Found Poetry with Not I But WeIn May 2023, I had the great privilege of traveling to Cape Town, South Africa! My first trip to the Continent! It is beautiful beyond my expectations! But I want to tell you about the highlight of the trip. Twice I got to sit with the women that make the “Not I But We” products. Here is what I wrote after the first experience: We gathered at the table with 5 women living in the safe house. These women are fighting their way back to life. Fighting the most fierce of battles and I am stun...
Not i But WeHelping Improve Lives of Survivors - Not i But We Partnership Not I But We was born out of the fundamental need to see economic justice for survivors of human trafficking. Poverty is one of the greatest driving forces of human trafficking, and without providing viable opportunities, survivors often find themselves in the very same situation that led them to be exploited in the first place. With the unemployment in South Africa being over 50%, dignifying and sustainable employment is incredi...
Gift Guide for the Guys: 2024Finding the perfect gift for the men in your life can be tricky, but this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with unique, handcrafted items that are both thoughtful and practical. Each of these gifts from 2nd Story Goods is designed with care and purpose, blending style, function, and a deeper meaning. Whether for your dad, brother, partner, or friend, these picks are sure to make him feel appreciated. Minimalist WalletSleek and functional, this minimalist wallet is perfect for the man w...
Gift Guide for AnyoneThe holiday season is all about finding thoughtful gifts that bring joy, meaning, and a personal touch. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or coworkers, this curated selection from 2nd Story Goods offers something special for everyone. These handcrafted items are not just gifts—they’re treasures with stories and heart, supporting artisans and sustainable practices. Here are our top picks to make your gift-giving truly memorable. Toiletry CasePerfect for travel or organizing at home...
Gift Guide for the Gals: 2024Looking for unique, meaningful gifts that feel personal and have a story behind them? This holiday season, treat the special women in your life to handcrafted accessories that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. Each of these pieces from 2nd Story Goods not only make a style statement but also support our artisans, giving back with every gift. Here are some picks that she’ll love to wear—and feel great about owning. Teardrop EarringsThese Teardrop Earrings from Atelier Calla are a perf...
Rich in Faith and Corn StewOnce again, I was slain. I started my day battling a dark cloud that was attempting to set up residence in my mind. It happens. Sometimes it is a little gray poof of a cloud and other days it is so vast and dark I can barely see a pinprick of light. Do I struggle with depression? Does anyone not? I have come to think of it as a rhythm. Most days are up and then a few days go down. This day was down. I climbed on my sturdy yellow motorcycle and drove through town, crying out for a way of esca...
Crafting New Narratives: The 2SG Story CollectionThere are some thoughts and memories you just want to hold onto for longer than a moment. With the 2nd Story Goods Story Journals, you can put pen to paper and create a world where your narrative lasts forever. These journals aren't just a collection of blank pages—they're a space to explore, reflect, and create your story. At their core, Story Journals are inspired by the idea that we’re all in the process of writing our own stories. Life is full of twists, turns, and endless possib...
5 Mindfulness Practices to Help You Stay GroundedWho is Not I But We? Since 2019, Not I But We has been a beloved partner of 2nd Story Goods, creating artisan products to fight against the injustices of human trafficking. By working with the survivors of human trafficking in Cape Town, South Africa, NIBW empowers women to heal physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually to ensure that they not only survive, but thrive. NIBW Mindfulness Bracelets One of the newest products from our partnership with Not I But We is the co...
The Whole Story of the Paper Mache VaseAwkward conversations and the Paper Mache Vase. Tricky conversations are awkward and who loves diving into those moments? But if we don’t have awkward talks, we can’t lead well, we don’t grow closer to the important people in our lives and we don’t get stronger as humans in our evolving process. We can’t build great companies. And we get stuck. As we developed our 2nd Story Goods leadership team in Haiti, I realized that we needed to have more Big Awkward Conversations. We were dancing aro...
Perfect Moral ClarityMy very first trip to Haiti: We pulled over to the side of the road to pray. I saw her coming. A thin, somber looking woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, a baby cradled in her arms as she walked toward us. She approached the vehicle and waited patiently for us to look up. When we did my friend, Sherrie, in the driver’s seat, spoke. Sherrie is the friend who founded the school in Port Au Prince where we intended to volunteer. Small, red-headed and feisty, she loved the people in her community ...
Holiday Decor 2024As the holiday season approaches, creating a warm, heartfelt atmosphere at home is a treasured. This year, why not enhance your holiday decor with pieces that carry a story of love, sustainability, and meaning? From ornaments that honor beloved pets to nativity scenes that center the season's spirit, these pieces are more than just decorations—they are reminders of joy, connection, and the simple, precious moments that make this time of year so special. 1. Paw Heart Metal Ornament A tri...
