Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
Disclosure: I received a free sample to aid in the writing of this post. All words and opinions expressed are my own.
Lingerie isn’t a typical topic on my blog. I don’t typically get that personal. But today, I’m happy to share with you that even when I’m at home working in sweatpants, I’m always wearing nice underwear. There’s something about a good thong and a pretty bra that makes me feel good. Empowered even.
Well, guess what? I’ve found a lingerie company that gives back and empowers women with every purchase, in more ways than one.
Empowered By You is a new luxury lingerie brand created by the Seven Bar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower women throughout the globe via microfinance. (You may have noticed their inclusion in my recent Gifts That Give Back guide.)
The idea is simple: individuals are provided with small loans to start or grow small businesses, allowing them to become economically self-sufficient, provide for their families for the long-term, and replace dependency on limited donor funds. The rungs of the Seven Bar Foundation logo represent the loans -– a ladder that allows impoverished women an effective and self-sufficient exit out of poverty.
When I was first contacted by Empowered By You, founder Renata Mutis Black described her product as “the perfect everyday panty with patented flocking technology for a seamless second-skin fit.”
I still don’t know what “flocking technology” is, but I can tell you that the panty is super comfortable. The material reminded me of a thin bathing suit and really didn’t feel like I was wearing anything at all. (OK, now I’m blushing. Back to the philanthropy stuff.)
Renata tells me that 20% of Empowered By You’s profits go directly to the Seven Bar Foundation. From there, The Seven Bar Foundation distributes loans to “outstanding microfinance institutions across the globe.” While I’m used to hearing about microfinance organizations that help people in developing countries, Seven Bar Foundation also aids women in the United States (see the country breakdown below).
Here’s a breakdown of Seven Bar Foundation’s impact to date since its inception in 2010:
Seven Bar Foundation Microfinance Fund distribution by country
- USA: $160,000 disbursed reaching 186 women
- Mexico: $50,000 disbursed reaching 1,300 women
- Guatemala: $100,000 disbursed reaching 135 women
- India: $77,000 disbursed reaching 434 women
- Sri Lanka: $15,000 disbursed reaching 85 women
- Colombia: $45,000 disbursed reaching 160 women
Total Distribution: $447,000 reaching 2,300 women and approximately 4,600 (this is calculating a conservative 2 children per woman, though in many of these countries women take care of as many as 8 children in each household)
I’m told that loan recipients have a 97% repayment rate.
The sample thong that I received helped Joy, who lives in the United States and was empowered by a microloan of $1,470 that helped her start her own cupcake business. According to the packaging, Joy is now a mentor to other women. You can read some of the testimonials on the website.
How you can get empowered:
- Purchase an Empowered By You panty
- Share your story of empowerment on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by using the #empoweredby hashtag
- Get involved with the Seven Bar Foundation
What empowers you? Thong or brief?
I love pretty underwear. And I’d much rather give my money to an organization that’s using their dollar to empower women then to put on a big, flashy lingerie fashion show and use that money to pay super models. Sorry, boys.
Ilene recently posted..The Bridge
Agreed, Ilene. Empowered By You has shows, but they raise money for social good. What a concept!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Cake by Biz
AMEN! I haven’t bought anything from the place with the flashy shows in years…they just annoy me. This is such a great concept, I love it. Will be sharing their site with my girlfriends!
Jenny recently posted..December Hates Me
Thanks, Jenny! Glad I could introduce you to Empowered By You! 🙂
That is an amazing amount of money they have loaned…WOW! I think I now know what I am putting on my Christmas list…I could use some new undies! :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted..Pinterest Nightmare #327: The 2013 Holiday Style Guide
Couldn’t we all? It’s nice to know your underwear purchase will actually help someone!
anotherjennifer recently posted..How I’m Shopping With a Conscience This Holiday Season on GOOD.is
I am putting these undies on my holiday wish list! I could definitely use some nicer threads to go under my sweat pants. Thank you for sharing this with us, Jennifer. Seven Bar Foundation sounds absolutely amazing. And what mama doesn’t need pretty panties?!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted..Holiday Links for People Who Love to Laugh
Exactly, Nicole. And I’m pretty sure these would be great for runners. I don’t run, but I’m judging by the fit and the material. Curious to hear what you think of them!
anotherjennifer recently posted..The Beginning of the End of AIDS + Buying (RED) on World AIDS Day
I hate to admit it, but I am in some serious need of new panties and who wouldn’t love flocking technology! You got me buying KIND bars all the time now, so panties I will add to my list!
Michelle recently posted..We’re Headed to Manhattan!
Nice! I think you will like the panties. They are cut in a way that I found more comfortable.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Gifts That Give Back Guide 2013
That’s pretty awesome. Everyone needs underwear, and might as well buy some that go toward a good cause! And I definitely deserve some new underwear 🙂
Bev recently posted..How do you keep the creative fires burning?
You so do, Bev! The perfect treat for a new mom. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..A Thanksgiving Haiku
What a great and unique organization! I have to say thong and brief – depending on the day, outfit, so on. 🙂
Crystal recently posted..Ladies Only Blog Share Link Party: These Crazy, Stressful Holidays
You are the first to answer the question, Crystal. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: The Mother Of All Holiday Gifts
I love, love, love good underwear. It’s kinda my thing. No one really know about it, though! Er..outside of my home.
I would much rather give my business to this organization than any others that I know of who sell lingerie.
Tamara recently posted..Those Crazy, Stressful Holiday Times.
Well, thanks for sharing, Tamara. I love good underwear too. I think we deserve it as moms. We may not always look put together outside but we can always have some great panties on. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Celebrate #GivingTuesday on December 3rd + Rally for WaterAid to #doubleit
I love the idea of these micro loans! I think that any way we can pull together to help each other is just amazing!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted..Five Minute Friday; Reflect
Microloans are great because they help the women who apply succeed. The loan is almost always paid back, and the community is better for it. There are a lot of wins!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Feeding Our Kids 7 Day a Week
I love companies like this. Helping women help themselves. I will also admit that I wear my panties until they are threadbare. Time to clean out my underwear drawer and check this company out!
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot recently posted..The First Candle of Advent is Hope
Time to splurge, Stephanie! Nothing better than a new pair of pretty panties, if you ask me. The fact that they help other women succeed makes it even better!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Good Day Maine Appearance
Sounds like a great organization. I’ve been involved in microfinance for years through Kiva.org. It’s very empowering to be able to give loans to deserving people in need. #SITSSharefest
Adrian recently posted..Clutterbugs: Taming the Paper Tiger
Kiva’s a great organization. I’m a big fan of microloans. It’s a great way to invest in people and communities.
This sounds like an amazing organization!! It might be time to see what is actually in my underwear drawer!
Michelle recently posted..Personalized Christmas Gift Tags {Guest Post}
Sounds like a good excuse to buy some new panties, Michelle! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Trimming the Tree and the Christmas Card List
What a fantastic idea! We all love to feel good in our skivvies and how great to help other women while we buy our pretty undies! 🙂
Alexa recently posted..Does Google Know it’s my Birthday?
Exactly, Alexa! Thanks for sharing the post. Enjoy your new panties! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Trimming the Tree and the Christmas Card List
words I never imagined I would hear from you! 🙂
Alexa recently posted..Does Google Know it’s my Birthday?
Ha! Pretty sure you won’t hear them again. 🙂