Become an everyday advocate | With so much harm being done to the planet and its people, it can be hard to see how any of us can truly make a difference - but we can. Let's explore fair trade fashion with Noonday Collection, as well as other topics around shopping with purpose and developing social and environmental consciousness in our daily lives.
Here’s the story of one group in East Asia that provides employment and holistic care for sexually trafficked women. Watch the video below for the story of healing - and a look at the beautiful pieces they create. They can carry such a special meaning for you as you wear them, reminding you of hope, and of your power to create a better world every day.
Read MoreI can see now that for some people who cried "George Floyd's death was unjust!" when it first happened, what they really meant was, "George Floyd's death was unjust!**"
**As long as no one who protests it steps out of line. That will magically invalidate the arguments protesters are making. Better luck next time, protesters! I guess I still won't participate in your justice efforts after all. Try again and then maybe I'll start to listen, ok?
White people: no more asterisks.
Read MoreI so appreciate your questions about how Noonday’s Artisan Business Partners are doing! The infection rate and shelter-in-place orders vary wildly from one country to the next, but I think it’s safe to say no one is untouched by the impact of this virus. Watch this video to see how Noonday is responding to emergency needs, and how you can help.
Read MoreA couple of years ago, I wrote a post on Noonday's blog, Flourish, featuring ten of my favorite books for kids that are set in Noonday's partner countries (and many written by authors from those countries). Now that we are all sheltering in place, I decided to update this post with some links to read-aloud videos on YouTube. Enjoy treasuring these books with your children!
Read MoreI was thinking back to last summer in Ecuador, when I earned a trip with Noonday Collection to meet our Artisan Business Partners there and explore the country. And I wanted to outline for you how some of my favorite pieces — our tagua seed pieces — come to life.
Enjoy learning about the eco-friendly process, and how it’s transforming lives in this beautiful country!
Read MoreGrab the list plus a phone wallpaper file, to help keep these habits front of mind!
Just like businesses are pivoting and adapting…just like teachers are taking a crash course in how to do education in a way they never had to before…we all need to get good at thriving when our normal ways of doing so are no longer available. It’s a critical step if we want to show up well in this hurting world. So I created a list of seven things I, personally, want to commit to doing every day. These seven are easy things I have 100% control over, so I’m positioned to face those that I don’t.
What’s on your list? Instead of just sheltering in place, can you thrive, so you are better equipped to create the hope and light that your home, community, and world need?
Read MoreWe're all feeling a bit tender right now, yeah? From big things (anxiety about our global health crisis or job security) to little ones (the inconvenience of disrupted plans or home-bound kids) to feelings of social isolation, there's a lot on our minds. And on my mind right now are those who need our support: everyone from my neighbors to the artisans around the globe whose work I support. And this includes you! Gosh, I have a lot on my mind that we can do to get through this, together.
From self-care to local and global impact, I truly believe that the message of Noonday can bring light and hope. So read on for my tips - and my fundraising opportunity - for how to make sure you, your family, your community, and our world can thrive through this.
Read MoreWith spring break and summer trips on our minds, it’s time to start thinking about how to pack for function, fashion, AND space! Anything that can serve multiple functions and bring more joy to my trip has a decent shot at making the final cut when I’m packing. Whether or not you incorporate the “capsule wardrobe” approach into your life, I think we can all agree that everyone needs a capsule-type wardrobe when traveling.
My friend Sarah, who represents ZYIA Active, and I were feeling inspired to explore how these two brands can make you look and feel your best! So take a look at four wardrobe needs you may have on your next trip - and our top picks that will serve you well throughout your trip.
Read MoreThe last few years have brought some clarity around why my KonMari efforts didn’t entirely stick and what to do about it. Here’s how I hope to make it different this time around.
Read MoreFor any given problem that keeps us up at night, we want to find THE solution, don’t we? The one silver bullet to break down unjust systems, or solve global poverty, or end the orphan crisis. The older I get, the more I appreciate that problems can be - and should be - tackled from multiple angles. And that’s a good thing.
