Michelle (left) and Fay (right) pictured together in pre-COVID times.
This week, we culminate our celebration of International Women’s Day with the founders of The Tote Project. Best friends Michelle Chavez and Fay Grant founded the project in 2013, and are proof that two is better than one! After learning about the prevalence of human trafficking and the millions of victims worldwide, they wanted to take action. Here is their poignant interview.
What inspired you to start The Tote Project and work with artisans in India? Do you have plans to expand?
Fay: Everyone deserves to be free. Free to live without fear or suffering. Free to love and be loved. Free to follow their dreams. The moment I learned about human trafficking my life was changed forever. For over a decade I had been running away from the trauma of my own childhood experiences of abuse and this cause gave me purpose. The overwhelming empathy I feel for those trapped in painful, scary situations that they’re desperate to be freed of is what drives me to succeed in all we do at The Tote Project. To see hope restored in the brave women we support, to watch them blossom and heal, is the greatest gift I’ve received on this journey. And to top it off, it’s been healing for me, too.
Our most significant next step is launching a new product line of high-end totes and pouches that’s entirely made in the USA. It's still a common misconception that human trafficking only happens in other countries outside of the US, but in reality it's here in our own neighborhoods and communities as well. We can't wait to expand our impact with this new line and offer more jobs to women at-risk for trafficking in Asheville and Los Angeles (where we both live) as a means for prevention.
How are the artisan groups organized? Tell us more about them!
Michelle: The artisans we work with all work in workshops that abide by fair trade principles. They are paid fair, living wages, given safe working conditions and supported holistically by the organizations that employ them. We’re currently working with two different groups in India that are making an incredible impact. Over the years we’ve worked with artisans from Columbia to North Carolina, and we’re really excited about our new line that is going to be manufactured in the U.S., because providing jobs in our community is really important to us as well.
We know that every business has had to pivot during the pandemic. How has COVID impacted the way the artisans work and how you work with them?
Michelle: There was a period in the beginning of the pandemic when our artisan workshops had to shut down. Eventually they were able to reopen again, taking into account the safety regulations needed to protect the women from COVID. The pandemic has been rough on the communities we work in because the artisans don’t have the same government backed financial safety nets that we have here in the U.S., so they were anxious to get back to work as soon as possible. We’re so grateful that this was able to be accomplished safely, and some of the workshops are busier than ever before now!
The biggest challenge for our business was that we had placed a big reorder of product right before COVID, but most of our retailers ended up closing temporarily or going out of business. We were committed to supporting our artisans and not canceling orders, so we used all of our resources to make sure that they got paid, knowing that we wouldn’t be able to sell to our normal shops. Thankfully, we got a lot of press this holiday season, and our direct to consumer sales increased tremendously. We also received a PPP loan, so between those two things we made it through, and we’re so grateful!
What is your personal favorite product and why?
Michelle: My favorite bag right now is the Hold On To Hope tote. I love how roomy and sturdy our totes are, and now that we’re allowed to bring reusable bags to the grocery store again, this is my go-to product. The Hold OnTo Hope design is aspirational to me because we’ve all had such a hard time during COVID. When I see it I’m reminded that we will get through this together. I can’t wait to hug my loved ones again! It also reminds me of why we chose this phrase for our brand—we want everyone to know that there is hope for survivors of human trafficking. We know this because we’ve gotten to know so many of the survivors personally, and we are so humbled by their joy and bravery. If there’s hope for even one person, that means we all have to do our part and work together to end this crime. When faced with overwhelming issues like trafficking or COVID, we want to encourage everyone to hold on to hope and not give up.
Fay: My favorite design (at the moment) is Free to be Different. I remember many years ago hearing Justin Timberlake talk about how his mother taught him that you can’t make a true difference without being different. And there is so much truth in that. It’s our imagination, our creativity, our uniqueness that makes the world a better place. I hope all children can grow up in a world where they aren’t afraid to be themselves and are celebrated for their differences.
When women work, the impact of the investment is greatly multiplied. What benefits or positive changes have you seen in the communities where the artisans work and live?
Fay: When women are empowered to work, it improves the lives of their families and communities. And for many women escaping the sex trade, working as an artisan helps provide a sense of self-worth and dignity that they greatly deserve. We’ve had the honor of seeing firsthand how our partnerships, donations and volunteer opportunities have helped women worldwide thrive. We’ve seen them blossom and find the courage to follow their dreams. Our nonprofit partner Two Wings focuses on empowering survivors and those at-risk as they pursue their dream jobs, and to see these brave women work in a field that brings them so much joy inspires us daily.
We love your commitment to empowering others. What advice would you give to women and girls who are interested in getting involved in causes they are passionate about?
Fay: The Tote Project is proof that anyone can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. Here we are, two women with a professional background in music on a completely different journey because we followed our hearts. Whatever your talent is, you can use it for good. If you’re an accountant, offer your services free of charge to a nonprofit in your community. If you’re a graphic designer, donate your time to update a local nonprofit’s website. If your heart is calling you to help others, listen. The possibilities are endless.
What woman artisan or woman in your life has had the biggest impact on you personally?
Michelle: Fay has had the biggest impact on my life; it is such a blessing to get to work with my best friend! When we first met I had just moved and was in a new phase in my life (new career, new relationship, new everything!) and she was such an encouragement and role model for me. We always talked about volunteering together, but it was her idea to take the leap and start The Tote Project, and that changed both of our lives in so many wonderful ways. We live on opposite coasts now, but we talk everyday and it makes me happy that we work so closely together despite the distance.