You may have heard the phrase “Social Enterprise” thrown around a time or two if you have followed Rethreaded closely. Working for a social enterprise is a unique experience. It is an experience Rethreaded employees are grateful to be a part of. We could not think of a better person to explain the ins-and-outs of working for and running a social enterprise other than the woman who started our organization, Kristin Keen. Keep reading to learn more about what it means to work for an organization like Rethreaded.
Q: For those who do not know, what is a social enterprise?
A: A social enterprise or social business is defined as a business that has specific social objectives that serve its primary purpose. Social enterprises seek to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society and the environment. Their profits are principally used to fund social programs.
Q: What is it like working for a social enterprise? What does it mean to you?
A: Working for a social enterprise is exciting and challenging. It is exciting because we tend to think a bit differently than traditional non-profits or businesses. We look at how many women we want to hire, how much it will cost, and then build out our revenue plan based on how much it will cost. The more sales and donations we get the more women we get to hire. It means that every day I wake up driven to do my best so we can reach our goal of changing lives.
Q: What is the heart behind Rethreaded? How did you get started for those who haven’t heard?
A: Rethreaded is about building people not a business. We create a work environment where people can really be who they are created to be. Women need access to a new job and a new community to start a new life. Business achieves both of these. It is universal. We all have to make money and be part of a business, big or small, so we might as well do as much good as possible through our resources given.
Q: How does it feel knowing when you show up for work you are doing something that actively changes the lives of human trafficking survivors?
A: I think that Rethreaded is a reciprocal business. Reciprocal in that we all learn from each other. We have to invest in each other. It is my favorite thing about Rethreaded. Every day I get to work side-by-side with amazing co-workers, some survivors of human trafficking some not. The truth is we have all survived something and we can all learn from each other. At Rethreaded we are all working together for the women yet to come to Rethreaded. We are all actively changing each other’s lives. It is not a top down business. It is us, side by side, working for the good of each other.
Q: How can people support social enterprises? How can people find social enterprises close to them?
A: People can be very intentional about how they shop. It is amazing when you start paying attention to the companies where you purchase items. If you are intentional about shopping from companies that change lives you can make a huge impact! Everyone always ask me how they can help with human trafficking and the first thing I always say is “Shop at Rethreaded”. Buy your coffee, dog toys, ALL your gifts from Rethreaded and you are guaranteed to change lives. You can check out SEA (Social Enterprise Alliance) for more companies with a purpose near you.
Have any questions for Kristin about life at Rethreaded? Leave us a comment below.
As always, thank you for following Rethreaded’s journey. Thank you for being intentional shoppers. You are changing lives!
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