NIBW: Fall ArrivalsIt’s official—our cherished artisans at Not I But We have created some new additions that we are so excited to share! These fall arrivals are the perfect easy, stylish touch to your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Read more about the NIBW products below. Kimono If you've been looking for a versatile piece to elevate your wardrobe, this kimono might be the answer. Handcrafted with care and intention, it’s one of those rare items that look effortlessly stylish with almost anything. W...
Mother's Day Gift GuideMother's Day is just around the corner! We know it can be daunting to find the gift that will express all of your appreciation for her, so we've picked eight gift ideas that are guaranteed to make her day extra special! Banana Paper Mother's Day Cards When in doubt, start with a card! Every mom loves receiving a handwritten momento from your special day together. With designs as cute as these, she'll want to keep it forever! 1. Leather Saddlebag A leather bag...
How to Keep Poor People PoorOne day, I was traveling with Benson to Port Au Prince in the car to buy supplies. Just me and him. Benson Thermidor is the leader of the Leather Workshop. He has grown it from a one-man operation binding songbooks and recovering Bibles to a company employing nearly twenty people. Now they make journals and leather bags that have become the centerpiece of 2nd Story Goods. I came to love these one-on-one times in the car with this young brilliant person. First, he would sleep for an hour...
Lost at SeaA few years ago a friend shared this analogy. Once there was a woman and her children out at sea in a small fragile boat. A storm came up and their tiny vessel was tossed about and in danger of being lost in the waves. Rescuers got word of the woman and others like her that were caught in this storm, struggling to keep themselves and their children alive. State-of-the-art rescue boats were equipped with fuel, food and warm blankets. Experts volunteered to join the operation to try to save t...
Goods with Words that Inspire UsWant to uplift and motivate your loved ones by giving them a gift that will bring some positivity into their life? We've got you covered with this carefully crafted collection of our most inspirational products, including journals, home goods, t-shirts, and accessories. You're sure to find something they'll love with the added bonus of knowing that you're supporting families in Haiti with the purchase of their gifts. 1. Be the Change Purse Let this “change” purse serve...
Found Poetry with Not I But We
In May 2023, I had the great privilege of traveling to Cape Town, South Africa! My first trip to the Continent! It is beautiful beyond my expectations! But I want to tell you about the highlight of the trip. Twice I got to sit with the women that make the “Not I But We” products. Here is what I wrote after the first experience: We gathered at the table with 5 women living in the safe house. These women are fighting their way back to life. Fighting the most fierce of battles and I am stun...
Not i But We
Helping Improve Lives of Survivors - Not i But We Partnership Not I But We was born out of the fundamental need to see economic justice for survivors of human trafficking. Poverty is one of the greatest driving forces of human trafficking, and without providing viable opportunities, survivors often find themselves in the very same situation that led them to be exploited in the first place. With the unemployment in South Africa being over 50%, dignifying and sustainable employment is incredi...
Gift Guide for the Guys: 2024
Finding the perfect gift for the men in your life can be tricky, but this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with unique, handcrafted items that are both thoughtful and practical. Each of these gifts from 2nd Story Goods is designed with care and purpose, blending style, function, and a deeper meaning. Whether for your dad, brother, partner, or friend, these picks are sure to make him feel appreciated. Minimalist WalletSleek and functional, this minimalist wallet is perfect for the man w...
Gift Guide for Anyone
The holiday season is all about finding thoughtful gifts that bring joy, meaning, and a personal touch. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or coworkers, this curated selection from 2nd Story Goods offers something special for everyone. These handcrafted items are not just gifts—they’re treasures with stories and heart, supporting artisans and sustainable practices. Here are our top picks to make your gift-giving truly memorable. Toiletry CasePerfect for travel or organizing at home...
Gift Guide for the Gals: 2024
Looking for unique, meaningful gifts that feel personal and have a story behind them? This holiday season, treat the special women in your life to handcrafted accessories that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful. Each of these pieces from 2nd Story Goods not only make a style statement but also support our artisans, giving back with every gift. Here are some picks that she’ll love to wear—and feel great about owning. Teardrop EarringsThese Teardrop Earrings from Atelier Calla are a perf...
