Where do you strand?

I think it’s important to have at least one non-profit, or at least a good-hearted campaign in every designer’s portfolio. The client that has brought me the most amount of joy for designing with a purpose would have to be 3Strands.

3strands is both a non-profit and a for-profit online store with the same mission: to help end human trafficking around the world. Their products are created by former victims of trafficking, and in return the victims are compensated fairly for their work.

The product line includes mostly bracelets and jewelry, but also includes handbags, hats, and other accessories. The program started in Cambodia, but has now spread to other parts of the world, including Kenya, Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, Colombia and Africa.

My approach to the design is one of fun and fashion, and as much video as we can shoot to both highlight the products and tell the story. I learned early on that just telling the story is not compelling enough to sell products; consumers want to love the way the products look on them. From that, we’ve developed an artistic strategy that’s attractive, but not overly sexualized.

If you are interested in what 3strands does, or would like to check out their product line, feel free to head over to 3strands Shop to check it out.