#YouMatter

This week’s very special episode is devoted to all things SHINE! Our biggest event of the year is just a few weeks away, and to celebrate Jessica is sitting down with our amazing emcee, Jamie Ivey, to talk about why she’s such a die-hard Shine fan, and to give some special sneak peeks of what’s to come at conference! Then, you’ll hear from three members of our Ambassador community as they share why Shine is a must-attend event. Take a listen!

This week we’re continuing our celebration of National Adoption Month with a conversation with Suzanne Campbell. Suzanne is an adoptive mama who won a trip to Austin as part of our collaboration with IF:Gathering earlier this year. Listen in as Suzanne and Jessica reconnect to talk about how Noonday played a role in Suzanne’s adoption journey, and how adoption tends starts a ripple effect that wakes us up to areas of need across the globe and in our own communities. After you listen, head to the Ambassador Facebook group and tell us what you took away from this week’s episode using #YouMatter. This week, we also want to hear your favorite Adoption Trunk Show stories! So don’t forget to join the conversation on Facebook and tell us how your business has enabled you to support adoptive families.

Join Jessica as she catches up with two amazing adoption advocates in honor of National Adoption Month and World Adoption Day (Nov 9)! First, Meredith Toering of the Morningstar Project in Beijing, China talks about the tensions involved in adoption, and about some of her favorite adoption stories. Then, Shay Potter, the winner of our $15,000 World Adoption Day giveaway in 2015, shares what Noonday’s support has meant to her adoption, as well as some tips for adopting families. After you listen, head over to the Ambassador Facebook group and use #YouMatter to share what you took away from this week’s episode.

We have reached 50 episodes! Thank you to all of you who have listened, shared with your Ambassador sisters, and joined us for discussion in the Ambassador Facebook group. We hope you have been inspired to get out there and keep changing the world! In this week’s episode, Jessica is talking with Latasha Morrison, the founder of Be the Bridge, an organization that seeks to bring about racial reconciliation through challenging and honest conversations. In January, Tasha spoke at Shine and challenged all of us to use our Noonday businesses to be connectors in our communities between people whose lives might look very different from our own. Join us as we revisit her challenge to all of us, and hear how some Ambassadors have incorporated bridge-building into their lives and businesses. As usual, head to the Ambassador Facebook group after listening and use #YouMatter to tell us your thoughts!

At our recent Coaching Leadership Summit in Denver, life coach and podcast favorite Sarah Sherwood shared about the concept of empathy and how we can cultivate true empathy in our relationships. Whether you think you’ve got empathy down pat or need some help developing it, we guarantee this week’s episode will give you some new insights into how you can apply this important concept in both your life and your business. After you listen, head over to the Ambassador Facebook page where we’re starting a conversation about this jam-packed episode.

October is Fair Trade Month, and to celebrate, we’re bringing in everyone’s favorite Leader of Artisan Development, Karen Gibbs, to share about why fair trade matters and how we practice the principles of fair trade at Noonday. You’ll also listen in as Jessica sits down with Animo, the man who runs the Artisan Business that creates our upcycled artillery beads by hand. After the episode, head to the Ambassador Facebook group and use #YouMatter to tell us what you took away from this week’s episode! And, be sure to check out our recent #NoondayStyle in the Making video on the blog to see how our artillery beads come to life.

This week’s episode comes to you from our recent Ambassador Trip to Uganda! You’ll hear from Mama Sham, one of our original Ugandan Artisan Partners, as she shares her story of becoming paralyzed and how Noonday was able to provide the funds she needed to receive life-saving surgery. You’ll also get to listen in on a conversation between Jessica and Jalia as they chat about everything from beauty to entrepreneurship to dreams for the future. Finally, you’ll be inspired as Ambassadors from the trip share about what the experience has meant for them—and how you can get there next year! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page to tell us how this episode inspired you to set goals, dream bigger, or overcome an obstacle in your business! Just use #YouMatter to join the conversation.

On today’s episode Jessica talks with Michelle McKinney After being an Executive Assistant at Starbucks Michelle started Dreams Unleashed. Michelle is a goal setting and achieving pro and in this episode, Michelle shares about her story and her heart for seeing women achieve their dreams. She will also give us some practical how-to’s on attaining our goals. You will want to be sure to tune in for this encouraging and empowering episode!

This week, Jessica sits down with Samuel, an Artisan Entrepreneur who works with one of our Partner Businesses in India. You’ll hear Samuel’s story of starting his own business and hitting the pavement every day to make it a success. You’ll also hear about the Indian Artisans who you are impacting with your business! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to share what you took away from this week’s episode!