Rich in Faith and Corn Stew
Once again, I was slain. I started my day battling a dark cloud that was attempting to set up residence in my mind. It happens. Sometimes it is a little gray poof of a cloud and other days it is so vast and dark I can barely see a pinprick of light. Do I struggle with depression? Does anyone not? I have come to think of it as a rhythm. Most days are up and then a few days go down. This day was down. I climbed on my sturdy yellow motorcycle and drove through town, crying out for a way of esca...
Crafting New Narratives: The 2SG Story Collection
There are some thoughts and memories you just want to hold onto for longer than a moment. With the 2nd Story Goods Story Journals, you can put pen to paper and create a world where your narrative lasts forever. These journals aren't just a collection of blank pages—they're a space to explore, reflect, and create your story. At their core, Story Journals are inspired by the idea that we’re all in the process of writing our own stories. Life is full of twists, turns, and endless possib...
5 Mindfulness Practices to Help You Stay Grounded
Who is Not I But We? Since 2019, Not I But We has been a beloved partner of 2nd Story Goods, creating artisan products to fight against the injustices of human trafficking. By working with the survivors of human trafficking in Cape Town, South Africa, NIBW empowers women to heal physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually to ensure that they not only survive, but thrive. NIBW Mindfulness Bracelets One of the newest products from our partnership with Not I But We is the co...
The Whole Story of the Paper Mache Vase
Awkward conversations and the Paper Mache Vase. Tricky conversations are awkward and who loves diving into those moments? But if we don’t have awkward talks, we can’t lead well, we don’t grow closer to the important people in our lives and we don’t get stronger as humans in our evolving process. We can’t build great companies. And we get stuck. As we developed our 2nd Story Goods leadership team in Haiti, I realized that we needed to have more Big Awkward Conversations. We were dancing aro...
Perfect Moral Clarity
My very first trip to Haiti: We pulled over to the side of the road to pray. I saw her coming. A thin, somber looking woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, a baby cradled in her arms as she walked toward us. She approached the vehicle and waited patiently for us to look up. When we did my friend, Sherrie, in the driver’s seat, spoke. Sherrie is the friend who founded the school in Port Au Prince where we intended to volunteer. Small, red-headed and feisty, she loved the people in her community ...
Holiday Decor 2024
As the holiday season approaches, creating a warm, heartfelt atmosphere at home is a treasured. This year, why not enhance your holiday decor with pieces that carry a story of love, sustainability, and meaning? From ornaments that honor beloved pets to nativity scenes that center the season's spirit, these pieces are more than just decorations—they are reminders of joy, connection, and the simple, precious moments that make this time of year so special. 1. Paw Heart Metal Ornament A tri...
NIBW: Fall Arrivals
It’s official—our cherished artisans at Not I But We have created some new additions that we are so excited to share! These fall arrivals are the perfect easy, stylish touch to your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Read more about the NIBW products below. Kimono If you've been looking for a versatile piece to elevate your wardrobe, this kimono might be the answer. Handcrafted with care and intention, it’s one of those rare items that look effortlessly stylish with almost anything. W...
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Mother's Day is just around the corner! We know it can be daunting to find the gift that will express all of your appreciation for her, so we've picked eight gift ideas that are guaranteed to make her day extra special! Banana Paper Mother's Day Cards When in doubt, start with a card! Every mom loves receiving a handwritten momento from your special day together. With designs as cute as these, she'll want to keep it forever! 1. Leather Saddlebag A leather bag...
How to Keep Poor People Poor
One day, I was traveling with Benson to Port Au Prince in the car to buy supplies. Just me and him. Benson Thermidor is the leader of the Leather Workshop. He has grown it from a one-man operation binding songbooks and recovering Bibles to a company employing nearly twenty people. Now they make journals and leather bags that have become the centerpiece of 2nd Story Goods. I came to love these one-on-one times in the car with this young brilliant person. First, he would sleep for an hour...
Lost at Sea
A few years ago a friend shared this analogy. Once there was a woman and her children out at sea in a small fragile boat. A storm came up and their tiny vessel was tossed about and in danger of being lost in the waves. Rescuers got word of the woman and others like her that were caught in this storm, struggling to keep themselves and their children alive. State-of-the-art rescue boats were equipped with fuel, food and warm blankets. Experts volunteered to join the operation to try to save t...
Goods with Words that Inspire Us
Want to uplift and motivate your loved ones by giving them a gift that will bring some positivity into their life? We've got you covered with this carefully crafted collection of our most inspirational products, including journals, home goods, t-shirts, and accessories. You're sure to find something they'll love with the added bonus of knowing that you're supporting families in Haiti with the purchase of their gifts. 1. Be the Change Purse Let this “change” purse serve...
