Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of IBelieveShesAmazing.com (Part 5)

RR: Besides Erika, who are the women in your life that have influenced you? What have they taught you?

KM: Besides Erika, for sure my mother [has influenced me]. Coincidently, I also lost my mother to colon cancer. I was only 29 and my mom was only 53. She started with breast cancer when she was about 42, and we thought she was clear for 13 years, and then it came back when she was 53 as very advanced stage 4 colon cancer.

My mother was an incredibly amazing woman. She only went to grade eight, but she was self-educated and had a real thirst for learning. Any time I went to my mom and said, “You know, I think I would like to do this or that,” she would say, “Oh my God, you would be so good at that!” She was just the biggest cheerleader and rah-rah person; an amazing influence in my life.

And then I would honestly have to say after my mom would be my three, little girls who truly inspire me every day. They teach me so much about the beauty of the world. They teach me about imagination, unconditional love, creativity, excitement and joy. Just everything that is good and yummy in the world.

RR: Being a mother to three young girls, what do you think is the biggest lesson you can teach them?

KM: To live with passion and to follow their hearts .Whatever it is they choose to do, my husband and I will be happy if they are doing something they are passionate about, and if they follow their heart. Where you are passionate about something, and you love something, then life is a joy; life is a cakewalk. This whole movement that I have created, and has come together magically, has been such an undertaking of passion. And no day feels like work, because there is so much pleasure in doing what I do.

I also want my girls to believe in themselves. To believe they can do anything they want to do; anything they set their mind on, they can achieve. That is the greatest gift they can have.

Photo caption: Kim MacGregor with her daughters Madison, Ava and Elle.

Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of IBelieveShesAmazing.com (Part 4)

RR: How have you been able to deal with all the tragedy you have endured?

KM: When everything happened with my first child (she was born and whisked away at birth, hooked up to tubes and put into an incubator), I had just lost my mother 18 months before and I did do that whole “Why me?” thing. My brother and I had spent six months with my mom at an alternative clinic in the Bahamas, and I learned so much about myself and I evolved spiritually as a person during that time. But here I was at 30, having given birth to this little baby, and I called my brother, who is one of my best friends. I was crying “Why me? I can’t believe this! I lost mommy and now this! Why does all this stuff happen to me?” He listened to me cry, and then he said to me very calmly, “Why not you? Why anybody? Things happen in the world to people all the time. You’re meant to figure out why it has happened to you, and you’re meant to go good with it.” And it changed the way I looked at everything.

When I do my inspirational speaking, I give a speech on turning the emphasis from “Why me?” to “Why?” I think the real growth comes out of “Why has this happened?” and “What growth can come of it? What can I share to other people to ease their burden and ease their pain?” It is really about taking a step back and figuring what it means in the bigger scheme of things. I do believe that I will meet all my loved ones again, in heaven, at some point; I think that makes it a little bit easier. But in the meantime, I think when stuff like that happens, there is work to be done. That makes me feel more at peace to find meaning in those very difficult times.

It was a difficult thing to come to terms with my mother. She was so young and such as amazing person. One thing I learned is that the only person we are responsible for is ourselves. Although all of these losses are so tragic, each person is on their own journey. We are here to learn as much as we can, and facilitate as much as we can. At the end of the day, each journey is so uniquely their own, and I have learned to respect everybody for whatever brought them to wherever they were. If unfortunately, it took people like Erika or my mom, from our lives so early.

We spend so much time wishing things went different, or wishing they hadn’t done this, when in the meantime people are making their own choices all of the time. That is really the way it should be. There is a point when you have to respect the choices they have made - whatever the results are - and it is a difficult place to get to.

RR: What has been the biggest lesson that these trials have taught you?

KM: There is so much love and compassion in the world. That song that John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote “All You Need is Love” is such a beautiful song, and it is so simple. I really think at the end of the day, love really is such an overriding feeling that drives us to do great and wonderful things. If we didn’t have that incredible feeling of love, hardship and joy, then we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do. If you didn’t love your sister the way you love your sister, you certainly wouldn’t have taken on this difficult task of being a solopreneur and stretch yourself in a new way.

Love is really a powerful force. For example, to feel all of that love come back in ripples from people that I don’t know, from this flash mob created in honor of my friend Erika, is a powerful force. You can move mountains with it. To think you reach out across the internet, and you don’t know anybody, and all of a sudden you’re touched by somebody’s life; that is meaningful stuff. It fuels me. It is wonderful.

Stay tuned for part 5.

Photo caption:  Erika Heller with Kim MacGregor's daughters Madison, Ava and Elle.

Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of IBelieveShesAmazing.com (Part 3)

RR: How did your experience in the modeling industry influence you to co-write the book Be...a Woman? What was your purpose for writing the book?

KM: My experience in modeling and acting for most of my life was, as anyone would guess, that is the most subjective industry in the world. I had gone through so many personal experiences: I had lost my mother, my family had gone bankrupt, my parents split up for a year when I was in third grade and I attended five different schools in that one year. Then I had given birth to my first child, who was whisked away and operated on at a day old and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.Then my marriage went through some major challenges, we had just had twins, and so much had happened in our life and we were just trying to keep our heads above water.

I was still doing modeling and acting, and I still had a full-time career in marketing and sales as well. People have this misconception that because you look a certain way that you are exempt from any hardships in life. It stuck me as so ironic. It struck me as ironic that women on the cover of magazines, and certainly models and actresses that I knew, were these people that everyone was looking up to. And yet in real life, the people that I looked up to and most people I knew looked up to weren’t models; they were not airbrushed images of anyone. They were our mothers and our grandmothers who had those perfect wrinkles on their faces, and those beautiful rugged hands, and those little sneakers that were so worn. They had been around the world and they knew what they were talking about.

Coming up with the book I wanted to create something I couldn’t find myself when I was going through all those things. Be… A Woman was a book that really celebrated womanhood based on characteristics that define who we are. It featured real women in the pictures. The photographer who collaborated with me was a phenomenal photographer, and captured images of real women that depicted the characteristics that we chose. What it meant to be a woman was to be strong, courageous, resilient, generous, loving, and nurturing - all of those things that we need to get us through life. We don’t need to be sexy or hot; those things don’t carry you through life when life rattles your cage. It was a beautiful book, it sold out and we won’t be reprinting unfortunately. It won an international publishing award; we did really well with it.

RR: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment thus far?

