Demi-Leigh Tebow's Blog

Hey friends! Casually dropping in to announce my first EVER book, A Crown that Lasts, by yours truly! So humbled and grateful to finally share this news with you.

This book, A Crown That Lasts, has been such a labor of love. When I sat down to begin writing it a few years ago, I realized I had so much internal work I still needed to do in order to write the message I felt God was calling me to write. I realized that writing this book was just as much for myself as it was for you all, and it’s something I’m still learning too! The message in A Crown That Lasts isn’t one I feel worthy of sharing, but it is one I feel very called to share. 

You see, when I stood on the stage and handed over my Miss Universe crown to the next, very deserving winner, it felt like I gave away part of my own identity with that crown. I had placed so much of my confidence in a temporary title. The more I dug into this, I realized that so many of us do the same thing. Have you ever rooted a big part of your confidence or identity in something temporary or perishable? 

Dig: Recognize the origin of confidence and learn how to unpack your past so you can better understand yourself. Plant: Seek out and say yes to mission-focused opportunities, even if it feels scary. Grow: Understand that platform, ability, and skill are pathways to promote purpose, not purpose itself.Flourish: See life through the lens of eternity and your work as an opportunity for eternal impact. 

In this book, I’ll share my roadmap on 

How to discover God confidence instead of relying on self-confidenceHow to turn your pain into purposeHow to focus on being present instead of striving for perfectionHow to recognize the blessing that can come out of being obedientHow to strive to have an eternal impact, creating crowns that last for eternity by doing two things well, loving God and loving people. 

My prayer is that God uses my experiences, my stories and the lessons I’ve sometimes had to learn the hard way to help you along your journey to becoming God-confident and discovering your unique purpose too! 

As a gift to my email subscribers, you gain exclusive access to read Chapter One right now! My hope is that you’ll love it as much as I enjoyed writing it and that you’ll accept my invitation to walk alongside you in this journey. Together, let’s unfold the next chapters of our lives with courage, hope and love.

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I flew back to SA on New Year’s Eve and spent the first week of the year in my childhood home surrounded by my parents and the neighbors and community I grew up with. This last week reminded me of so many things I used to love, things that brought me joy and made me happy. Small unimportant things but that are true to me and shaped me in some way or another. Things like sniffing out the best local coffee spot and appreciating the barista’s process, going for long runs because they clear my head, going for hikes in nature because that’s where I process things and get the best ideas, watching sunrises and sunsets because they proclaim God’s mighty work to me daily. 

It’s not that I couldn’t do these things the last few years, I just kinda forgot how good they make me feel. I adapted to my new environment throughout the last 6 years which have been a whirlwind: moving continents, accustoming to a new culture, giving up speaking my first language daily (try expressing your emotions in your second language – it’s just different and sometimes distorted), getting married, starting my own business, dealing with family health scares while they are a million miles away instead of a quick weekend trip, being stuck not able to travel home for 22 months like so many others during Covid… 

An accumulation of distractions made me unknowingly set aside the small things that didn’t seem like they were that important in the bigger scheme of things. Having coffee on the beach watching the sunrise isn’t that important. Going for that long run will take too much time, a quick workout in the garage gym will save at least 20 min. Skip the cute weekly coffee shop visit and make a cup of coffee at home. It’ll save money and driving time. Before you know it, the small things that mattered are forgotten. The small healthy habits you had that helped fill your cup are labeled as unimportant. If they are important to you, they matter because you matter. I’m a believer in small wins because in life, it’s the small wins that accumulate to eventually be our biggest victories. The sum of all your long runs, morning sunrises and little moments like a good cappuccino that was made perfectly to your liking which have filled your cup consecutively end up being the victory of showing up joyfully, kindly and enthusiastically even on the unimportant or less perfect days. 

Looking at social media this past week has honestly unlocked some anxiety in me with the pressure of feeling the need to write the perfect inspirational “new years” caption or even just come up with the perfect list of New Year’s resolutions. Don’t get me wrong, I personally LOVE learning of ways I can better myself, I value a good self help book, and growth and improvement is a constant conversation between myself and Tim + the people I get to work with. It can be a great thing! Imagine looking back at your life and realizing that bad habit never improved. Even worse, missing out on spending the time to cultivate and nurture a God-given talent you have that might bring you a lot of fulfillment and God a whole lot of glory. 

