Products Made by Trafficking Survivors

At the Liberator Awards I was able to learn about different products made by survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Since we were Liberator finalists we got a VIP goodie bag with lots of different products and a few of those products were made by survivors. The soap pictured above was made by survivors in Columbus. We also spoke with a few survivors that worked at Freedom a la Cart a local cafe and catering company that hired trafficking survivors. The website says the company "aims to empower survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency." It is difficult for many survivors to get a job after they leave exploitation so this company breaks down "employment barriers is vital for creating a pathway to freedom." We only had one day in Columbus but when I am in the area again I will definitely grad a coffee and lunch at their cafe with an amazing mural of freedom outside. They are located on 123 E Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215 and here is their website for more information. 

In our VIP bag were BitchStix which is a cruelty-free self-care brand and woman owned business that gives their proceeds to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They are trying to reclaim the b word inspire a "call to action to transform a “bad” word into a force for good." They donate a portion of their proceeds every year to local non-profits working on domestic violence and sexual assault. Here is their website for more information.

Then finally Freedom Studios won the award for Liberator Business of the year and we also got some of their lotion and an informational flyer about the company. They are located in South Dakota and provide jobs to local trafficking survivors who make all of their bath and body products. By providing "hope through therapeutic employment and healing through products that nourish the body and spirit.. survivors can heal in the most practical way...while earning a dignified wage as they reintegrate into the workforce and rebuild their lives." Each product that they sell is created in the studio by a survivor and I really loved their message. They have wholesale options and so I might try to see if the lab can sell some of their smaller items in the future at our tabling events and help support survivors. Here is their website for more information.