Monday, November 26, 2007

Let's Talk About Sex.... really.

I hope that everyone's Thanksgiving was full of turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce- and that each of your refridgerators do not have any left overs lingering....


This morning I opened up office to find hundreds of emails from clients, vendors, and salespeople alike--- but one stopped me in my tracks (which is hard to do on a Monday after a long weekend)... it was from Rebecca at The While Aisle- for those of you that drop by often, I am sure that you have seen her link to the right and possibly even stopped in here and there to see her fabulous little shop. I believe that I was first introduced a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the lacey-vintage designs of her invitation lines....

Today's email, however, was not full of lace and lovelies- it told of her travels around Asia. You see, the wedding industry (despite geographical location) has "seasons"... when we are in season- it is BANANAS... and when we are out of season, it is a ghost town. Some vendors take this off-season to travel and catch up on much-needed vacationing. Rebecca and hubby close up their shop and travel for an entire month- you can track them on their blog....




During their recent trip to Cambodia, they were faced with the cruel reality of the child sex trade.... and felt compelled, if not obligated and passionate about making a difference. You see, the difficulty with these children being caught up in the brothels is that they can not leave even if they are permitted to do so... as this is their source of income and they are reliant on it for food and shelter. Thus, the most powerful way to make an impact on these childrens' futures is to give them an alternative way to become self-sufficient. Rebecca is teaming upwith an organization in Phnom Penh- which offers children the ability to come to their vocational training facilities to work during the day. Additionally, all workers are encouraged to sleep at the neighboring housing. Over time, this method has proved to be rather successful in generating independent and reformed women ready to re-enter "normal" society.



Rachel is taking part in the cause by offering several of the products in her shop, with 100% of her profits on these items going back to the women. The beautiful silk sashes would compliment nearly any bridesmaid dress.... and the matching ring pillows and hand-made flowers are too sweet to pass up....

In addition to the amazing craftmanship that these products offer, the message that they represent is worth far more than their weight in gold. I encourage each of you to stop by The White Aisle and give these items a looksie- and while you are there... give a few kudos to Rebecca as well....

2 comments:

perfect bound said...

I'm so glad you posted this. Rebecca deserves endless kudos. this is the ultimate inspiration.

Enjoy Celebrations and Occasions said...

How inspiring. What a wonderful woman.