This year I’m not hoping to make drastic changes, but rather remember and tap into the small things that once brought me joy, made me better and allowed me to be confident in some way. Don’t let the pressure of a New Year’s resolution distract you from things that are healthy, special and personal to you. No matter how silly, small or unimportant something might seem… If it matters to you, it is important. Don’t brush it off, don’t label it as unnecessary, don’t see it as not worthwhile. As an image bearer of God, you are labeled as royalty, so don’t label the desires of your heart as unnecessary or unimportant when you delight in Him. You matter and that means you are worth pouring into every.single.day. 

Happy new year friends! Let’s celebrate the small wins and appreciate the sweet moments.

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*cue the sleigh bells*

It’s that time of year that I like to call the “Holiday Hustle!”

Everybody is out-and-about getting ready for their ugly-sweater parties, finding ingredients for their special Christmas cookies, and doing some last-minute shopping! My husband and I love Christmas! (If it was up to Tim, he’d probably prefer to have our tree up year-round. No joke!) The holidays mean so much to us, and bring a variety of emotions for so many people. Whether you’re in good spirits or feel overwhelmed with all that the end of the year can bring, I think – as we hurry around leading up to Jesus’ birthday – it’s a great time to stop and posture our hearts so that we don’t forget what Christmas is truly all about.

I read a study on gratitude recently conducted by psychologists at the University of Miami. After observing three groups of students over a 10-week period, they found that the group who wrote out what they were grateful for daily felt more optimistic about life, were more physically active, and had fewer visits to the doctor. Similar studies by Harvard, U.C. Berkeley, and Notre Dame essentially found the same thing. The overall gist is that gratitude improves relationships, correlates to better moods, and is the best thing for your physical health!

You may not always feel like it, but there’s always a reason to be grateful. And on top of those things, it’s commanded in Scripture – that we give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18). If you’ve truly experienced the miracle of salvation, a new life in Jesus, then we can look at every day with a grateful heart because of what He has done for us, and what He’ll continue to do in and through us in this life! In light of these thoughts on gratitude, I wrote this 5-Day devotional to help get my heart ready for Christmas – the true meaning of Christmas – and I hope you’ll follow along with me too!

Download your free copy of the devo by clicking on the button below!

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“Demand quality not just in the products you buy… but in the life of the person who made it.” Orsola De Castro

Do you know what bonded labor slavery is? I really didn’t know about it until I met my friend Mallory a few years ago…

The way Mallory explained it, bonded labor slavery has a lot to do with debt bondage. In some places among the poor, if you need to borrow any amount of money to pay off a medical bill for example, it is very common to go to a local factory owner to ask for help in paying off your debt. The factory owner will front you the amount of money, but in return, you and your entire family will have to work until your debt is worked off. But it’s a false promise. 

They will never actually be able to work off that debt because the factory owner is charging an absolutely exorbitant interest. Many times, the working conditions are inhumane and violent… It is not uncommon for a generation of slavery to be formed due to a small debt of even just $30. I don’t know about you, but just hearing that stirs something in me and I can’t help but wonder: what can I do to help free these families?

Well, there is so much you can do to help, but to start, let me tell you about my friend, Mallory. 

Mallory Martin, founder of Mended, worked for 7 years with a global anti-slavery non-profit whose mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. During her time there, Mallory learned about the vicious cycle of bonded labor slavery and heard many stories of survivors. It wasn’t until she was able to travel to South Asia to meet some of these survivors that she was able to understand their joy, their courage, and their strength. But just because they were rescued and living in freedom doesn’t mean they have an easy journey moving forward. Mallory then learned about one key element to a survivor’s freedom – meaningful and sustainable employment.

This was 3 years ago when Mallory traveled to South Asia. Shortly after, the pandemic hit leaving many of the artisans out of work, but they began hand-sewing masks to fill the need. Knowing this, Mallory and her husband decided to make an order for 1,000 masks from the artisans she had met and she was blown away with how beautiful they were! This was the first order she would place, with many more to come. Later into 2020, Mallory learned from a friend about the art of block-printing and knew right then and there that it would be the foundation of the business she had been hoping to launch. Mallory finally knew what she could do to create meaningful employment and freedom for these survivors. She even pulled out the bubbly to toast with her friend because she knew this moment would change both of their lives forever!

