I chose a career in the nonprofit sector because I wanted to make an impact and help people. I love my work in the nonprofit sector, however recently I have been reading about the amazing work of socially responsible businesses.

I co-lead a book club for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in which a local publisher Berrett-Koehler has provided us some free books to read in the club. Two of those books are part of a series written by the Social Venture Network. I really enjoyed reading "True to Yourself" by Mark Albion and learning about all these amazing socially responsible businesses like Wild Planet Toys and the Immaculate Baking Company.

When my family and I were in Yosemite this past weekend I ran into a friend from High School whom I hadn't seen in ten years. I learned that she runs her own socially responsible designer purse company Helena de Natalio that she started in Argentina after she served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. She pays a living wage to her Argentinean artisans and uses wonderful local quality materials. I was also happy to learn that she donates 5% of her profits to Ashoka an organization that helps aspiring social entrepreneurs.

Now I don't normally spent very much money on purses, however I am seriously considering purchasing one of her purses because it is awesome to know that my purse was hand made and the artisan receives a living wage for their work. Plus—the material is so nice and soft!

Help us promote Aspiration by tagging our pages!

Digg | Reddit | Magnoliacom

Facebook | Google | Yahoo