KM: Honestly, I think that my biggest accomplishment has been my family. I absolutely adore my three children, and every day I give thanks for them. They are just the most incredible people to watch evolve and grow. My oldest daughter is 11, and she is the one that has CF. She is a powerhouse - brilliant, smart, creative, optimistic and she works hard. She has taught me so much in life about determination and believing in oneself. She and I are spokespeople for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and she does motivational speaking with me and she gets standing ovations. She is phenomenal.

My twins are about to turn eight. They are these happy-go-lucky people that embrace everything in life as an adventure; what a gift that is. Although my husband and I went through some very challenging times, we worked through it and grew through it and we are still together. Where I am at now with my family, and my own personal growth, is really my biggest accomplishments. All the rest is just icing.

Stay tuned for Part 4.

Photo caption:  Kim's daughters Elle, Madison, and Ava with Ryan and her friend Erika.

Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of IBelieveShesAmazing.com (Part 2)

RR: What would you like everyone who has watched the video to know?

KM: You hear so much about how much we have to do to be successful or how much we have to do to make a difference in the world. And I think that is overrated. I think the simplest thing we can do is to be kind to one another, and when we feel that someone has made a difference in our life, speak up and tell them.  I don’t think we need to wait for someone to die, or to get a life threatening diagnosis, or to graduate from university, or to get married, or any of those milestone that we pass in life. I think the value comes when we hear those things throughout our life often, and we have a believer, someone who believes in us. 

We often hear people talk about who was the most amazing person in our lives and it is not necessarily an Oprah Winfrey (though she is and fabulously inspiring person).  It is often times a teacher, a mother, a friend, a nurse, a neighbor, or somebody close to us that said something that made a difference in our lives.  I really want people to be aware of that; to tell the people the amazing women in their lives if they think that they’re amazing. Don’t keep it in. There is such a beauty in sharing; not just for the person receiving the compliment but also for the person giving the compliment. 

I truly believe that every single person in the world can make a difference.  I don’t Erika realizes what a difference she made.  My 11 year old daughter still sleeps with a picture of Erika under her pillow.  She made such a profound difference in our lives just by her unconditional love, her spirit, her support, and belief in everything.  Everybody can make a difference in small ways; we don’t have to go and build schools. Those are all benevolent and wonderful things, but we don’t all have to run a multimillion dollar company to make a difference. You can make a difference in these small meaningful ways.

RR: What is your goal for Ibelieveshesamazing.com?

KM:  I would love for the video to be more viral.  We have not done any traditional media yet; it has all been very grass roots.  So far we have had over 37,000 views in just over a month.   I am very proud of that.  I think that once it starts to get picked up more my bloggers and other people like you, we will reach our million. 

We have also been receiving some wonderful recognition from the website.  I am planning to launch I Believe She is Amazing TV, where I hit the streets and talk to people and give them the opportunity to give recognition to an amazing woman.  My long term goal is that I would love to create a foundation to support women and girls initiatives.  There is so much to be done in the world right now with young girls and women all around the world, not just North America.  To have a part in that - investing in the future for empowering young girls and women to go to school or start a business - would be a really wonderful thing to come out of all of this; so it doesn’t just fade away and stays something very meaningful that can continue to touch more people’s lives and ripple out even further.

RR: Your inspirational friend, Erika Heller, who motivated you to begin this movement, what do you think she would think about it if she was here now?

KM:  I think that she would think it was the most incredible thing.  I think she would be so excited to be in the middle of it all, and I think she would be so embracing of every single person that has joined this movement.  Because she was just that person that loved people and she loved to inspire people, so I think she would be very, very honored.  I think it would be a real pleasure for her to know that this was something that was inspired by her…and probably modestly so.

Stay tuned for Part 3.

Photo caption:  IBelieveShesAmazing.com Flash Mob

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide for the Home

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

There is nothing like those warm fuzzies that take over when you arrive home. After all, home is where the heart is. Help yourself, a friend, or loved one make the most of their space by giving these gifts that keep on giving this holiday season!

Who doesn’t love to curl up with a warm blanket and great read? Cuddle up with this super soft throw and Sixtyfive Roses; a book that is sure to tug at your heartstrings!

Baby Llama Throw Blanket
Peruvian Connection
100% of proceeds go to Pro Mujer
$249.00

"Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister's Memoir"
McArthur and Company, Publishers
5% of all North American sales to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (USA) and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
$16.95

Make your home your own by adding personal touches of art. Artful Vision offers numerous pieces that will bring personality to any room.

Artful Vision “Jaffa Balcony Photograph”
Artful Vision
20% of proceeds are donated to Operation Gratitude.
$4 - $60

Pay tribute to furry friends that put the “heart” in a home. Pet grave markers serve as a great reminder that it is who and what we surround ourselves with that truly make a house a home!

River Rock Pet Grave Marker
Peternity
7% of sales go to the animal rescue or shelter organization of the customer’s choice.
$80.00-115.00

Find these and many more great holiday gifts at Uptown Liz!

Shop for a Cause: Holiday Gift Guide for the Jewelry Lover

Written by Uptown Liz marketing intern Roslynn Fitch

The phrase goes “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, but it’s not just diamonds that every girl covets. These pieces of jewelry are crafted to fit everyone’s unique style and remind you to be socially conscience. Each item donates a portion of proceeds to a good cause, so anyone can be properly accessoried and make a difference.

Add to your own unique style with this ornate pendant necklace.

#526 Caitlyn Necklace
Dragonfly Designs, Jewelry with a Conscience
10% proceeds to organizations that are dedicated to improving the human condition, promoting equality, and protecting the environment.
$72.00

Show your “peace”-ful side with a peace and love bracelet.

Orange You Lucky Peace & Love Wrap Bracelet
Peace & Love by Nancy Davis
100% of proceeds to the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis
$37.00

A new take on a childhood friendship bracelet. The stone for this necklace comes from South Africa and keeps your friends close to your heart no matter how many miles separate you.

Friendship Stone Necklaces
My Stone Company
10% of all profits go to the community from where the stones originate in South Africa. Price ranges from.
$65.00-$125.00

For other ways to shop for a cause, visit Uptown Liz.

Celebrity for a Cause: Mandy Moore Joins the Nothing But Nets Campaign to End Malaria

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Every 30 seconds one child dies from malaria. Malaria is an especially serious problem in Africa, where one in every five childhood deaths is attributed to this preventable disease. Singer and actress, Mandy Moore, joined the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to help combat malaria.

