Joanna is the bossy babe behind Fenvii Collective. A collaboration which brings together artists and designers to work with ethically sourced products. Not only are they beautiful and stunning, they will make you feel great while using them. Half the biz is here in YYC, the other in Sri Lanka!
Joanna – FENVII COLLECTIVE
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
FENVII is a non-profit social business committed to empowering communities around the world by bringing together designers and artisans across borders to collaborate in new ways. Our online marketplace is carefully curated to feature a collection of unique and handcrafted goods from artisans all around the world. We also offer beautifully curated and wrapped gift boxes that include evocative and inspiring products.
We are committed to only sourcing ethically from social enterprises, organizations, cooperatives, and local groups that practice fair trade principles. 100% of our profits are reinvested into our social mission and our focus is to use our resources to invest in program initiatives that achieve empowerment. We are currently working on two development initiatives – one operating in Calgary and one operating in Sri Lanka.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
The idea for FENVII was born about 2 years ago. Since then, we have been working relentlessly to turn this idea into a reality. We recently did a soft launch but the official launch for FENVII will be summer 2016.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
The idea for FENVII was born after my husband and I travelled to Haiti in 2013 to volunteer. Our trip to this part of the world reminded us where our true passions and interests lie. The more we travelled to places like Haiti and India, the more we were compelled to create a platform that could inspire and encourage new ideas and ways of thinking that can transform lives and empower people to rise out of poverty.
We wanted to establish a brand that could create positive change in communities around the world. Not only is FENVII a platform for us to give back and make a positive impact in the world, it is a place for us to combine our love for adventure and travelling, my husband’s interest in international politics and social issues, and my love for fashion and design.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Nothing inspires me more than travelling. It is the secret tonic of my creativity. It’s safe to say that my best ideas usually come to me when I’m on an airplane.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
Our vision for FENVII is to have a more direct impact in communities around the world. I would love to be able to directly employ artisans and other individuals who could run a local operation for FENVII. To be able to empower these individuals by directly providing them with a meaningful job and a living wage would be my dream come true!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
Instagram is definitely my favorite. I feel like there is a real ability to connect with people and build a tight knit community.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
There’s nothing that my husband, carbs, and wine can’t fix!
WHATS ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I wouldn’t say that no one knows this about me but more so the people that I meet in the realm of FENVII – they likely would not know that I am also working full-time in the Oil and Gas industry and pursuing a CPA professional designation.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could have any super power it would be omnilinguism which is the ability to understand, speak and read any language. Just imagine the ease of travelling and the amazing things I could do with FENVII in all different communities around the world without the language barrier.
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
Instagram: @fenviicollective
Facebook: facebook.com/fenviicollective
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?