Right now, Mended has 18 men and women employed as vendors, rather than just as employees. Five more are being trained in the coming weeks! This model allows them to have their own business, creating a strong sense of ownership and dignity in these survivors. Mallory places orders through the vendors at their list price and from there, the process begins! From start-to-finish, block-printing actually takes about 3 days! A master artisan hand carves each wooden block to create the designs, then the survivor artisans dip it into dye and manually line up the prints (they are seriously so intricate). Since each piece is handmade, they are all unique in their own way, and I think that just adds to their beauty! After printing, the textiles take about 3 days to sun dry until they are ready for use. So much love and effort is put into each piece from Mended, AND each piece is much more than just a napkin – it represents a positive impact on the lives of survivors of trafficking.

Every purchase from Mended allows for sustainable and above-market wages, dignified and safe work to support survivors, their families and communities, professional growth through on-going skills training and development. The economic empowerment aspect of the restoration journey is very important and even reduces their chances of being re-trafficked. And as consumers, we hold so much power and can create a demand for products from brands that demand a high standard of living for their employees. The way we choose to shop can make a positive impact on the lives of those behind the products!

I’m honored to have Mended as our Purposeful People partner for the month of December! Together, we created South African-inspired designs for tea towels and dinner napkins, including proteas, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more! They come in Evergreen & Gold and Black & Neutral, which are perfect for a holiday celebration or for the tea-enthusiast in your life (like me). You can shop our Mended X Demi designs here, as well as their other beautiful linens, table runners, and pocket squares – there really is a little something for everyone! Use code DEMI20 through December 16th for 20% off. 

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

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The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1 million homes have been damaged or destroyed since the war in Ukraine began in February. Additionally, temperatures in eastern Europe are dropping as winter steadily approaches, making an already tough situation even worse. Cold-weather necessities are becoming even more important for those seeking shelter. When there is a need, it is our duty to step up and help others. Are you willing to answer the call to help those in their darkest hour of need?

Samuel Bistrian, the Founder of ROMA Boots, did just that – he answered the call and did what he could with what he had to make an impact on the lives of others.

Growing up in Romania, Samuel knows the reality of the harsh winters and the importance of proper winter gear, including a warm pair of boots. He received his first pair of rain boots when he was just 6 years-old. Although they were a pair of hand-me-downs from his eldest siblings, they meant so much to him and allowed him to play in the snow, walk to school and live comfortably in the cold. 30 years ago, Samuel migrated to the U.S. as a refugee from Romania and began working in the fashion industry with a dream to start his own business that had a higher purpose: helping communities back home break the cycle of poverty through aid and education. Samuel ended up selling his belongings (including his car) to be able to start his company, ROMA Boots. Talk about dedication!! He was on a mission to make an impact in his home country, and eventually, around the world.

In 2010, ROMA manufactured 10,000 pairs of boots and did their first ever boot drop in Romania, donating 5,000 pairs of boots. To be able to make an impact on communities in his home country meant so much to Samuel. Flash forward 12 years and ROMA Boots, in partnership with Convoy of Hope, will be back in eastern Europe donating 100,000 pairs of boots to children affected by the war in Ukraine. In fact, the first 50,000 boots arrived in eastern Europe yesterday. How amazing is that?! On Giving Tuesday, too.

For the month of November, ROMA was our Purposeful People partner of the month! I’m so honored to have partnered with such an impactful brand and to join them on their mission this winter. To recap, ROMA Boots is a Buy One, Give One rain boot company based out of Dallas, TX that donates one brand new pair of boots to a child in need for every pair sold. Over the last 12 years, they have donated hundreds of thousands of boots in more than 30 countries around the world. So grateful for all of the work they are doing to help others! Plus, ROMA creates high quality products that are manufactured ethically, versatile, super comfortable and cute.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to come alongside ROMA Boots and Convoy of Hope to see firsthand the hope that these boots bring to children in need. We traveled to Romania and donated warm, colorful rain boots to communities that have been affected by the war in Ukraine. To see the joy on their faces and the little dances they would do after they tried on their boots was truly special, and knowing that 100,000 pairs of boots will be donated this winter to even more children and the great impact it will have on their lives is so moving. I hope these pairs of boots not only provide the physical value of proper footwear in the winter months, but also provide hope and remind them of how loved and valued they are. Not just by us, but by the God of this universe. Check out ROMA Boots here and follow along their mission this winter!