In this episode, Jessica sits down with two of our dedicated Artisan Business Partners: Anurag from India and David from Vietnam. These two men had very different paths towards the fair trade world, but today both of them are creating opportunity for vulnerable people in the communities where they work. Listen in as they share more about their work and how your work as Ambassadors is empowering them to build a flourishing world! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to share what you took away from this week’s episode!

This week on the podcast, Jessica catches up with her friend Sarah Sherwood, a professional life coach who was on the podcast a few episodes ago talking with us about shame resilience. In today’s episode, Jessica and Sarah talk about energy management and how to make the most of the energy we have, as well as the power of the stories we tell ourselves. Sarah has a lot of great tips and wisdom to share—so, get ready to be reenergized and empowered to go and own your worth! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to share what you took away from this week’s episode!

Earlier this month, we had the honor of hosting Roopa, one of our amazing Artisan Entrepreneurs from India, in the Noonday Home Office. I sat down to chat with Roopa and hear her story of working in fair trade for over 30 years. In this conversation, you’ll learn more about the incredible Dhokra process used to make one of our favorite new styles for fall—plus hear Roopa’s thoughts on how we can overcome fear to live lives of risk and impact! Remember to head to the Ambassador Facebook page after you listen to share your takeaways from this week’s episode. We can’t wait to hear what inspired, challenged, or surprised you!

In this episode, Jessica sits down with speaker and author Susan Seay to talk about finding balance in your work, life, and relationships. They discuss the freedom of finding your “good enough” line, the importance of defining your core values, and the dynamics of managing your home life, relationships, and business. Whether you’re struggling to balance your Noonday business with your responsibilities as a wife and mother or trying to balance your full-time gig with your Trunk Show schedule, this episode is for you. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode for Jessica’s homework assignment for you this week, then head to the Ambassador Facebook page to share your insights!

This week, you’ll hear from Andrew and Anne, two passionate Artisan Entrepreneurs who lead one of our Partner Businesses in Kenya. This talented couple has a heart for creating opportunity in one of the poorest places in the world: the Kibera Slums of Nairobi. Tune in to hear how they got started in this important work, what keeps them motivated, and how you can join them in making an impact for Artisans from the slums! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to tell us what you took away from this week’s episode!

Ready to get inspired for our Haiti Impact Giveback in June? Join Jessica as she records stories from our very first Haiti Ambassador Trip! You’ll hear from Ambassadors with a wide variety of perspectives, start dates, and experiences as they share their thoughts on travelling to Haiti—and how you can get there, too. You’ll also hear from Chandler, the leader of our Artisan Partner Business in Haiti, and Michel-Ange a talented entrepreneur who started out as an Artisan for the business and is now launching her own business to empower women in her home village! Did this episode inspire you to dream big for a trip? Motivate you to book those June Trunk Shows? Or even help you recognize where comparison or shame is getting you down? We want to hear it! Head to the Ambassador Facebook page to share your takeaways using #YouMatter.

If you haven’t checked out episode 37, Jessica’s interview with Sarah Sherwood, be sure to listen to that conversation for some helpful context for this week’s episode. In episode 38, Jessica connects with Ambassadors Kacey West, Liz Lindow, Jill Edwards, and Raeann Patton to hear about their own experiences of confronting shame and changing the negative stories they were telling themselves. We hope these brave women will inspire you to identify the causes of shame in your own life and tell yourself a better story that will empower you to flourish in your personal life and your Noonday business! After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to tell us what you took away from today’s episode.

If there is anything that slows us down on our journey to make a difference in the world, it’s shame. Shame is something many women struggle with, and it can be crippling. But on this week’s episode, Jessica is sitting down with her friend and life coach Sarah Sherwood to talk about how we can develop shame resiliency — the ability to take the shameful story we tell ourselves and exchange it for one that empowers us to thrive. Be sure to head over to the Ambassador Facebook page after listening to tell us your story using #YouMatter!

In this episode, you’ll listen in as Jessica talks with Wideleine, an Artisan in Haiti who over 10 years ago made the painful decision to place her daughter for adoption because she was living in poverty. Today, because of dignified work, Wideleine’s life looks very different. You’ll also hear a special message from Ginny, the woman who adopted Wideleine’s daughter over a decade ago. After you listen, be sure to head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to share what you take away from this powerful episode. Then head to Flourish for a blog about Wideleine featuring stories and photos you can share with your customers.

Before Shine, Jessica sat down with Cherry (Ethiopia) and Jalia (Uganda) to learn more about their personal journeys towards owning their identities as women business owners - and how that ownership has empowered them to help other women own their worth. In this conversation, you’ll hear some powerful stories about the Artisans who make our collection - from a mother of two children with special needs in Ethiopia to a woman who learned she had the courage to escape an abusive marriage in Uganda. Learn more about Cherry and Jalia’s stories by searching their names on Flourish, the Noonday Collection blog.

