Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Holiday Trunk Show


Hey ladies (& gents, if you're out there!). It's me, Rylie Craft.

Once upon a time, like last week, I had my first-ever trunk show for No.41... & it was pretty much the best thing ever. We partnered with a few other, likeminded, fair-trade organizations & had ourselves a big ole' party. Now, by no means am I claiming to be a professional. Because, HELLO, I'm not. However, this past Saturday there were a few things that went really well & I wanted to share them with y'all!

Creative helps:
-- Emphasize the personal factor. The lady on the tag is not a picture of a model posing for a stock photo... "That lady" has a name & a story... & actually, it's written on the back of the tag!
-- Stress the missional aspect of the bag. It says so itself: for one child, for one meal, for one year. When you purchase a signature bag, you get WAY more than a bag... You become a small part of a bigger story.
-- Have a computer handy. Mine was set up next to the bags the entire time, playing on loop the No.41 video (Preview). This ties back into the personal factor, as the shoppers were listening & seeing the real life stories of the women behind the bags! Everyone said how much they loved & appreciated seeing & connecting with the ladies in that way.
-- Globes. I'm all about the globes. We had many -- & I mean many -- of them scattered around the "party area" & most of them had a heart over Rwanda. A sweet touch that keeps in mind a global perspective.
-- Pretend it's a quaint boutique. Because believe it or not, the atmosphere plays into the overall shopping experience, BIG TIME. Please please please don't throw the bags on a table & call it a day. Make it cute & inviting... & photo-worthy. ;)
-- Think outside the box. Whether it be how you display the bags, when you host the party, or who (if any) you might want to incorperate if you want to do a collaboration (however, try to avoid similar merchandise from different vendors... you don't want anything to compete with another).

If you would like to have a trunk for your family and friends, please email tara@no41.org for more information. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Campus Rep Program // Meet Erica

We want to introduce to Miss Erica Voss today. Erica is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.

Hello! I'm Erica, and I am absolutely geeked to join No.41 in their Campus Reps program! I first learned about No.41 on a trip to both Uganda and Rwanda in the summer of 2012.

When I first stepped into their house, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of their whole project. The girls, their bags, and their jewelry, all of it was GORGEOUS. I quickly fell in love with the mission of the project as well, and since I am a firm believer in the empowerment of people, No.41 was right up my alley!


I have since connected with an orphanage in Uganda, and we are working to develop a family center along with some of the other ministries they already have. Our goal is to try and empower parents who may not have the resources and skills to care for their children. It is not an easy task, but God is the ultimate Provider, and His plan for me (in working with both the orphanage in Uganda and with No.41) is greater than I could ever guess! I am so excited to see how God moves through this Campus Reps program!

If any of you college girls are interested, or know anyone who might be, in joining our team of dreamers contact Lacey (lhar23@yahoo.com) or Rylie (rylie.craft@gmail.com).