Join us tomorrow, December 1st, at 5 pm EST for an Instagram Live!

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Hey friends! Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has had a great week, and for my American friends and fam, happy Thanksgiving! I’ve loved getting to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the States over the past few years – and not just because of the food! Thanksgiving is all about gratefulness and rejoicing in all of the blessings from our Heavenly Father. We have so much and so many people to be grateful for, and I don’t know about you, but one of my love languages is gift-giving. It’s how I express my love and gratitude for the people in my life. With Christmas steadfastly approaching, the pressure is ON!

But don’t stress – some of my favorite brands are having GREAT Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Let me help you find the perfect gifts for the ones you love! <3 

ROMA Boots Wearing the EPAGA Matte Black Women’s Rain Boots!

Starting off with our Purposeful People partner of the month, Roma Boots! It’s been so fun to partner with Roma this holiday season – with every purchase, a pair of boots is donated to a child in need! Feels good to give back and make an impact while shopping for some cute boots. Use my code DEMI50 through next TUESDAY, 11/29, for 50% off!

beautycounter Holiday glam using Beautycounter!

I’ve been using Beautycounter for a few years now and I truly love their products! Beautycounter’s ingredients are sourced with a higher standard of safety and quality in mind, making for safer skincare and cleaner beauty. Right now, you can shop their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales: 20% off sitewide or 30% off of orders over $250 through MONDAY, 11/28! If you’ve wanted to try their products, now is the time!!

cleobella Wearing the Taylor Ankle Dress in Ivory!

Cleobella is a brand that is globally inspired, ethically handmade, and partners with local artisans and small factories to create sustainable incomes around the world. So excited to partner with a brand that shares a passion for ethical practices, plus their clothes are SO. CUTE. You can shop their Black Friday sale here, 25% off your order!

153 Jewelry Wearing the Emily Necklace, Sophie Station Necklace, Honey Curb Chain Necklace, and Eve Ring Set!

Have you guys seen the new collections over at 153?! We recently dropped our Evening & Moments Collections, including holiday pieces for you and your loved ones. These new pieces are perfect for styling day and night, layering with your current 153 favorites, or gifting the perfect touch of elegance this holiday season. Right now, we have 2 offers: 15% off of $75 (code: GOLD15) & 25% off of $150 (code: GOLD25). I hope you love the new collections!

& more! Wearing the Angelle Dress from Saylor!

Some of my favorite brands are also having sales – you can check them out on my LTK here! Have a happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and everything in between. Bye for now!

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One thing I’ve realized since moving to the United States is that everyone loves and embraces each new season! Fall has become one of my favorite seasons and I love all the things fall brings: falling leaves, beautiful colors, warm and cozy, fall fashion, BOOTS…the list goes on with all the things I love. And even though we don’t get much of a fall here in Florida, I’ve been so excited to show you all of my fall favs. 

#1 Fall Scented Candles

I don’t know about you, but I feel like a good fall candle is the first step to feeling all the fall feels. I’ve recently discovered some amazing candles that you can feel good about purchasing! Freedom Studios has a fall line that smells amazing. These are high quality, hand-made candles, made with love by survivors of human trafficking. Making the candles is a part of their healing and therapy, while also giving them meaningful employment so that they remain FREE. I’m getting them for myself AND for Christmas gifts too. Click the photo to shop and use code DEMI10 for a discount at checkout! 

#2 Fall Fashion Basics

As soon as the temperature begins to drop, I start bringing out my fall basics. It’s time to get out those cozy sweaters, that favorite jacket and maybe purchase a few new versatile items. Click each photo to shop!

#3 Boots, Boots & More Boots!

