With World Refugee Day just around the corner, Prosperity Candle will be celebrating the refugees close to our hearts and others around the world. Every Prosperity Candle is a vehicle for change, helping to lift Burmese women refugees out of poverty. And now through June 30th, every candle also benefits refugees around the world as well!

Prosperity Candle is proud to be partnering with the Women’s Refugee Commission and will be donating 5% of all gifts purchased through June 30th to the Women’s Refugee Commission to assist them in carrying out their work.

The Women’s Refugee Commission’s mission is to improve the lives and protect the rights of women, children and youth displaced by conflict and crisis. The commission researches their needs, identify solutions and advocate for programs and policies to strengthen their resilience and drive change in humanitarian practice.

Moo Kho and Naw, working at Prosperity Candle

For twenty years the Women’s Refugee Commission has been devoted to identifying critical problems that affect displaced women, children and young people, documenting best practices and proposing solutions for improved humanitarian assistance. The commission is dedicated to improving refugee policy and practice until measurable long-term change is realized.

Prosperity Candle is pleased to assist the Commission in striving for a future in which refugees and internally displaced women, children and youth are safe, healthy and self-reliant, and have their human rights respected and protected.

Make a greater impact with every gift you give this month, lending a hand to refugees all over the world!

The post Why we’re honoring the Women’s Refugee Commission this World Refugee Day appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

1) Each candle helps a woman rebuild her life.

We work with women who are from distressed parts of the world who have survived conflict or natural disaster. They are now getting their feet on their ground and rebuilding their lives.

The women we work with come from (or work in) Burma, Haiti, and Iraq. Beyond the candle makers we work with, we also source vessels and gifts from women around the world, including Morocco, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Vietnam, Rwanda, and more.

Each candle we sell helps give them more security and income. The money they earn through Prosperity Candle helps them invest in education, health care and food for their children. No matter which country the women come from, they have a universal dream of giving their children a better future.

Truly a gift that gives back, to you, to the women who make them, and to the future of our world.

 
 
2) You can connect directly with the woman who made it.
 

Every one of our candles includes the name of the woman who made it so you can connect directly with her on our website. Under our “Connect” page you can read her bio, see her picture and send her a message directly.

We’re talking about a global connection here. And the knowledge that you are playing a part in helping a woman rebuild her life!
 
 
 
3) We partner with amazing organizations to bring you unique gifts that do good.
 

We could focus only on candles and stop there. But why do that when there are so many good causes in the world to team up with? We collaborate with fair trade and socially conscious organizations like Equal Exchange, Numi Tea, Beeline, Divine Chocolate, SERRV International and Arghand to bring you chocolate, coffee, tea, baskets and beauty products. These products are paired with our candles for gifts that are unique and give back two, three or more times!

Why stop with a gift that give back only once, when it can give back to several organizations, making a difference for people all around the world?
 
 
4) We donate to good causes.
 

We have partnered with respected organizations like Women for Women International, World Pulse, UMCOR, and Oxfam America to offer charitable gifts to support their causes. We believe deeply in their work and want to support it, so we have created unique gift sets that include messaging about their mission or products from the countries where they work.

Shopping for a cause has never looked better!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5) We are committed to crafting high quality gifts.
 

We test our products and those of our partners like crazy. Candles get packed up in boxes and rattled to ensure that they will ensure shipping. We do temperature and burn tests to make sure that they will be long-lasting and clean burning. We invest in all-cotton wicks and clean-burning wax.

We know a lot of people think that buying a gift that does good is not going to result in a high quality gift. We would like to prove that belief wrong!

Our candles are long-lasting and burn beautifully.
 
 
6) We keep bringing you fresh products!
 

Our gifts are all handmade and come from the far reaches of the globe. We want our products to reflect this, so we are always thinking outside the box about what we can do. What can we pour a candle into? An old coffee can? A repurposed glass soda bottle? An ethically sourced soapstone bowl? A Moroccan glass with bold patterns? You bet!

Stay with us. We’ll keep surprising and delighting you!
 
 
 
 
7) Your gifts will stand out from the crowd.
 