The goal of this grassroots campaign is to end malaria induced deaths by 2015. One of the simplest ways to prevent malaria and protect families is by using insecticide-treated bed nets. For every ten-dollar contribution that Nothing But Nets receives, a bed net is distributed across 15 different African countries. In order to reach their goal, Nothing But Nets plans on distributing millions of these nets.

Visit http://www.nothingbutnets.net/ where you can find resources on malaria, toolkits to help raise awareness and organize fundraising events, and instructions on how to create or join a NET-Raiser team.

Nail Polishes for a Cause: Are you using the right nail polish?

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Who doesn’t love getting a good manicure?  Unfortunately, however, many of our favorite nail polishes contain several harmful and toxic chemicals that can be very damaging to your health.  In fact, these chemicals have been reported to cause cancer, reproductive damage, asthma and many other negative health effects. Three of the most the toxic ingredients you should look out for next time you want to get your nails painted include Dibutyl phthalate (DPB), Formaldehyde and Toluene.

1.     DBP:  DBP is a toxin that is still found in many nail polishes today.  It has been linked to many developmental and reproductive impairments as well as a broad range of birth defects.  DBP has been banned in the use of all cosmetic products in Europe.

2.     Formaldehyde: According to the National Cancer Institute, Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It is also an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, and can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis.

3.     Toluene: Toluene affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Toluene is also associated with reproductive risks such as reduced fetal weight, bone deficiencies and deformities.

There are several companies today that offer non-toxic nail polishes that are free of these harmful ingredients. A few of these companies include: Safe Nail Polish, Polished Mama, Acquarella, and Soulstice Spa. Next time you go to the salon or run to your local beauty store to pick up your favorite polish, opt for these greener nail polishes.

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guide for The Early Riser

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

For a lot of us, waking up in the morning can be a bit of a drag. For others, the mornings can be the best part of our day. Which ever side of the spectrum you fall in, I complied a list of products that will make your morning just a little brighter. Not only are these products useful and cute, but also you feel great knowing that by purchasing any of these items you will support to Breast Cancer Awareness or research.

What better way to start the morning then with this great coffee maker? And the pretty pink color will look fabulous on any girl’s countertop.

KaBLING Pink 2 Meter 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cable (Model # AUD-1100-06P)
Cables Unlimited®
10% proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)
$24.99

This toaster is cute and functional. Its compact form will fit easily on your counter, making it easy to enjoy a warm piece of toast in the AM.

Compact 2-Slice Toaster
Cuisinart
3% of net sales for Cuisinart Pink Products are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$29.95

Enjoy a nutritious smoothie for breakfast with this Cuisinart blender, and feel great knowing that every time you whip up a treat, you’ve helped raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Smart Power 7-Speed Electronic Blender
Cuisinart
3% of net sales for Cuisinart Pink Products are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$59.95

Wake up feeling refreshed after snoozing on these moisture-rich, natural satin pillowcases.

Satin Hydration Therapy satin pillow cases
Neero & Ana, Inc.
15% to American Cancer Society and Adelphi NY statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Group
$29.99-64.99

For other great ways to shop for a cause visit Uptown Liz .

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guides for the Casual Chic Gal

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

Whether it is hanging around the house on a Sunday afternoon, running errands, or grabbing lunch with a friend, every girl loves to feel comfortable and look cute! Here are some clothes that work great for any occasion and donate to breast cancer research and awareness.

This soft as silk tank top will go great by itself to lounge around the house, or paired with a cardigan for an afternoon out.



Italian microfiber tank top
Adea
10% of total order amount to October Woman Foundation with code OCTWOM
$59.00

This adorable t-shirt reminds us that breast cancer can strike anyone at anytime.



Breast Cancer Has No Borders Tee
Design-her Gals
$20 of every sale to Gal to Gal Foundation
$30.00

When the weather gets chilly, this comfortable turtleneck is a comfortable addition for to wardrobe.



Italian microfiber long sleeve mock turtleneck
Adea
10% of total order amount to October Woman Foundation with code OCTWOM
$81.00

For other ways to shop cute clothes that give back visit Uptown Liz.

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guide for The New Family

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

One of the most beautiful things is the beginning of life. I’ve realized this after welcoming my little niece into the world. For the parents, it is not only exciting and perfect, but also it is sleepless and stressful. Here are a few items that will make this time even better and helps support Breast Cancer Awareness by donating a portion of the proceeds.

This cute and trendy “nipple bag” can store any new moms babies' items in its roomy interior.



“Nipple” Spin Dr. Bag
Rebagz “statement maker” handbags
10% of online sales donated to Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
$110.00

This adorable onesie is a statement maker with its slogan “Gimme your ta-tas and no one gets hurt.” Even your baby can help support breast cancer research.



“Give me your ta-tas and no one gets hurt” onesie
Ta-tas Brand
5% of gross sales go to Save the ta-tas foundation
$19.99

This hysterical shirt will show your husband’s support for breast cancer awareness and his love for you!



“Save a life, grope your wife” Mens Tee
Ta-tas Brand
5% of gross sales go to Save the ta-tas foundation
$25.95

This book is perfect for the type-a mom, with humorous tales of parenting and how to balance all the things in a new mom’s life.



“Peeing in Peace: Tales and Tips for Type A Moms” book
Design-her Gals
$1 from every sale to Gal to Gal foundation
$13.95

For other ways to keep your family supporting charities and enjoy great shopping visit Uptown Liz.

Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of I Believe She’s Amazing (Part 1)

Former model, actress, author and motivational speaker, Kim MacGregor, lost her mother to Colon Cancer 18 months before giving birth to her first child, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and operated on the first day she was born. Two more babies (twins) and years later, Kim lost her best friend, Erika Heller, to Colon Cancer, which inspired her to start a movement like no other. And what is Kim’s response to all that she has been through? “All you need is love.”

RR: What first inspired you to begin I Believe She’s Amazing?  Why do you feel it is important to recognize the amazing women in our lives?

Madison was a very reserved little girl who was very attached to me and didn’t really take to other people, but she took to Erika so quickly. Within about six months, Erika was coming over to our house. I just had twins and she kept asking if she could come babysit.  And so eventually we just said yes.   It was instant; everybody fell in love. There was a sense that she was part of our family right from the beginning. 