Boots, Boots and more Boots! I’ve just partnered with Roma Boots (which is Amor = LOVE spelled backwards) because they have the cutest boots, and two, they are boots with a purpose. For every pair of boots purchased, they donate a pair of brightly colored boots to children in rainy or cold climates all over the world. Their founder says, they are all about bringing HOPE to these children. This fall, they’ve partnered with Convoy of Hope to deliver 100,000 boots to Ukrainian refugees. A cute and fashionable purchase that gives hope to children is a win-win in my book! Click the photo to shop.

#4 Hydration Skincare

Plummeting temps often results in dry skin. We need some tools in our toolkit that help our skin stay hydrated and soft. These are my go-to hydration solutions for the fall. This ‘Goodbye, Dry Body Duo’ gift set is perfect for keeping your skin feeling silky smooth! Click above to shop!

#5 Cozy Blanket Throws

Is it even fall if you don’t pull out those comfy blankets? I found this one and it’s one of my favs because it’s SUPER soft, and also an elegant throw to compliment any living room. Click the photo to shop!

Alright, that’s it for now! I hope you guys enjoyed perusing through some of my favorite items! 

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Did you know – In some cases, it may take 6-7 attempts for a victim of human trafficking  to exit the Life before a permanent exit occurs. This happens for multiple reasons, one being the emotional bond to the trafficker, but also, oftentimes the traffickers use physical violence and financial control as a way to intimidate and control women, preventing them from leaving. (Stephany Powell Source)

While it’s such a heart-breaking statistic to think someone who was quite literally rescued out of a horrible situation would ever return, it really sheds light on the hopelessness survivors feel when they don’t have a way to see a better life for themselves, including the ability to get meaningful employment. You see, due to these unimaginable situations, many survivors have police records and have trouble finding jobs after being rescued. Some of them were taken young so they didn’t have the chance to get a high school degree or learn a trade or skill. In the same article source above, she states, “We really need the business community to align with the fight against human trafficking and the continued sustainability of these victims. We need those that have the knowledge to be able to support the development of life skills and help them become employable.” If we truly want to end human trafficking, we as a community, have to step in and help end the cycle. 

This is where we introduce you to our October Purposeful People partner of the month: Freedom Studios. Back in 2019 the founders of Freedom Studios attended a luncheon put on by a local non-profit who helped human trafficking survivors. At the luncheon they stated that one of the greatest obstacles a survivor faces when coming out of her situation is employment, and if she doesn’t have stable employment, the necessity to go back to the Life is very prevalent. It was at that moment that they wanted and believed they could meet that need through Freedom Studios. 

In 2020, they launched their small business, a bath and body company, and they’ve since employed over 20 survivors!  “We aim to create products you will love while also raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking, but ultimately we want to give survivors the keys to unlock a new and better chapter in their lives through meaningful employment.” Said Beth Gammel, co-founder of Freedom Studios. 

Freedom Studios not only employees survivors of human trafficking but they also help aid in their healing because the act of actually making the products with their hands is a form of therapy, while also giving them pride in creating beautiful products for people to enjoy. 

Beth mentioned, “We employ survivors from all different ages, races and walks of life. This truly is a crime hidden in plain sight and it doesn’t discriminate.” She told us a story of one of her employees that was trafficked for four years before being rescued. She was told she would never see her children again, but through the work she does with freedom Studios and with the support systems they partner with, she now has her own home, and has been reunited with her children. She’s now a shift leader and has become a mentor to some of their newer employees too. “You see how they are when they first start with us, and to see the transformation from darkness to light is truly amazing. We want them to be proud of the work they are doing, and proud of themselves for taking one step at a time to rebuild their lives.” 

Beth said that they are inspired daily by their employees’ resilience, work ethic, attention to detail and just their desire to move forward with their lives. There are countless stories, but two of their employees are in the process of getting degrees to become a counselor and a social worker because they want to play a role in using their own story to help other people too. Beth said, “The overarching theme we see with these women is how something truly beautiful can come from such a place of brokenness.” Beth told us that they want to create beautiful products that people will enjoy and pamper themselves with, but hope that they feel the love put into each product when it was created too! We’ll leave you with this last quote, “We want to be a voice of light, truth and hope in this dark world.” 