Looking for something new and exciting for a loved one in your life? A unique social mission and story of impact?

Honor a loved one with a gift with a great story that gives back many times. Your Mom, girlfriend, sister, college friend or colleague will love you for it. Just check out our product reviews!

The post Why We’re Much More Than a Candle appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

Soy vs. Paraffin

This was one of the earliest questions we asked. At first glance, soy wax or beeswax seem like the obvious raw materials to use when thinking about environmental sustainability. Surprisingly, this is not always the case!

After much research, we have concluded that our custom paraffin-soy blend is the most sustainable choice we can make today. Paraffin is a material that is available regionally in large quantity, so using it means a much lower carbon footprint than with other waxes that must be shipped in.

Paraffin is also a by-product, which if not used would go into the waste stream. Further, we have found that most soy wax is sourced from agribusiness where large amounts of petrochemicals are used in carbon-intensive cultivation methods. Thus, as others have argued, paraffin can sometimes be a more sustainable option than soy when you compare total environment impacts.

Healthwise, food-quality paraffin burns as cleanly as other high quality waxes. At Prosperity Candle, we use only the highest grade candle waxes with natural cotton wicks (no lead or zinc) for a long-lasting, clean burning candle.

Sustainable Business

Our team consists of locavores in both spirit and practice. We eat produce from New England farms shares, buy local dairy products, and support artisans in our neighborhoods. But we also recognize that not everything we use can be made locally – and that there are people living in distant places who can greatly benefit from trade.

We’d also like to mention that Prosperity Candle is now a Bronze Member of Green America. Green America’s mission is to “harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.” We have gone through their certification process to demonstrate our commitment to operating our business in a way that promotes fair trade, social justice, and environmentally sound business practices.

While working to improve the lives of women in places of conflict and disaster, we strive to minimize our carbon footprint wherever possible. We consolidate shipments, select routes with the smallest carbon footprint (we are a strong advocate of ships using wind power to reduce fuel use), minimize packaging and waste, recycle & reuse everything we can, and regularly purchase carbon offsets.

Most importantly, we are committed to tracking and continually reducing Prosperity Candle’s carbon footprint over time.

The post Prosperity Candle’s Environmental Impact appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

One Candle at a Time

Take a moment, tune out all the noise, and read about an act of kindness.

Rachel has made my day, and I don’t even know her.  Thank “CF” for writing this and posting it on

And thank you, Forest, for sending it!

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Listening to the women share their stories, give voice to their visions, and express candid opinions about how Prosperity Candle is affecting their lives will be the first measure of our work. We pair careful analysis with these stories and opinions to better understand the whole picture, because looking at whether the women are able to increase their incomes is only part of our work.

We also want to see whether or not nutrition is improving, if women’s safety is enhanced, if more of their children are in school and receiving medical care, and how the women feel about their futures – are they hopeful? Are they taking leadership roles in their communities? Are their voices heard?

Our approach to measuring social impact must take into account all of these factors. And as a business that cares deeply about its environmental impact, we will be vigilant in assessing this area as well to minimize as much as possible our carbon footprint. We are committed to tracking and evaluating triple-bottom-line progress in ways that allow us to make better decisions and continually improve our model for broad and sustainable impact.

If we train a thousand women in candle-making to earn a supplemental income, we fail in our mission.

Why? Because we seek to empower as many as possible to build thriving businesses that can offer employment to others in their communities. This is the impact we seek to have. The diagram below illustrates the path we hope many women entrepreneurs will choose with ongoing support from us and other organizations.

Questions about our mission & model? Please get in touch!

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Ted Barber
Prosperity Candle founder and president
My mom Louise has influenced me in so many ways it’s hard to imagine who I’d be without her strength in tough times, her intelligence and clear thinking, her groundedness and practicality, her patience and faith in all her children, her progressive ideas balanced by fiscal prudence, and the strength of her convictions – especially when it comes to helping others and doing right by the world. When I have a challenge before me, my mom has always been there with not only attentive listening, but also thought-provoking questions and smart advice. From my mom I’ve learned how to be a good friend, parent and citizen, as well as how to create a business that contributes to your community.