And then unfortunately, at 27 years of age, she was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer.  And [she] fought the most astounding, brave battle. She was optimistic. She was spirited. She was beautiful, radiant, just a fireball of energy… she continued to be. And the most astounding thing, I think that hit me during the whole four years, from the time she was diagnosed to the time she passed at 31 just last year, at the end of every conversation we shared she would say to me or my children, “I just want you to know I think you’re so amazing because…” It would be because, “you’re a great friend”, “you’re so smart”, “funny” or whatever it was.

RR: How did the idea for the flash mob come about? 

KM: I am a writer and I had written an inspirational women’s gift book that Erika was actually in as well.  And originally the idea for this started in the very late stages of Erika’s life and I originally thought it was something to launch to maybe make her hang on longer; something she could be involved in because she loved being involved and inspiring people so much.  But she was very sick in the end.  I think I mentioned it once, but I am not sure it really registered with her at the time. And so originally it was going to be something that went in hand with the book, and people were going to write in it and talk about an amazing woman they knew.  But that was sort of an initial plan; a little egg that was hatching in my mind.  And then I was commissioned to write a guide book on social media and I didn’t know anything about social media before. I wasn’t on Facebook; although Erika was, and kept encouraging me to get on Facebook.  I wasn’t on Twitter or anything. 

Learning about social media, I met a whole bunch of young up and coming social media gurus.  [They] were talking about the power of social media, the power of the internet, and how the whole world is changing.  How people are really inspired by videos and how videos are so popular.  Then I learned about a flash mob and of course I had no idea what a flash mob was.  After I saw one, I fell in love with it; I got the goosebumply feeling to see all those people dancing. Dance and music are already so inspiring but to see 200 people dance unison was just incredible.  That is when everything changed.  And then I thought this is what I have to do: it has to be a flash mob. 

All my three children dance competitively.  I went to my children’s dance studio and recruited the choreographers, who were more than happy to do it, and recruited 50 core dancers.  The other 150 people heard about it on Facebook and Twitter and joined in just because they believe in this cause.  So we ended up with a fabulous group of 200 people in this wonderful video. We had one two-hour rehearsal for those first 50 kids at the dance studio; but it was a very fast two hours.  The whole 200-person cast rehearsed for six and a half hours on a Saturday; we filmed on the next morning.  It was incredible. 

The choreographers, I take my hat off to them; they were so talented and so committed to it. They did a fabulous job of making it happen.  The only thing that I had asked for was that it was inspiring and uplifting and that I wanted those pictures at the very end. It was delivered beautifully on a silver platter. Everybody volunteered; I didn’t pay a penny for anything.  The four videographers, the choreographers, and the dancers all came for their own sense of passion.

Those simple words had such a profound effect on me and on my children, that I wanted there to be something that continued on after she passed away.  A legacy in honor for her and also for my children to remember how important she was; what a major part of our lives she was.  She was really a mentor to them in so many ways.  And I thought it was such a simple thing, but it had such a profound effect that I thought it was the best way to pay it forward and carry on her legacy after she passed away.

Stay tuned for part two.

Shopping for a cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Month Gift Guide for the Entertainer

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Who doesn’t love to wine and dine with friends and family? Social gatherings offer us time to celebrate, relax and enjoy good company. Uptown Liz has the perfect party essentials, whether you are the host or the guest! Have a good time this October and peace of mind that you are supporting Breast Cancer Research!

Read up! This book has great entertaining ideas along with wonderful stories.

Thursdays with Mom & Michael; A daughter's loving tribute to her mother's weekly dinner parties in Aspen
Red Mountain Press
100% of author's proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$48.00

Accessorize! Your food will look even better with these grill charms.

Grill Charms The Pink Collection
Charmed Life Products LLC
10% to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$19.95

Serve in style! This platter is cute and is a good way to get guests thinking about getting involved in giving back!

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure® Pass the Plate
KitchenAid
KitchenAid will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
$24.99


Add a personal touch! Create your own invites or Thank Yous for every occasion.

Personalized Stationery
Design-her Gals
5% of every sale to the Gal to Gal Foundation
$45.00

Find all of these items and many more that give back at Uptown Liz!

Fashion for a Cause: Emma Watson Teams up with People Tree to Launch a New Eco-Friendly Clothing Line

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Celebrities are always looked to for the latest trends in fashion.  These days many stars are taking advantage of their limelight and are using it to cast light on socially conscious fashion choices.  In fact, one star in particular is making waves in the fashion world for her eco-friendly clothing line.  Emma Watson, who is best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has recently teamed up with People Tree to launch her own line of fair-trade, organic clothing.

People Tree is considered by many as the pioneer in ethical fashion design.  This company was one of the first to make clothes from organic cotton and establish relationships with fair-trade groups around the world.  In addition, the trendy styles available at People Tree make it simple to dress fashionable and eco-conscious.

This new collection includes many easy to wear separates that are perfect for summer. Also, not only does the majority of Emma’s collection use 100% organic fair-trade certified cotton, it is also made by fair trade groups entirely by hand.  This allows many disadvantaged people in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to create livelihoods and earn decent wages. 

The right clothes can transform the way we feel about ourselves.  Now you can not only look good, but you can feel good, knowing that you are making a difference.  Check out this clothing line and see how you can use fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty!

Bags for a Cause: Reusable Shopping Bags

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Reusable shopping bags are a great alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags.  Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and they contaminate the soil and water.  Each year hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine animals die after eating discarded plastic bags they mistake for food.  Paper bags are equally damaging on the environment.  In fact, in 1999 14 million trees were cut to produce the ten billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year alone.  However, it can be very difficult to remember to bring your reusable bags when going to the store.  Here are a few simple tips you can use on your next shopping visit:

1.)    Every time you come home from shopping, make it a habit to unload your groceries and immediately put your bags back in your car or hang them on your door knob.

2.)    If you make a grocery list before you go shopping, add “remember your bags” to the top of your list.

3.)    Purchase reusable bags that you will enjoy carrying.  Many places such as www.reusablebags.com offer numerous eco-friendly styles. 

4.)    Keep at least one bag in your purse. There are several ultra-compact styles available which make it easy to always have one with you.

5.)    Build up a good collection of reusable bags so you’ll have enough even if you are buying a lot of groceries. Also, having more bags allows you to keep some at home, some at work, and some in your car.

Coffee for a Cause: Facts about Fair Trade Coffee

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

1.)    Americans consume one fifth of the world’s coffee supply, making the US the world’s largest consumer.