Rosario, the leader of one of Noonday’s Artisan Partner Businesses in Guatemala, recently traveled to Austin to speak at IF: Gathering and spend some time in the Noonday Home Office. In this episode, you’ll hear Rosario’s inspiring presentation from IF as well as a special conversation with Jessica where she shares about her journey to becoming a female entrepreneur. After you listen, be sure to check out Flourish for a blog about Rosario featuring some beautiful photography that you can share with your customers. And as always, head to the Ambassador Facebook page and use #YouMatter to tell us what you took away from this episode!

Jessica kicks off the first episode of 2017 with Mica May (of May Designs) and Erin Rigsby (one of Noonday Collection’s top coaches) to discuss goal setting! While this concept may intimidate many of us, Jessica, Mica, and Erin share actionable tips and encouragement to make goal setting attainable and life giving for you.

In our final episode for 2016, Jessica kicks us off with connecting to our why – we do this for the artisan. Hear a conversation from Karen and Moon as they talk about India. Then, Katie and Joy from Andean Collection catch up while Joy is in town visiting the Home Office and we hear about what Noonday’s impact is doing in Ecuador. Thank you for a wonderful 2016, Ambassadors! We have so much to be grateful for, and you’re at the top of that list.

We’re back with a very special and extended Thanksgiving episode of #YouMatter! Join Jessica as she connects us back to our personal impact – and she has a personal invitation for you! Then, listen as you hear from six Ambassadors: Jennifer Frey, Tali McBride, Joanna Wang, Nicole Featherstone, Colleen Matthews, and Lisa Seifert. It could be just what you need to feel inspired to push through this holiday season and connect with how #youmatter.

This week you’ll hear straight from Jessica as she interviews Chandler, the founder of Haiti Design Co-op. You’ll hear an update about the artisans we partner with in Haiti, and how each of us can do our part to amplify our impact. Keep listening, as you’ll hear Jessica interviewing Ambassadors from our most recent Opportunity Gatherings & meetups as they share inspiration & tips on how they are doing their part and what keeps them going.

In this episode, you’ll get to hear directly from Nidhi, the lead designer from one of the groups Noonday partners with in India. Then listen as Jessica interviews Brie from the product team about India, her travels there this year, and her personal Noonday journey.

Katie sits down with Sarah Sides, Noonday’s design associate, to talk all things collaborative design! What does collaborative design mean? Why is it important? How can you spot it in Noonday’s pieces? Take a listen and be inspired by this important component of our design relationship.

In our final trip recap episode, Jessica Honegger interviews two Ambassadors who recently traveled to Uganda: Brandi Mendenhall and Katie Carruth. Listen as they discuss what it means to be conscious and curious in our travels, meeting others with different cultural backgrounds, and how to apply this to our own fears and victories.

This week, hear from Ambassador Aimee Zappa as she shares her experience visiting Guatemala. Hear her reflections on what it looks like for women to be empowered, both in Guatemala and in her own life.

This week is filled with Ambassadors sharing how we are #bettertogether! First, hear from Heather Bauer and her teammate Michelle Hirschfield as they share how their team worked together to reach an exciting goal last month. Then, listen as Becca Kotte shares her fresh perspective about the most recent (and very first!) Ambassador trip to Peru – and how the artisans in those communities model #bettertogether. You’re in for an incredibly encouraging episode!

In this week’s episode, Jessica & Katie sit down with Karen Gibbs and Tamara Aklilu from Noonday’s Product team. They both share how Noonday came to work with our partner groups in Vietnam, and why the beautiful techniques these groups use are so special. Take a listen to learn more about the impact you’re making across the world!

Today we hear from two empowered women who formed a powerful friendship over 8 years ago, and how the differences in their histories ignited a powerful story. Katie & Jessica sat down with Jessica Goudeau of Hill Tribers, a group of Burmese refugee artisans who created jewelry right here in Austin; and Heh Ler Paw, who is one of Noonday’s Home Office employees and former Hill Tribers artisan. Take a listen to hear Heh Ler’s inspiring story of hard work, resiliency, and how her dreams for herself came to life – and how each of us plays a role in empowering the women around us, much like Jessica Goudeau.

This week, Katie sits down with Jessica Honegger, founder & CEO of Noonday Collection; Laura Morton, Creative Director; and Tamar Aklilu, Manager of Sourcing and Production. We’ll hear the entire journey of how our work with Kenya started and came to life, as well as some of the inspiring stories of the artisans running these businesses.