Kim Hutt
Director of Online Marketing and Sales
My mom Debbie instilled in me a real sense of opportunity. When she was in high school, she wanted to be a journalist, but her guidance counselor told her she should pursue a more ‘feminine’ profession, and that her dream was unrealistic. Perhaps remembering this rejection, she was always open to my childhood fantasies — even the most unrealistic ones! I think about that now, working at Prosperity Candle. I want the children of the women we work with to feel that same boundless optimism, that feeling that opportunity is all around them. It’s something I still carry with me today.

Kaitlin Hasseler
Director of Partnerships & Business Development
Gracious and tenacious – two words that encompass all that my mother Susan has been and is to me. She is a beautiful example of the complexities of the human spirit, and has been a guiding force all throughout my life. She is a powerful leader, who has taught me, and shown me through her example, how to lean in and embrace my voice and my passions. I am deeply thankful for all the ways she has instilled in me a respect for others, a desire to make a difference in all I do, a heart for travel and exploration, how to be an advocate and an ally, how to listen more fully, how to put my faith into action, and how to believe in myself at all times. The woman I am today is directly a result of my mother’s influence, and I am so grateful for her! I look forward to many more adventures together (hopefully including some more on different continents!) in this crazy journey of life.

Emma West
Sales & Marketing Intern
From the homemade bread fresh out of the oven to raising three children, I praise my mother for her immense care. My mother’s thoughtful gestures towards neighbors and nurturing ways as a parent has demonstrated the importance and beauty in showing compassion for others. With my love for traveling mixed with my mother’s influence in doing good for others, I excitedly plan to learn all I can regarding international development. I have seen the incredible social impact a business can have in working with Prosperity Candle and seeing the revived lives of the Burmese refugee women. In the years to come, I hope to channel my mother’s compassion and make a difference in the lives of others.

We’d love to hear about all the ways your moms have inspired you — please share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or here in the comments!

The post Spotlighting our Moms in Honor of Mother’s Day appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

Can’t make one of the events? Don’t worry about it! Another way to show your support is by purchasing and gifting unique Fair Trade products. Below are five of our Fair Trade favorites.

	Teardrop Birdfeeder, $24 SERRV This hand-woven birdfeeder is designed by SERRV and made by the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, one of the oldest fair-trade organizations in the Philippines. The organization provides training programs and organizational development to help community-based enterprises become successful and self-reliant. In addition, the CCAP artisans use many natural, locally available fibers in their goods. The Teardrop Birdfeeder, in particular, is crafted with tilob vine that frames a coconut shell bowl.
	Teakwood Oblong Cutting Board, $47 Greenheart Shop This one-of-a-kind cutting board from Greenheart Shop is made in the Lake Izabal region of Guatemala by a family of artisans who are paid a living wage. Only recycled or sustainably sourced wood is used and managed by the SmartWood Alliance, a certification that guarantees hardwoods are harvested responsibly.
	Red Blossom Bowl Candle, $25 Prosperity Candle This soy blend candle comes in a fair trade ceramic bowl which is hand-painted in traditional Vietnamese flower patterns. The artists come to the United States through Craft Link, a non-profit dedicated to finding global market opportunities for these otherwise isolated artisans. Additionally, the candles are hand-poured by Burmese women who are rebuilding their lives through candle-making after years of living in refugee camps. Each tea-infused candle is packaged with a story card about the woman who made it.
	Everest Teapot, $39 Ten Thousand Villages This two-toned tea kettle is handcrafted by Sana Hastakala, an artisan group from Nepal. Sana Hastakala was established in 1989 with assistance from UNICEF as a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. To help improve economic and social conditions and preserve the artisan skills in Nepal, the group provides the artists with training and marketing assistance. Additionally, profit from sales is used to further develop and extend the program through producer development programs, staff welfare and organizational strengthening.
	Recycled Material Wallet, $20 Global Goods Partners Friends International implements an income generation program that allows parents to earn a living so that their children are able to go to school. The organization, located in Cambodia, also provides health care, vocational training, primary education, counseling, and cultural activities to 1,800 children and their families. These individuals then create beautiful bags and jewelry from recycled materials, such as this wristlet made from strips of newspapers and magazines.