2.)    The majority of the coffee consumed in the US is imported from South America, Asia, and Africa.  The conditions and wages in these areas are often very undesirable for coffee growers. In fact, many farmers receive less money per pound for coffee than it costs them to produce it.

3.)    Fair Trade Organizations focus on improving the conditions and wages of farmers through eliminating the middlemen.  This allows more of the consumers’ money to go to the producer.

4.)    Fair Trade Coffee means that the coffee you drink was grown, processed and purchased under strict regulations that are fair to the producer, the consumer and the environment.

5.)     Many large coffee retailers have also taken note of this new trend in coffee and carry Fair Trade Coffees in their stores. Find out where you can find Fair Trade Coffee near you!

6.)    Next time you buy coffee, make the purchase that benefits so many people and makes a difference!

Celebrities for a Cause: Stars Urge Fans to Sign a Petition to Restore the Gulf

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Since the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, more and more people have stepped up to make a difference.  Recently many popular celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, Blake Lively, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews, Emeril Lagasse, and Peyton and Eli Manning have all appeared in the “Be the One” public service announcement by Women of the Storm. The stars urged fans to use their voice to sign a petition in support of the providing restoration to the Gulf.

“Women of the Storm” is a non-partisan grassroots organization of Louisiana women whose families, businesses, and lives were affected by Hurricanes Katrina.  Through utilizing social media tools, this grassroots campaign seeks to get long-term funding to restore and protect the Gulf Coast and wetland area affected by the spill. The initiative does not advocate a particular piece of legislation; it simply seeks to demonstrate to national leaders the strong and deep support across America for the essential funding for Gulf Coast restoration.
Now is your chance to be the one to make a difference! Add your name to the petition at http://www.restorethegulf.com/

Jewelry for a cause: Lauren Conrad Teams Up with Mark to End Abuse

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Lauren Conrad is most commonly known for her role in the MTV’s hit reality show The Hills.  However, recently Lauren is gaining attention for the positive role she is making in ending the cycle of abuse.  As a spokesperson for the Mark, Lauren has teamed with the company to create jewelry that benefits the philanthropic initiative m.powerment by mark.  The goal of this program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. For each piece of jewelry, 100% of the net proceeds are donated to help raise funds and awareness of this cause. The “Have a Heart” collection features a bracelet ($12) and a matching necklace ($22), available in both silver and gold.  Since the organization began in September 2008, over $400,000 dollars have been raised and awarded to organizations that are devoted to domestic violence issues.

To learn more about the “Have a Heart” jewelry collection visit MeetMark.com. And to find more jewelry that supports charity, go to Uptown Liz!

World Cup for a Cause

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

This year soccer fans from across the world watched the World Cup in South Africa.  These fans watched more than soccer this year; they also learned more about the issue of human trafficking.  Many of the fans in attendance were given “red cards”, which typically symbolize a serious offense in soccer.   However, these red cards are a little different. These cards had messages on them that emphasize the serious crisis of human trafficking. 

Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery.  It is the illegal trade of human beings for commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor.  And it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world.  South Africa’s lax laws governing this issue, and its reported rise of prostitution and human trafficking all make this an interesting location to spread this message. 

The Red Card campaign was created by Martin/Williams Advertising. The cards have a variety of different statements on them such as “Child slaves outnumber pro footballers. Makes you wonder what our favorite pastime really is”.  Each card also includes the message “Stop Offenses against Children.”  These cards were distributed throughout the World Cup and will hopefully educate individuals about this issue.

Visit Not for Sale to learn more about the human trafficking and how you can stop it.

Musician for a Cause: Drake Pledges to Green Your Block

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

On his recent college tour the popular hip hop artist, Drake, has been trying to spread the message of environmentalism.  He teamed up with the national nonprofit organization, Green for All, to help people understand why and how to be green.  Drake has always been very passionate about working toward a sustainable future, and now through his tour, he has been able to raise consciousness about the issue.

To further the message of going green, Drake even made sure his tour was as environmentally friendly as possible.  He travelled in bio-diesel buses and also worked with the concert venues to improve upon recycling. 

People all across the U.S. are learning about how they can go green and the number of opportunities available in a green economy.  At every stop, hundreds of fans took the “I will green my block” pledge.  These simple actions help curb pollution and save people money. The concert website offers tips that can reduce your carbon footprint such as, using less water, unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, and buying less stuff. People also learned how they could mobilize by organizing monthly green events in their communities and sending a message to their state senators asking for action to strengthen the green economy.

Drake is using his celebrity to make a positive impact around campuses and in the community.  See how you can get involved by pledging to green your block.

School Supplies for a Cause: Nikki Reed teams up with DoSomething,org and Staples

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

As the school year is fast approaching, millions of students will be stocking up on school supplies for the upcoming year. However, 13 million students each year go back to school without the adequate supplies. Twilight star Nikki Reed is trying to change this and to make sure that these students have a chance for a better education.

The actress has recently teamed up with Staples and DoSomething.org to encourage people to make a difference this summer by collecting and donating school supplies. Staples will be collecting supplies from July 4th through September 18th to help students who cannot afford basic supplies. Each Staples store is teamed up with a local non-profit organization that will ensure your supplies will help students in your community.

To find out how you can get involved and run a local school supply drive, visit www.DoSomething101.org!

Twitter for a Cause: JustCoz is making a Difference through Social Media

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

In just the past four years the social networking site, Twitter, has grown immensely into the social media phenomenon it is now. In fact, there are currently over 100 million people worldwide who are registered on this networking website. Now, the new company JustCoz has found a new way to use tweeting for social good.

JustCoz allows Twitter users to help support the causes they are passionate about by automatically donating a tweet away from their personal accounts to one or more non-profits of their choice. Since its debut in June, over 1,200 people have signed up to donate tweets through JustCoz. The list of organizations includes ASPCA, The Nature Conservancy, Oxfam America, Autism Speaks, and Doctors Without Borders, just to name a few.Learn how to donate a tweet a day on JustCoz.org and spread awareness for your favorite causes. Also be sure to check out Uptown Liz’s Twitter page to find more ways you can make a difference!

Spelling for a Cause: John Krasinski and Dianna Agron participate in A Spelling Bee for Cheaters

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

I will be the first one to admit that I am not the best when it comes to spelling; the thought of even entering a spelling bee makes me a little nervous. These celebrities, however, are not afraid of rolling up their sleeves and entering into a spelling bee…well, one that involves “cheating.” The Office’s John Krasinski and Glee’s Dianna Agron participated in 826LA’s “A Spelling Bee for Cheaters” on August 14.