Ugh, is anyone else crying yet? I’m so truly moved by Beth and her team, as well as the amazing work they are doing! This brand truly embodies why I created Purposeful People. I’ve personally used all of their products and can say they are some of my favorite candles and bath products, while also truly making a positive impact in this world too. I hope you’ll choose to shop some of their products along with me; they all would make perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family! 

Join us tonight for an Instagram Live at 6pm EST where I’ll interview one of the founders of Freedom Studios, Beth Gammel. Can’t wait to share their story with you! 

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“I told myself that I will not be a victim of fear. I might be bruised, I might be traumatized, but I WILL be Unbreakable.”

Those are the words I spoke on a Today Show interview back in 2018 after my attempted carjacking experience. Being held at gunpoint and fearing for my life was an experience that truly changed me, and while it was scary and awful, it also made me stronger and empowered me to use that experience to encourage other women to fight for their right to live without fear too. While Unbreakable began as just a self-defense workshop, it has evolved into a women empowerment movement; a movement where I want to encourage and inspire women all over the world to join together, arm in arm, to break through barriers emotionally, mentally and physically. 

My Unbreakable journey began in 2017. I sat at a red traffic light, all dressed up on my way to an event, feeling on top of the world. I was just crowned Miss South Africa a couple months before. It was peak hour traffic and broad daylight when I looked to my left and right and saw that five armed men were surrounding me. I knew that my materialistic things were not worth my life, so I put up my hands in surrender and gave them everything I had. I was hoping that would be the end of it, and tried to run, but the moment I tried to get away, a guy grabbed me and pushed me back into the car, yelling, “Get in, you’re going with us!” Through various safety driving courses that I had taken prior to this event, I learned that the second destination will never be better than the first, and I knew that I had to get away.  

At that moment I knew I had three decisions I could make: fight, flight, or freeze. All that was going through my head in the moment was, “No, I’m not going with you. I don’t care if you shoot me, if you kill me, but I’m not going with you.” I punched that guy as hard as I possibly could in his throat, and it gave me a split-second window of opportunity to run away. In my six-inch heels, in broad daylight during peak-hour traffic, I ran up a big avenue. I ran, looking over my shoulder, not knowing if I was going to be shot in the back or followed. 

You would think that’s the worst part of this story. As I ran up that avenue, I knocked on about 30 or 40 car windows. Do you know how many cars stopped for me? Not one. Not one person stopped to help me. I don’t know what was more terrifying, being attacked by these five armed men, or not getting any help. I kept running. I kept knocking on windows. I ended up at the next traffic light when I saw a small car pull over to the side of the road with a young girl inside telling me, “Get in! Get in!” Just before she leaned over to unlock and open the door, she looked at me and said, “You don’t have a gun, right?” And I said, “No, I was just hijacked.” She let me into her car and took me to safety. 

If it wasn’t for that young, courageous, 19-year-old girl, I don’t know what would have happened. I am forever grateful for this young woman who risked her own safety to be a helping hand to me. What I learned from that experience is that I don’t want to ever be the kind of person that shoves someone in need away, that rolls up a car window when someone is begging for help. My hope is to always be the person that leans over, unlocks and opens the car door, and leads them to safety. 

Although my heart was shattered, my eyes were opened to so many women hurting all over the world. What was one of the scariest situations I’ve ever been in led me to starting what I began as a workshop and my hope is that it continues to evolve in this movement of powerful women. I’m so excited to announce that five years after all of this began, I am relaunching Unbreakable and hoping to make it better than ever! Through keynote speeches, hands-on workshops and advice from experts in areas like mental health, self-defense and more, Unbreakable strives to foster women’s personal growth and resilience so they will be ready to face whatever challenges might come their way. We’re hoping this workshop will leave these women inspired, encouraged and empowered to pursue their goals and dreams with confidence while cheering for and championing other women along the way. But most of all we hope they learn that together, arm in arm, we all ARE Unbreakable. Follow along on social to see clips and content from the events!

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HUGE announcement – We launched our FIRST Purposeful People partner last week! For so many reasons, we chose Ithemba Creations, and can’t wait to tell you more about this impactful brand. 

