Co-founder and CEO Priya Haji
works with women artisans in devel-
oping countries to bring their
fashion accessories to the main-
stream retail market. Haji’s
company, World of Good, makes it
easy for us to stay trendy while also
empowering women around the
world. Glam talked to Priya to learn
more about her fashion inspiration
and how she helps us look and feel
fabulous about the accessories
we’re wearing.
What is fair trade and how does it
apply to fashion accessories?
When we purchase fashion items
here in the U.S. many of them are
made in other countries, typically by
other women. Fair trade ensures
that the purchase of these items
benefits the women who made them
through fair wages, safe working
conditions, and product-
development support. Many fair
trade artisan groups also receive
additional social benefits like health
care and scholarships for their
children. When we purchase under
fair trade principles, we not only
look great but we become part of
cycle that creates a positive impact
on the community where our
accessories came from.
What inspired you to work with
women artisans in developing
countries?
My own family reflects the diversity
of America—my mom is from India,
my dad is from East Africa, and I
grew up in Texas. I had the benefit
of a great family, access to an
excellent education, and as a
woman of color in this generation,
so many more choices than
anyone like me would have ever
had. I am committed to finding a
way to use my resources to create
opportunity for many other women
around the world; the best part
is that thousands of women in the
U.S. are joining me by supporting
World of Good and educating their
friends about fair trade.