For a cost in this spelling bee, participants were allowed to access hints, pass on words, and even spell fake words. Teams of two or more raised money through fundraising in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The more money your team raised, the more ways you could buy yourself out of elimination. All of these funds go to 826LA, a non-profit Los Angeles tutoring center dedicated to supporting students with creative writing skills through tutoring, workshops, and field trips.

Knitting for a Cause

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Knitting isn’t just your grandmother’s hobby anymore. Over the past few years people of all ages have begun picking up this skill. The sense of personal accomplishment and the calming qualities of knitting make it no surprise in the rise of popularity of this art. But today thousands of people are making a difference by knitting for charity.

There are several different ways in which people knit for charity. Whether it is a sweater for a soldier fighting overseas, a blanket for someone homeless, or a cap for a premature baby, there are many people in need you can knit for. People can also knit items that are later sold to raise money for an organization. For instance, each year knitters create garments and items in pink that are sold to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, people can use knitting to raise awareness for another cause. In 2007, I Knit received almost 100,000 donated blue knitted squares from all corners of the world to raise awareness of the 1.1 billion people without access to safe water.

A knitted item is a comforting, personal, and thoughtful gift that shows recipients you really care. Find out how you can knit for charity and use your skill to help others in need! Visit http://www.KnittingforCharity.org.

Celebrities Team Up for a Cause: 1Goal Campaign

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Matt Damon, John Legend, Jessica Alba, and Shakira are all just a few of the popular celebrities that have recently been seen on the public service announcements during the World Cup for the 1GOAL campaign. With over a billion viewers, the World Cup is now the most watched sporting event in the world. Clearly, there could not be a better time than right now to bring the global community together to end poverty and bring education to everyone.

Education is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against poverty. In fact, a child born to a mother who can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five. The 1GOAL campaign is a massive sign-up effort to secure primary education for the 72 million children in the world that are currently lacking by 2015. Currently, over 12 million people around the world have already signed their name for the cause.

Join these celebrities and the 12 million other supporters around the world and take action towards ending poverty. Add your name and support the millions of children around the world who deserve and education.

Celebrities for a Cause: Alicia Keys and Rihanna Urge Fans to Register to Become Bone Marrow Donors

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Popular singer and songwriters, Alicia Keys and Rihanna, are not only topping the charts these days with their popular hits, but they are also urging their fans to register to become bone marrow donors to help Shannon Tavarez find a match.

Shannon Tavarez is the eleven year old Broadway performer who played the role of Nala in The Lion King on Broadway. She was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is now in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant to survive.

Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life threatening illnesses depend on bone marrow donors. Patients need donors who are a genetic match; and even with a registry of millions many patients often cannot find a match. The first step to become a bone marrow donor is to register. Doctors around the world search the registry to find a match for their patients. If a doctor selects you as a match for a patient, you may be asked to donate bone marrow or cells from circulating blood. Patients need donors between the ages of 18 and 60 who meet health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need.

Register today and give the gift of life! Visit DKMS Americas or The National Marrow Donor Program.

Actor for a Cause: Boris Kodjoe Aims to Help People Suffering From Spina Bifida

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Boris Kodjoe, the actor soon to be appearing in Resident Evil: Afterlife and the new television series Undercovers, is not just your ordinary celebrity. Along with his wife, and fellow actress Nicole Ari Parker, the couple has created the Sophie’s Voice Foundation in honor of their daughter who was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at birth.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spinal cord, its membrane, the spinal nerves, and the backbone. It affects three in every 10,000 births in the United States and it is the most complex birth defect compatible with life. Currently, the Sophie’s Voice Foundation is planning fundraisers across the nation to help finance the Xiao Procedure, a nerve rerouting procedure that could potentially change the lives of people suffering from Spina Bifida.

This past July, $1 from every shirt sold from Boris Kodjoe’s clothing line, ALFA, went to the Sophie’s Voice Foundation. These affordable, custom made, handcrafted shirts are a great way to look great and give back. To find out more ways you can help, visit http://www.sophiesvoicefoundation.org.

Food for a Cause: The Slow Food Movement

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Today’s generation has grown up on fast food. With the quick and easy option to get food on the go, it is no-wonder so many people choose to eat fast food. In fact, some 25% of Americans consume fast food every day! This decision not only leads to unhealthy choices, but also the limits the quality time we spend with our friends and family.

Slow food is an idea that is changing the way people live and eat. The Slow Food Movement is a global grassroots movement that is working to bring the community back to meal time. Since 1986, this movement has spread worldwide with thousands of members committing to use food as a way to better their communities and the environment. Now members everywhere are taking responsibility to make sure that food is produced in a way that is clean, respects animals and is ecologically and economically friendly to both buyers and producers.

Slow Food USA’s Time for Lunch is a national campaign that is seeking to bring good food to children at school. Currently, thousands of people have joined together in asking Congress to invest in healthier foods at school, better nutrition standards and connect schools with local farms for their food purchases. Find out how you can get involved in your area! Visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/get_involved/

Wedding for a Cause: Couple Recycles 400,000 Cans to Pay for Wedding

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

In this economy everyone is trying to find new and original ways to save money. But who would’ve guessed that you could save enough cash to finance your entire wedding and manage to help the environment at the same time? Well that is exactly what this couple did. Within six and a half months, Peter Geyer and Andrea Parrish reached their goal of recycling 400,000 cans and earning $3,800. This money will go to pay for their July 31st wedding.

Since reaching their goal, the couple has still been collecting cans. They are working toward paying for their honeymoon and giving back to charity. 40% of the proceeds will now go towards their honeymoon fund; the other 60% will go to Doctors without Borders and the Rim Country Land Institute.

Not only did the couple fund their entire wedding through recycling, but they also put a significant dent in their carbon emissions. Their efforts to recycle 400,000 cans will reduce carbon emissions by 50 tons!More and more people are using this innovative couple as a role model for all the possibilities recycling has to offer. What could you manage to accomplish if you recycled? Visit http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html to find out more!

Skin Care for a Cause: Interview with Joshua Scott Onysko of Pangea Organics (Part 4)

RR: I have a background in working with nonprofits, and I read a statement from you that nonprofits waste a lot of money in mismanagement. When did you discover this?