Not only does Ithemba ethically source and ethically manufacture, they also create employment and provide sustainable income to many artisans – impacting families and communities all throughout! Ithemba is an online marketplace based in the U.S. that sources products from artisans all over Southern Africa. From woven baskets and linens to ceramics and artwork, Ithemba sells the most BEAUTIFUL, one-of-a-kind products that are handmade by these talented artisans. And behind each purposeful brand is an impactful person, so I want to tell you about my friend, Faye.

Faye is the owner and founder of Ithemba Creations, and is actually a fellow South African! She’s been in the States for about 20 years now working in the food distribution industry, but still regularly takes trips to see family and friends back in Cape Town. I connected with Faye earlier this year and I knew right then and there that our missions aligned! We talked about partnering somehow, but it wasn’t until Purposeful People that I knew exactly how to honor her brand.

After years of having overweight bags full of artisanal gifts coming back to the states from South Africa, Faye couldn’t help but wonder: How could she share this delicate and intricate art with her friends on the other side of the world? When the pandemic struck, Faye thought about all of her favorite artisanal markets in Africa. She knew many artisans were reliant on tourism to provide for their families and communities, and she knew that they would be essentially unemployed due to the pandemic. Faye’s heart broke for them and felt called to help – she knew that if she could even make a small impact, it would make a difference in many people’s lives. So what did she do? She and her husband took all of their life-savings, got a 40 ft container, went to the markets, approached the vendors, and bought out ALL of their stock. Talk about being willing to follow your calling! And, what’s also so impressive about this is that she and her husband did this while working full-time jobs! They felt the call and made it work on by working nights and weekends – taking a huge leap of faith. She did what she could with what she had to create a lasting impact. Truly inspiring.

With a loaded up container and a mission on her heart, Faye launched Ithemba Creations. Ithemba quite literally means “hope” – in a time where these workers were hopeless, Faye reached out her hand and gave them the hope they needed. Now, Ithemba supports over 80 artisans and small businesses in Southern Africa, and has provided them an international platform to share their creations. Many of the pieces even have the name of the local creator attached – how special is that?! 

Not only does Ithemba carry uniquely handcrafted products, but they are also a mission driven brand that does their business with a deeper purpose in mind. Ithemba is dedicated to creating jobs and sustainable income for the artisans they source from, while also celebrating African heritage and giving back to local organizations. Ithemba chooses to support a new mission each month to reinvest in the surrounding communities. From economic empowerment and female upliftment projects to equipping impoverished communities with the supplies they need, Faye and the Ithemba team are making a difference with their business. And so can YOU! 

This August, I had the amazing opportunity to visit some of the vendors that Ithemba sources directly from and met some of the artisans behind the products. I saw firsthand the great working conditions, the smiles on their faces, and the intricate detail that each person puts into each product. Isn’t that the coolest thing?! Every piece is made with incredible craftsmanship and can be traced back to the person who made it! And then, as a consumer, you know that your choice to shop ethically directly impacts the life of the artisan who created the piece of artwork. 

Watching the artisans at work creating molds, shaping pottery, stitching fabric, and painting dishes with a smile on their face was truly amazing. For Faye, her favorite part of her business is coming back to visit the artisans and seeing how far they’ve come since the last time she saw them. With each order, these artisans are provided with a sustainable income and in turn, can support their families and live a sustainable life. This means changing the trajectory of people’s lives, their children’s lives and creating that ripple effect of goodness we’ve been talking so much about! Shopping consciously means you get to feel GOOD about shopping which is a win-win in my book! 
I’m so excited for you guys to learn more about Ithemba and hear the touching stories of artisans whose lives have been directly impacted. Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing my favorites with you on all of my platforms. Honestly, it was hard to choose JUST a handful, but you can shop my favorite items from Ithemba here: https://shopithemba.com/collections/demis-picks. I absolutely love the new Potterstitch dinnerware set – I even got to meet the designer of the set when I visited one of Ithemba’s vendors in Cape Town! And don’t forget you can use my code ‘DEMI5’ at checkout. Okay, I’ll leave you to it, have fun shopping!

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