How Work+Shelter and Chicago Fair Trade Partner for Impact

At Work+Shelter, our mission extends beyond creating high-quality, custom products; it’s about fostering meaningful connections within the community. One of our most cherished partnerships is with Chicago Fair Trade (CFT), an organization dedicated to promoting fair-trade principles and supporting ethical business practices. We have proudly been a member of CFT for a decade, reflecting our long-standing commitment to ethical commerce.

It's easy to feel isolated in the pursuit of social good but with CFT, we find strength in our partnerships. Our relationship embodies the idea that together, we amplify our impact and create an ecosystem of change. Over the years our collaboration has blossomed into a powerful alliance that showcases the importance of community and grassroots relationships in driving social change.

Founder Theresa VanderMeer meeting with Executive Director Katherine Bissel Córdova and Director of Engagement and Outreach Nancy Demuth of CFT.

Chicago Fair Trade: Their Impact and Why It Matters to Us

At the core of CFT's mission are values that uplift communities and foster economic growth. These values are also central to our organizational mission and the work we do with vulnerable women in India:

• Capacity Building: Recognizing that securing employment often requires a certain level of skill, we develop the skills and capabilities of our employees. Many factories pay by the piece, which results in inadequate compensation that limits workers’ ability to support themselves and their families. At Work+Shelter, we provide a paid training program to support skill development and pay consistent, fair wages to the women we employ in India.
• Gender Equity and Safe Conditions: Advocating for safe and healthy working environments is critical, particularly as many women in India face unsafe conditions and the risk of gender-based violence. At Work+Shelter, we are committed to providing a secure workplace where women can thrive and pursue their dreams without fear. Our team is led by women, and to maintain a safe and comfortable environment, we ensure at least 75% of our staff is female.
• Environment and Sustainability: Promoting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain is essential, especially in India, where pollution is a severe issue—smog fills the skies, rivers are polluted with industrial waste, and streets are littered with trash. At Work+Shelter, the majority of our fabrics are environmentally qualified—either recycled, upcycled, or organic—demonstrating our dedication to sustainability and ethical production.

Chicago Fair Trade Museum

Our partnership with CFT over the last decade has allowed us to make a meaningful impact in the fair-trade movement, support a global network of artisans and producers, and nurture a supportive community that drives positive change. Notable achievements include:

• Increased Opportunities: A remarkable 10x increase in the work provided to women in India, enhancing their livelihoods.
• Media Visibility: Elevation of our profile and that of many fair trade businesses through coverage in outlets like WBEZ, Block Club, and Crain’s Chicago Business, raising awareness of our missions.
• Community Building: The introduction to a caring community through CFT, resulting in multiple new hires for our U.S.-based business, strengthening our workforce.
• Event Participation: Active participation in CFT’s pop-up events, showcasing our shared commitment to fair trade and connecting with a wider audience.
• Collaborative Support: Donating over 10,000 eco-friendly masks to Chicago-based non-profits and contributing to CFT's annual gala to help raise crucial funds for their initiatives.

Khushi modeling a hoodie made by Work+Shelter in collaboration with CFT.

Trust and Collaboration: Our Partnership with CFT

Our partnership with CFT extends to every design detail, ensuring their brand aligns with each product’s purpose. In the past, we collaborated on a collection of custom hoodies and tote bags that reflect CFT’s mission and resonate with their community. These screen-printed hoodies were crafted for the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, followed by tote bags used at CFT’s annual clothing swaps.

When they placed an order for a new line of products meant to be sold in their holiday pop-up, we handled every detail, ensuring that the end products reflected the best of both brands. Our in-house design team crafted custom prints using CFT’s brand assets.

Event at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum.

Looking Ahead Together

We’re excited to continue our journey with Chicago Fair Trade, as our partnership proves that collaboration leads to greater impact. We look forward to exploring new initiatives and expanding our offerings to further promote fair trade principles. Thank you, CFT, for being an integral part of our mission. Together, we’re making strides toward a fairer, more sustainable future—one beautiful product at a time.

Embroidered tote bag.

Interested in Partnering with Work+Shelter?

If your organization is interested in creating custom products with purpose, we’d love to collaborate! Work+Shelter specializes in ethical production, guiding partners through every step of the design-to-production journey. Visit our product catalog or reach out at hello@workshelter.co to learn more.