Carly Burson is a natural trendsetter—her background as a visual merchandising manager at J.Crew paved the way for her unique fashion sense. But it was her deep wanderlust and transformative travels that truly shaped her path. One trip to Ethiopia, where she adopted her daughter, Elie, changed everything for her.
“Seeing the poverty my daughter came from made me realize I couldn’t stay in my corporate job forever,” Carly shares. “I was part of an industry that perpetuated poverty, and I wanted to create something meaningful.” In 2014, she founded Tribe Alive, all while juggling her role at J.Crew by night. “Once my husband and I could see we could live on his income, I took the leap.”
Empowering Female Artisans
Tribe Alive aims to be a thriving online marketplace that supports female artisans in underserved regions, offering them fair wages and safe work environments. While it may not solve poverty entirely, it’s making a difference for future generations. “We’re simply doing what’s right,” Carly explains. “We ensure fair wages so these women can send their kids to school. Education is a basic human right, and I never have to worry about my child missing out on it.”
Carly credits Elie as her inspiration. “I can’t imagine going back to my old life,” she admits. “This work fulfills me in a way that’s indescribable.”
Modernizing Fair Trade
In contrast to many fair trade brands, Tribe Alive focuses on current U.S. fashion trends, modernizing the fair trade landscape. “The challenge is getting artisans to embrace our designs,” Carly notes. “We provide the concepts, and our partners help teach the women how to create them.”
Initially, Carly wanted to work with artisans globally, but she quickly realized it was too overwhelming. Now, she has a focused commitment to supporting artisan groups in just four countries: Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, and India. “I’d rather sustain the livelihoods of the women we already work with than spread myself too thin.”
Balancing Work and Family
Balancing work and family is essential for Carly, and she’s learned to limit her travel to every couple of months. “I love bringing Elie along when I can. She doesn’t see the poverty; she just sees people,” she explains.
Reflecting on her journey of adoption, Carly acknowledges the challenges but also the joy. “It’s tough to connect at first, but once you do, it’s so rewarding.”
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about modern parenting, check out this insightful post on the future of parenting. For those considering at-home insemination, you can find more information from the leading provider of home insemination kits here. This article also provides a fantastic overview of the IVF process, which you can read about here.
Conclusion
In summary, Carly Burson’s journey from a corporate career to founding Tribe Alive is a testament to the power of purpose and passion. Her commitment to empowering women and creating sustainable employment is making a significant impact, and she continues to inspire others with her story.
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