Hey friend. This episode is really near and dear to my heart.

But before we dive in, I love to keep HER Style Podcast squeaky clean so if you're a busy mom on-the-go, you can listen to each episode while you're running the kids to summer camp or cleaning up at the end of a long day or any other time that suits your lifestyle. So you might be used to listening to these episodes with little ears around. Today's subject matter is more sensitive in nature and I don't want you to be bombarded with questions you're not prepared to answer. So you might want to pause this one until you have a few minutes to yourself.

I am incredibly honored to introduce you to our special guest today. Grace Knoch is the US Manager of Eden Jewelry. If you like to shop with a purpose then you need to know about this organization and the remarkable work they're doing.

According to the International Labour Organization, 49.6 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery, of which 27.6 million were in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage. It's a $150 BILLION dollar a year industry. And if you think it's just an issue overseas, think again. Human trafficking is happening everywhere, including right here in the United States. If it helps to paint a picture, last year, the US Justice Department awarded over $90 million in funding to combat human trafficking.

When my eyes were opened to these issues, I knew I couldn't turn away and ignore it. I want to live in a world where no human is ever bought or sold. And while that feels daunting and unrealistic when you look at the statistics, there's no way I'm not going to do something, whatever I can, to further this fight. The fashion industry is one of five key industries contributing to the prevalence of modern slavery. Fast fashion is notorious for using child labor, paying unfair wages, dangerous working conditions, and even physical and emotional abuse. So this is something we need to take a hard look at.

This brings me back to Eden. I was introduced to this non-profit organization by a dear friend. I absolutely love what they stand for and do. Eden is on a mission to extend God's love to people who have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. They care for the whole person: their physical, emotional, spiritual, economic, and social well-being. Their programs are based in South-East Asia, which is host to more than half of the global total of human trafficking victims. One of the ways they receive support is through the sales of their beautiful jewelry. Each piece is uniquely designed with a powerful story of hope and healing behind it. I won't say too much more, because I brought Grace onto the show to do just that.

So I invite you to settle in, maybe grab a box of tissues, and listen to the purpose behind my favorite jewelry line and what you can do to get involved.

FREE 5-MIN PERSONAL STYLE QUIZ: https://herstylellc.com/quiz

HER STYLE BLOG: https://herstylellc.com/blog

HER STYLE ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/heatherriggsstyle/

SHOP EDEN ONLINE: https://thisiseden.org/

CONNECT WITH EDEN: https://www.instagram.com/thisiseden.jewelry/

CONNECT WITH EDEN US: https://www.instagram.com/thisisedenus/

Additional Resources:

US National Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 888-373-7888

OnWatch Training: https://iamonwatch.org/