How This Fair Trade Apparel Company is Changing Lives and Saving Children

SPONSORED BY GOEX APPAREL

If you are truly a sustainable fashion brand, that doesn’t just mean you make some styles from some eco-friendly fabrics and call it a day. It goes beyond what your garments are made of. 

In fact, if you ask most of the leaders in this field, most if not all would agree that as a brand you absolutely have to take into account the labor rights and working conditions of the brand’s factory workers. 

That’s why when we have the opportunity to promote amazing companies like GOEX apparel, it gives us a sense of relief that there are in fact good people, creating good products, that care about other human beings and not just the use of organic cotton (although that is important as well). 

GOEX apparel’s story began in 2010 in Gulu, Uganda with a woman named Lucy. It was originally through their parent organization The Global Orphan Project that Goex came about. Lucy had a sewing center but no work. When The Global Orphan Project sought help with partnering with her on sewing school uniforms for children in her community the idea of community and commerce came about and GOEX was born. 

They use a simple tee to connect the customer and the maker. Their customers sustain fair wage jobs that liberate workers from poverty and empower them in both their family and community. On average, one of their workers can earn enough to support six family members! 

In addition, GOEX is one of the few apparel brands that have passed the Fair Trade Federation’s (FTF) rigorous screenings. Not only do they source all of their fabric in the USA but they own their factory in Haiti. This is by far something that stands out amongst other brands and is what separates them from the rest. 

We had the opportunity to chat with their Executive Director about what makes them unique when it comes to being a sustainable brand and what they are most proud of as a company. 

What makes Goex a sustainable fashion brand? 

At GOEX we make every decision with a people first mindset and are constantly working to make our product better for both the makers and the planet. And we believe in radical authenticity and transparency. We source all of our fabric in the USA and visit our manufacturer regularly. We use natural or recycled fibers in all garments.
We own our factory in Haiti so we can ensure our team is treated well and fairly compensated. We source accessories and components from fair trade organizations whenever possible. 

Why is fairtrade so important to Goex?

Fair Trade embodies our standard of choosing better for people and the planet. There are a lot certifications and audits out there which verify that companies are doing the minimum required - paying minimum wage, avoiding child labor, etc. Fair Trade is about doing way more than the minimum!

What makes Goex different or special compared to other sustainable brands?

Many brands are introducing some sustainable fabrics or products which are great steps forward. What sets GOEX apart from them is our standards - we won’t talk about a product being recycled unless it’s at least 50% recycled. We don’t have a few sustainable items - it’s our whole line.  We have a short supply chain which means a low carbon footprint. When you combine sustainability with our commitment to people, you have a product doing the most good possible!

Tell us more about how/why manufacturing in Haiti came about? 

The Global Orphanage Project had a number of job creation programs going, primarily in Africa. But in post earthquake Haiti, rebuilding and getting people working was super important. Haiti has high unemployment but it was extreme at that time. Tens of thousands of highly skilled sewing operators were out of work as the big brands rebuilt. The idea of starting a factory was born during this time. 

We wanted to set an example in the industry of how a small tweak to a business model (paying fair wages and providing great working conditions) would care for people through the dignity of their work instead of through charitable dollars. We’re celebrating 10 years of our factory and of investing in the lives of families in Haiti.

What’s been something as a company you’ve been most proud of? 

Definitely our commitment to Haiti. Doing business in the country is hard and requires a commitment to work there no matter what the country throws at you. We’ve had a myriad of challenges over the years but continuing to care for our team and allow them to provide for their families is a big deal and we’re very proud of the team we’ve built there and grateful for our customers in the US and beyond who sustain their jobs.

What’s a typical day like for you? 

The only really typical thing is that no two days are the same!  However, my primary job is to support my team both in the US and in Haiti. I do a lot of problem solving and question answering making sure everyone has the tools and information they need to do their jobs and serve our clients with excellence. I also do a lot of data analysis to support production planning - now that supply chain challenges have eased somewhat, it’s great to be able to be proactive in planning again! And, every chance I get, I’m talking with people about Fair Trade and ethical fashion - consumers truly do have the power to change the world with their purchasing decisions.

Any new initiatives you’re working on or any news you’d like to share? 

We just launched a collection of 100% recycled performance garments which we’re really excited about. Short sleeve and long sleeve tees, polos and a quarter zip. All of the components are made of recycled plastic - fabric, tags, buttons & zippers!  It’s a super cool way for companies or events to care for the environment and people through items they’ll purchase anyway!

LEARN MORE ABOUT GOEX AND SHOP THEIR COLLECTION HERE