In a very special episode of #YouMatter, Jessica sits down with her therapist Kathleen to talk about a very personal journey that many of us relate to on some level: what it means to be a woman facing society’s definition of beauty. Listen in to hear some life-giving words from someone who pours into Jessica on a regular basis – and to hear how even through our struggles, we are connected.

On this episode, Katie sits down with two Home Office team members! You’ll hear from Ana on Creative Services and Abbey on the Accounting team – we’re so excited to let you hear from two of our own you may not yet know.

This week, we hear from four Ambassador friends (Jessica, Shari, Andrea, and Katie) about how community is so needed. And, we hear from Ambassador Jennifer Jensen and her hostess Alicia as they remind us how connected we really are.

Katie & Jenna sit down this week to share the stories behind some of the top selling Spring items, which is a sneak peek for our community for what is performing best! Share these stories with your community and at your trunk show. And, keep listening to hear some fun moments at Shine about the line, and for an impactful reminder from Jessica about the power of beauty.

This week, we sat down with Jessica to reflect on where we get stuck, how to overcome those thoughts, and our excitement for 2016! We hope this episode leaves you encouraged and excited for what’s to come!

This week, we want to bring you back to Shine 2016 in Austin, Texas! You’ll hear from Jessica & the design team, our artisan partner visitors, and one more very special guest. We have a feeling you’ll walk away with a fresh reminder of exactly why you matter so much!

We are back with the first episode of 2016! This week, Johanna gives us a deeper look into how our Indian partners are organized, their specialities, a sneak peek at the Spring 2016 line, and an exclusive India shopping guide! Get pumped up for Shine as well – our very own Jennifer Frey shares her excitement about conference.

On this very special episode of #YouMatter, we turn to our community to hear their stories. Listen in to hear from Ambassadors in your community share how the importance of jobs has shifted their perspective, how they’ve seen our connection to one another, and how they’ve learned that they do truly matter. Be encouraged this holiday that you are in the company of incredible women – thank you for saying yes to Noonday!

Hear what cherishing children means to the Ambassador community. From expanding their family through adoption, empowering family preservation through their business, or providing for their families through their role as Ambassadors, Ambassadors each play a unique part in helping children and families thrive. And, Sara Brinton at Home Office shares her journey of adoption & how that impacted her role at Noonday!

This week, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what we’re thankful for as a community. Hear from Ambassador Megan Chaffee, as well as some of our warehouse staff! From all of us at Home Office, we hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Hear from Karen Gibbs, Noonday’s Leader of Artisan Relations and Production, about her time in Guatemala, the difficulties that many Guatemalans face, and the beauty in their handmade crafts that preserve their rich history. Then, Ambassador Jenny Riley shares about her trip to Guatemala with Noonday and how it has impacted her – both in her business and in her perspective.

This week, Tamara shares about the impact dignified work, what that means in the lives of the artisans we partner with, and why it’s one of Noonday’s pillars. And, hear from Ambassador Ashley Leader about how her role as an Ambassador has been a journey and why it means so much to her.

Katie sat down with Johanna this week to discuss the inspiration and creative process behind the Winter 2015 line. Johanna also gives fantastic insight into how a Noonday line is created from start to finish with consideration for the artisan! And, hear from fellow Ambassador Heather Bauer about what design has come to mean to her.

Hear from your fellow Ambassador sisters about their experience at Shine 2015, and what to expect at this year’s Ambassador conference. We are so excited to hug your neck, and we want you to feel excited to come too! Listen in for some courage (and a few flutters of excitement) to take the leap to register! And, hear a touching Adoption hostess story in anticipation of #WorldAdoptionDay!

This week, hear directly behind the scenes of Artisan/Ambassador trips! Emily Maroda gives us a look back at her time in Ecuador this summer, and how we want YOU to adventure with us next summer. And, hear from some artisan partners and some Ambassadors Whitney had the chance to interview during their trips.

Tamara shares the transformation that African Style has created for their employees who are parents. Listen in and learn how families are able to care for and cherish their children through the impact you are making!

Tamara shares what it’s like to be a woman in Ethiopia, and the life-changing impact the dignity of work has on the female artisans we partner with. You’ll also hear from your fellow Ambassador Brooke van Groningen about an incredible night of community with other St. Louis Ambassadors & Jessica Honegger, and what that’s taught her about her own voice & empowerment.

This week you’ll meet Sara and Jenna from the Marketing team and hear all that their team does to support you – and how you can apply their awesome resources! And have you heard that Shine 2016 registration is open?! Hear a teaser snippet from one of our keynote speakers, and listen to Emily Collins about her experience at Shine. You won’t want to miss this!

In this episode, hear from Jessica about how YOU can be bold and what bravery means for each of us. And, listen to one of your very own Ambassadors – Sarah Ling! – about her story of conquering her fears and flourishing in her community.