JSO: I was living in Southern India and I met all of these people through this nonprofit group. They were on a $150 a day stipends, where I was spending about $9 a day. They were in these groups, funded with millions of dollars, for these kids to go down there and do women’s rights work, but they were only in a town for 10 days. What kind of women’s rights work can you do in 10 days? You’re a tourist. If you want to start a nonprofit to do that, you say, please donate money to this institute so we can send Americans to India so we can educate them on how the rest of the world lives. That would be fine, but it was under the guise of women’s rights work. Then after that, I kept seeing it everywhere. All of these groups were well-funded groups of tourists. Trust me, there are thousands of amazing nonprofits doing great work. Pangea is working with Women for Women International that is doing phenomenal work in countries that are post war conflict. But many of them are wasting millions. Same in the investment community. Your average VC investment is millions of dollars spread around ten companies in hopes one of them makes it big. 97% of cosmetic companies are gone within 12 months.

RR: I love your statement that, “One of the best things about an economy is capitalism. Corporations will generally produce products that we want or ask for.”

JSO: I studied neuro-marketing. The new statistic is that last year, corporations spent 32 billion dollars trying to figure out what we want to buy. We as a culture are always quick to say it’s not our fault. It’s someone else’s fault. It’s the government. It’s the political system. It’s the corporations. In the end, there’s 300 million of us. Figure out what you want the future to look like. People don’t think about what they buy. We’re just starting to understand the impact of what we buy. Prefect example: we go into a recession, and people go to Walmart to stock up on products made overseas by people getting paid next to nothing in horrible conditions.

We invented the ball bearings, yet we don’t make them anymore. Not one ball bearing is made in America anymore. It’s used in every automobile and bike in the world. We outsource it because people aren’t willing to pay for them to be made here anymore. We invented the t-shirt and made it famous, but only 14% are made here anymore. Jeans - forget about it. I think they’re only 20 pairs a year made here. We need to wake up and think about what we do today effects tomorrow. What do we want tomorrow to look like?

RR: Did always know you would be an entrepreneur?

JSO: My mom would tell you I have been since I was seven. I used to go in the woods and look for golf balls and sell them to golfers. Sure.

RR: What has surprised you most about being an entrepreneur?

JSO: The thing that has surprised me most is the impact that a small company, like Pangea, can have on the global community. I spoke at a conference and one of the head designers at Coca-Cola came up to me and said that they’ve had my packaging in their design room for four years. Which is amazing to me. We’re influencing Coca-Cola. I haven’t drank a Coke in I don’t know how long, and we’re influencing them. We’ve influenced one of the largest home cleaning companies in the world with how they are with their consumers. They’re watching what we’re doing. People like you. Maybe we can just change one thing a week. The impact is enormous. Every minute of every one’s day, we have the opportunity to make a better decision. That’s stretches far beyond consumerism. It goes into the authenticity we have with each other.

Our relationships are based on a cumulative count of every interaction we’ve had with that person. So from the first time you meet with somebody to the day you die, every conversation and interaction you’ve had with them is based on the authenticity that you’ve had with them in every instance. For example, if you’re married for 40 years, the conversation you had last night at dinner is literally based on every interaction you’ve had with that person. When people ask why we’re here? We’re here to constantly be improving ourselves. And we do that through improving the world around us, improving our authenticity, improving the value of trust in our relationships and in our life. Only we can make the difference, and the more people that can make those changes, the more people that will see it and say, I want to be that.

Skin Care for a Cause: Interview with Joshua Scott Onysko of Pangea Organics (Part 3)

RR: What would you say your company’s claim to fame is?

JSO: Our claim to fame is that I personally believe that we’re the first organic skin care company that has proven to the world that you can be organic, 100% natural and still have the efficacy, and the things that people are expecting out of skin care. I think that we’ve proven it in every new product we’ve come out with that has over exceeded people’s expectations of skin care. That, for me, is one of the most important things. Because all of the other things we do as a company, like living wage, and supporting women’s cooperative, that’s an extension of who I am. I don’t expect people to buy our product because of that. That’s a bonus. I’m always going to be that way with business. At the end of the day, people buy a $50 Pangea eye cream that needs to get rid of crow’s feet.

RR: Once you come up for an idea for a new product, what is the timeline from start to finish? The fruition of the idea to on the shelf?

JSO: Two years. The facial oil that we designed took two years. I’ve been using oils on my face for ten years. The big misconception is that if I’m using oils, I’m going to get oily. A well designed facial oil will actually stop you from being oily. It’s called Balancing Oil for a reason. We went out on the market and I looked at what everyone else was selling. Well this isn’t going to do anything, and they’re charging like $60 for it. So I took two years to carefully develop and design facial oil that would be extremely balancing. It actually does what it says. I’ve tested it on many oily-skinned people and told them to use the way we say to use it, every day for six weeks, and sure enough, it works. Everything that we make has to work. We don’t put out anything just to put out a new product.

RR: Pangea is sustainable, eco-friendly, and so much more. How did you accomplish all of that?

JSO: Work, work, work. I’m very driven for what my mission is. I believe in what we’re doing 150%. When I wake up in the morning, the things I think about are what the company becomes. My dream was to create a sustainable company from the ground up. What we say internally here is that the fringe predicts the future. If you’re not on the fringe, you’re not going to have a future. So you constantly have to be thinking about what’s the next thing that we can teach the world how to do. Is it living wages? Is it micro financing? Is it new ingredients from a different part of the world? Is it looking at different packaging? I think we’re the first cosmetic company I’ve ever seen that focus on the efficacy and responsibility on an environmental level of packaging the way we do. No one ever knows why our bottles are brown. Light destroys the medicinal ingredients in 48 hours, so why are you buying clear, glass bottles? Our packaging is 100% zero waste, and you can plant it, and it grows a tree. These are things we should be doing. Not just us, but everyone.

RR: What is next for Pangea?

JSO: We’re just going to keep doing what we do best. Putting out highly, efficacious skin care with all the social and environmental standards behind the company.

RR: Tell me more about the Pangea Institute? Is it finished?

JSO: No, this is a 2012 project. The Institute is a living, breathing organization that will basically take the principals we’ve built into Pangea, and teach other people how to do it in their own business. Let’s say you wanted to start a jewelry company. We’re going to show you how to do it, but with the social and environmental principals that Pangea has. From A to Z.

Stay tuned for part 4.