Read MoreTrunk shows are the heartbeat of Noonday’s business model. I love that instead of a storefront or online-only sales, we do relationship and conversation. We connect to style and impact while we connect with each other. I love that hosting offers women a simple way to expand their impact and their wardrobe while having fun with friends. I provide lots of tips and guidance to make your job as hostess easier! You gather friends and get them excited; I do the rest.
And as you’ll see, trunk shows can look very different for different hostesses - which is what makes this so fun! Just as every hostess is unique, every show is unique. If you’ve ever wondered about what it could look like to host a show, or wanted a peek into my life as an Ambassador, look no further than three of my October shows.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the world of socially and environmentally conscious shopping or it’s been a way of life for years, I think you’d agree that this time of year offers a huge opportunity. What if we harness the power of our spending to create a better world? What if we ask for, and give, products that are meaningful and impactful?
Read MoreIt started with that time I felt inspired to host a Noonday trunk show.
I had a growing interest in ethical fashion, and wanted chances to engage my friends in great conversations around it. I loved the little bit I'd heard about Noonday here and there, so went to the website, typed in my ZIP code, and waited for my screen to show me a list of area ambassadors.
"We can't find this ambassador," it said. Really? Zero ambassadors near Madison, WI?
Read MoreI met my dear, dear friend Jess in September 2017, and I’m honored she’s sharing on the blog about how important community is when you are going through a hard situation, and how her experience as a Noonday Ambassador has brought joy and community beyond what she’d imagined. Read on for a peek into our sisterhood - and 3 practical ways to move beyond “how can I help?” and into action.
Read MoreIn this Motherhood series post, my friend LaShawn shares her health journey and the journey toward finding completeness with her family of three.
Read MoreWe all want to live lives of impact that bring justice for the earth and its people. And our lives are made up of days, days whose tone can be set the moment our eyes open in the morning.
But what’s on your mind as you get ready in the morning?
Read MoreAs we continue in our series about motherhood, I’m thrilled to feature my friend Barbara. The first time we spoke, I was so touched by her story. Her heart aligns so fully with how I talk about Noonday: we need to alleviate the orphan crisis from multiple angles. Barbara champions ethical adoption, which cannot be isolated from efforts towards family preservation and orphan prevention. Read her story of the long stretch between being matched and being able to bring her child home, and parenting her son well from afar in the meantime.
Read MoreI’m continuing my series of reflections on motherhood from some dear friends! Today, my friend Gauri shares about mothering her adult daughters, and how her identity as an Indian immigrant shapes her perspective.
Read MoreI first connected with my dear friend Jaclyn over Noonday’s fashion and global impact. I soon learned about her motherhood journey. In this post, she shares how the loss of her mother shapes her own journey as a mom - and what it’s like to live in the tension between joy and sorrow.
Read MoreI’m thrilled to feature some moms I truly admire on my blog in honor of Mother’s Day this month. My friend Michelle shares her perspective as an adoptive mom, as well as a grieving mom, and how this journey has deepened her heart for moms and babies around the globe.
Read MoreI'm learning to love well from Madison, WI. Join me on this journey toward compassion, advocacy, and action. I'm all about fair trade and ethical fashion with Noonday Collection, and finding all the ways we can make better use of our untapped potential to be powerful advocates for world change. Check out my 2018 Kind Consumer Challenge to join the conversation.
Want an inspiring read? Pick up Imperfect Courage by Noonday’s founder, Jessica Honegger.
Gaby Flats from The Root Collective, my favorite ethical shoe company. Use code JULIE15 for 15% off!
My posts may contain affiliate links, which means when you click and purchase through my link, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog as I support brands that I can stand behind!
Become an Insider for my news, updates, tips, promos, and more!
I'm so excited to get to know you and journey with you toward greater kindness and connection. Check your email for your first hello from me!
Julie Godshall LLC
