Manda Grace Lee

In a time where it’s easy to give up on hope… where everywhere we go constant conversations of… “the economy is bad”, “there aren’t any jobs”, “America won’t ever recover to the country it once was”.  There is something to be excited about and hopeful for the future.  There is a new kind of entrepreneur that is rising from these ashes: young, innovative, compassionate, driven, creative, humble entrepreneurs that are changing the rules of how to create a successful business.  They aren’t doing things the same way and trying to get a different result.  They are paving the way for a new world as we know it.  Rather than competing to find the cheapest way to do something to create a higher return on profits they are digging deep to figure out what is missing from our lives… what causes they care about… how they can create a new exciting take an old way of doing something.  They are using all the tech savvy vehicles to reach their customers and get them involved in their cause… 

Toms Shoes - Shoes for Tomorrow

Blake Mycoskie traveling in Argentina was so moved when he met children living there that had no shoes.  He created Toms Shoes to ensure that these children, and all children will no longer live without shoes.  His business model is simple and sweet… “one for one”.  You buy a pair, Toms donates a pair.  The company personally partakes in their “shoe drop” where they place shoes on those who have none.  It’s all transparent, they include their customers to view and see exactly what they do.  They have created what many would have thought an unprofitable business model into one that is not only profitable but one that keeps on giving and inspires so many to do more.

Jedidiah - Rooted in Love

A young exciting company that is cause driven, voicing out issues and needs, and spreading hope by using their creativity on apparel.  A community of artists and surfers that are using their gifts to spread the word of causes in need.  They have associated themselves and work hand in hand with 10 different organizations/causes pledging to create different styles/collections to spread awareness, raise funds, and make a difference.  They surf, they paint, they create to give back to others…  

This isn’t the age of the 9 to 5 job that is just a paycheck.  If anything this is the time to go after what you are really passionate about.  These new companies on the move are showing and celebrating the fact that you can have it all… You can do what you love and work for the causes you care about… now!