Skin Care for a Cause: Interview with Joshua Scott Onysko of Pangea Organics (Part 2)

RR: Many products claim to be organic, but are not. What should consumers be looking for in the ingredients?

JSO: If there is an ingredient that you can’t pronounce, or if they need to use a number to explain what it is, it’s probably not organic. And if you wouldn’t eat it, it’s probably not organic.

RR: What would you say are the most dangerous ingredients in personal care products and why are they dangerous?

JSO: The ones everyone knows about like parabens, but they’re a lot of ingredients people don’t know about like DETs, DEAs and anything with formaldehyde. What people don’t understand is formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors aren’t called formaldehyde. Parabens are a very common preservative used in the personal care industry, but it’s also a precursor for formaldehyde. So when you talk about the most dangerous, they’re all dangerous. Chemicals are chemicals, and many of them are untested. Out of 120,000 chemicals being used between home care and personal care products, only 10% of them have been tested for safety, and none of them have ever been tested when used with other ingredients. The average consumer believes that anything that has a bar code that is sold, is safe. The cosmetic industry is completely and utterly unregulated. There’s nobody checking products at all. No FDA. People always think, “well the FDA...” The FDA hasn’t given us safe food or drugs or skin care. Look what we eat every day.

RR: What do you think sets you apart from the other skin care companies that claim to be organic and natural?

JSO: We actually are. It pretty much comes down to that. Don’t get me wrong. There’s a few other companies that are doing it right…maybe three.

RR: What are some great skin care tips?

JSO: I think for most people that have skin problems, it’s internal. You are what you eat. And it’s not what people used to think: if you eat French fries, you’ll break out. It’s deeper than that. It’s health, it’s nutrition. We need to alkalize our bodies, and stop eating so many acidic foods. We need to eat more vegetables, we need to cook our food less. The American culture, since the 1950s, has boiled their food. People should know the more you boil you food, the less vitamins you are getting. Vitamins are water soluble; you’re pouring them down the drain. I haven’t used a microwave in over 14 years. It’s really about self-educating. We really need to think about the things we’re buying and putting in our bodies and feeding our children.

As far as skin health, the more important things are to cleanse, tone and moisturize in the morning. At night, cleanse and let your skin rest and breathe. Also, stress levels are enormous when it comes to the skin.

Skin Care for a Cause: Interview with Joshua Scott Onysko of Pangea Organics (Part 1)

I have been fascinated with cosmetics and skin care since my days as a make-up artist at Nordstrom. I love trying new products; spraying perfume on myself, and rubbing scented body lotion all over my skin was a daily ritual. Not to mention the medication I was taking, and skin care I was using from my dermatologist to get rid of my acne. I didn't have a clue that any of those products were hazardous to my health; it didn't even occur to me.

That was years ago, and since then I have emersed myself in learning about health - inside and out. Last year, I "greened" my home by replacing all of my toxic home and personal care products with non-toxic alternatives. That is how I discovered Pangea Organics, an award-winning, completely sustainable and organic skin care company. After reading one of their newsletters written by their founder, Joshua Scott Onysko, I was inspired to give him a call. And what a fascinating call that was...

RR: Why did you start Pangea?

JSO: I started Pangea to fund the Pangea Institute, act as a role model for the corporate world, and to prove to the world that you can do business socially and sustainably much more than the world is used to, and still be profitable. The Institute is aimed at improving the social environmental sustainability of corporations.

RR: I didn’t realize that you had the idea of the Institute before the idea for the company?

JSO: It actually came the year beforehand.

RR: How did you then decide to start the company? How did you get interested in body care products?

JSO: I made a batch of soap from a book with my mom right before I moved to Bombay. It was the first time I really played with essential oils and herbal extracts, and after traveling through the world, mostly Asia for two years, I kind of had this epiphany of alchemy. Alchemy has many different definitions. A lot of people think it’s turning lead into gold. The reality is alchemy is chemistry, but only using nature. I realized that I was really good at understanding what plants had to offer.

The thing that kept going through my head is that the longest clinical trial in the world is evolution. So if you look around the world, there’s plants that are extremely medicinal. Anywhere you go in the world, all around us, there’s plants that can heal us, and these plants are evolving over millions of years. So why aren’t we focusing on using the plants medicinally – topically and internally?

There’s definitely a movement for homeopathy and pharmaceutical-type products, but I started looking at the skin care industry and realized how toxic it was. Your skin is your largest organ, and absorbs over 80% of what you put on it, and if your average consumer goes into their medicine cabinet right now, there’s about 20 carcinogens in every bottle that people are smearing all over themselves and their children. It’s literally absorbing right into your body.
I started using alchemy, essential oils, herbology and aromatology that were more efficacious than what people were using from their drugstore, pharmacy or department store, but 100% natural. Not “natural” as in what you buy at the co-op or health food store, but 100% natural meaning you can go into a Whole Foods and buy every ingredient that we make our products with. Yet they are shelf-stable, and highly efficacious. Our products are used in 12 different countries, and have won several awards. This is my way of proving to the world that you can use nature and get the same results - better results - than using a chemical brand.

RR: Why should we be using organic products?

JSO: It’s a multi-tiered question. It’s clinically proven that organic ingredients have 40% more antioxidants than conventional ones. Why that’s important, is the only way to stop premature aging is to use as many anti-inflammatory and antioxidants ingredients on your skin as you can. So if you’re going to be using skin care, you should be using organic because it’s more efficacious. I’m a big supporter of organic. We outlawed DDT in 1972, a harsh pesticide, yet we still produce it and are the largest producer of it in the world. We sell it to all of these developing countries that grow food for us, and then we buy that food back. It’s very fascinating.

Stay tuned for part two.

Texting for a Cause: Jennifer Garner Supports k2kUSA

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

It seems that almost everyone is texting these days. Now people can even send text messages to make a difference! Actress Jennifer Garner has recently teamed up with kgb, the text answer service, to support k2kUSA. Together they are launching a “text-ition”; a national text petition to call attention to the need of early childhood education in the United States.

k2kUSA is a kids advocacy campaign that strives to ensure a fair chance in life for every child in America. This newest campaign aims to bring kids together to stand up for children who grew up in poverty. Childhood poverty is a serious issue and it affects one in six kids in the United States. This “text-ition” can move us one step closer to ending this crisis.

This new campaign is another unique and simple way in which people can get involved in making a change. To see how you can help visit k2kUSA.org.