For more information about our Fair Trade efforts at Prosperity Candle, check out this blog entry by our team .

Have other Fair Trade gift ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Fair Trade Favorites: 5 Unique Gifts to Celebrate World Fair Trade Day appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

Also known as International Workers’ Day — a celebration of the international labor movement.

Today, we’re thinking about the workers behind the products we consume. Sometimes we make good choices; buying carefully, supporting fair trade, purchasing from organizations dedicated to the livelihood of their employees. Sometimes, we don’t meet that standard.

We’ve been reflecting on the idea that change is a choice. No one person can change the world . . . not easily, at least! But little changes, made mindfully, can and will add up. Making the choice to buy a fair trade pound of coffee means a few extra dollars out of my pocket. But that little choice makes a big difference to the farmers who are paid fairly for their coffee beans.

We’re proud to be an organization that works to economically empower women. The women we work with are strong, smart, dedicated candle-makers, and today we celebrate them.

In the aftermath of the terrible factory collapse in Bangladesh, I’m taking time this May Day to be grateful, and to renew my own personal vow to purchase with purpose . . . and let all those little choices add up to big change.

The post International Workers’ Day: Reflecting on May Day appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

This Thursday, May 2nd, three women who are rocking this world – Jackie VanderBrug, Cheryl Kiser, and Prosperity Catalyst‘s Siiri Morley – will lead a women-only discussion of Impact Investing with a Gender Lens.

Hosted by Babson College, this Catalystic Women event is part of a series of panel discussions in Boston, Denver, Palo Alto and SF focusing on investing. It’s a perfect opportunity for women interested in giving with impact to learn more about why gender lens investing makes sense.

This discussion will explore important questions like:

1. What are opportunities to invest in women and social entrepreneurs?
2. How can I leverage my wealth for both a return on investment (ROI) and a social impact?
3. How are investments in social enterprise different than traditional investments?

Catalytic Women is donating $10 of every registration to One Fund Boston. Check out their event page to learn more and register for the discussion!

The post Impact Investing with a Gender Lens: this Thursday in Boston appeared first on Prosperity Candle.

Isn’t that a powerful message? Here at Prosperity Candle, we couldn’t agree more – what you do, what we do, right now, matters so very much. And it’s incredible to have partners that are true leaders in this movement. The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (responsible for this banner), led by the visionary Carla Oleska, is one of these partners indeed.

The vision of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is to empower women and girls to reach their full potential in a world that is just and fair for all. They focus on three major strategies to bring this vision to life:

1. mobilize and support women’s philanthropy because philanthropy is a powerful tool for social change
2. make strategic grants to nonprofit organizations that work with women and girls toward progressive social change in Western Massachusetts
3. advocate for system improvements for women and girls through research, education, and collaboration

Since beginning their work in 1997, the Women’s Fund has awarded two million dollars in grants, funding nearly 100 programs and investing in more than 80,000 women and girls in four counties in Western MA. This is an impressive feat and one worth celebrating.

And celebrate they did! A little over a month ago, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts held a beautiful evening gala in honor of their 15th anniversary, bringing together more than 650 advocates, supporters and champions of women’s rights within the greater Western MA community.

The theme of the evening was “Redefining What’s Possible” and during the program, they presented a set of Standing on Her Shoulder Awards, recognizing 16 local changemakers who have spent their lives asking themselves “what can I do right now to change the world?”

Prosperity Candle was honored to have the Women’s Fund select our pillar candles as a recognition gift for the awardees. The candles the Fund selected were handpoured by our women artisans in Iraq and then had dried flowers pressed upon them from a local artist in the Valley, creating a beautiful gift displaying the interconnected world we live in.

Carla even took time during the program to share the story of our candles and our broader mission, speaking eloquently to how the candles represent the global sisterhood that exists among us.

We love aligning our gifts with partners and events that have such a clear and proven vision for change.

Learn more about the Fund’s tremendous vision for change here:

And may we all take a cue from the Women’s Fund of Western MA this week, asking ourselves “what can I do right now to change the world?”

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