty essential! 🙂