Gifts That Give Back: Two wholesalers share how they make an impact
Gifts can mean so much more than just letting someone know you’re thinking about them. They can create a lasting impact through efforts by wholesalers.
Two wholesalers share the products that give back in a range of ways — from volunteering in local communities to donations to national nonprofit organizations.
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
Primitives by Kathy’s mission is to combine its “passion for creativity with a culture of caring.” CEO Kathy Phillips, said the company is committed to curating thoughtful collections while creating opportunities socially, professionally and artistically to those who need aid.
“I believe true success is measured by how much you give back, and that inspiration has been in my heart from the very beginning of my company,” she said.
Early on, Phillips made primitive candle boxes by hand. When demand suddenly grew, she partnered with Goodwill Services to aid with fulfillment. This partnership is what made Primitives by Kathy possible, and the desire to provide opportunity occupationally to those with varied abilities has been a part of the company’s mission ever since.
Over the company’s decades of growth, Phillips has searched for opportunities to give back. The company’s Benefit Items have been a consistent success.
“We create collections and specific products in which the proceeds are donated directly to an affiliated organization that coordinates with its design, offering retail store owners a way to sell meaningful products while supporting a worthy cause,” she said.
One example of a “Benefit Item” is Primitives by Kathy’s collaboration with Friendship Heart Gallery, where they offer a selection of home décor and gifts featuring original works of adults with intellectual disabilities or autism.
“They not only receive proceeds from the sales, but this also provides opportunities for unique artists as well as supports the gallery and studio space they have,” she said, adding that the Benefit Items alone have raised over $300,000 for more than 30 organizations.
Phillips consciously makes an effort to give back to the community where she lives and works — including working with and promoting local charities and programs through volunteerism, Benefit Items and sponsorships.
Each year, Primitives by Kathy launches new Benefit Items featuring artist-driven designs that pair with a charity organization or relevant cause. Its most recent partnerships are with the organizations Knowing You Matter, focused on raising suicide awareness and promoting emotional wellness, and Stratosphere Cheerabilities, which creates opportunities for special needs cheerleaders on and off the competition floor. Phillips said each organization is matched up with one of its new Cups of Inspiration — a growing bestselling collection.
In 2017, she founded Kathy’s Circle of Friends as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts themed social events in her area for adults with various mental and physical disabilities along with their family, caregivers and guests.
“I am certainly most proud of the rapid growth of Kathy’s Circle of Friends since it both supports a cause close to me as well as my local community where I can see the effects personally all throughout the year,” Phillips said.
SIMPLY SOUTHERN
Wholesaler Simply Southern is dedicated to supporting organizations that care for children’s well-being and protect the environment, so both can thrive for generations to come. This includes give- back initiatives, including donations, volunteering and products that support various organizations.
Founded in 2005, Simply Southern creates vibrant and colorful T-shirts, clothing and accessories. All of the company’s products help with its philanthropic mission, said Ginger Aydogdu, CEO of Simply Southern.
A bestselling line is its tracking T-shirts and bracelets that feature an elephant, turtle or lion. After purchasing, the customer can scan the QR code to meet their animal and track its journey on a map. She said Simply Southern plans to expand on its tracking program in the fall by adding gorillas and giraffes.
Overall, Simply Southern has donated over $15.7 million in cash and merchandise to various organizations, including ChildFund International, Bald Head Island Conservancy, InWater Research Group, African Wildlife Foundation, Wounded Nature, Soles 4 Souls and American Red Cross. The company’s employees also volunteer at local nonprofit organizations.
“Simply Southern has always given back,” Aydogdu said. “We have helped out during natural disasters by creating T-shirt designs where 100% of the profits go to help the areas affected. Simply Southern wants children to have all they need to thrive and succeed since they are our future. Simply Southern wants these children to enjoy the earth and its contents that we currently do so that has led to the conservation efforts.”
