In this episode of The Good Office Podcast, Jillian invites Carly Burson, founder and CEO of Tribe Alive to delve into what an ethical business supply chain looks like, in particular when working with craftsmen and artisan groups around the globe, and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.

Carly shares how a life-changing trip to Ethiopia fueled her drive for social justice and inspired her to move away from the fast fashion industry she once worked in, to implement change toward a more sustainable business model. Through Tribe Alive, she has been able to educate both customers and the industry about how to meaningfully employ artisans with a long-lasting impact on local economies. In just four years, the company has grown from employing four female makers in Honduras to supporting over 280 people with sustainable employment in 5 different countries.

While discussing how to scale a business responsibly, Jillian and Carly debate how to create trust with vulnerable communities, and share their tips for companies who want to start evaluating their supply chain.

Takeaways from this episode:
- According to Carly, the fast fashion industry has always created poverty all over the globe, forcing desperate and vulnerable communities to cut corners. The system perpetuates dishonesty in order for these communities to survive. Sustainable business that considers their whole supply chain in their business model can change that.
- The bigger your company gets, the more impactful every part of your supply chain is, so review it often and assess your impact.
- Honor human life in every aspect your business touches, including the way that you market your artisans.
- Tell the stories of partnerships; not sad stories about poverty.
- By supporting artisans' craftsmanship, local communities can maintain these traditions and these art forms within their communities. Providing employment to vulnerable communities will help preserve their history, culture and art.


Follow Carly and Tribe Alive on social media:
https://tribealive.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tribealive
https://www.facebook.com/wearetribealive/
https://www.instagram.com/carlyrburson/

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Marketing ethics
- Employing Artisans globally
- How to make a long-lasting impact abroad
- Handmade vs mass-produced products
- Artisan stories
- How to market artisans in a dignified way
- Company fails abroad
- Carly Burson's trip to Ethiopia to adopt her daughter
- How to provide dignified employment opportunities

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/10

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about their mission and products:
https://mariemae.com