The Hope Shop by Hands Producing Hope is having their fourth anniversary on Saturday, June 1, at their Government Street storefront. 

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can enjoy sweet treats from local bakeries, gifts with every purchase, numerous giveaways, and the first ten customers will receive a gift bag. Founder Rebecca Gardner said this event is a great opportunity to give back to the local community and see firsthand where their money is going. We sat down with Gardner to hear about the goals and work behind Hands Producing Hope.

Hands Producing Hope

Hands Producing Hope works with disadvantaged women globally and refugees in the United States. Gardner shared that their goal is to “tear down barriers that are keeping them in isolation and poverty." Through artists and skills training, educational programs, business training, mentorships, and fair trade work opportunities, these women are able to expand their abilities and reach beyond their current circumstances. The Hope Shop in Baton Rouge allows the community to see what the organization is all about.

In 2010, Gardner was living in Costa Rica and discovered the hardships many of the natives faced, especially the women. These women, even as they were in extreme poverty and faced many challenges, wanted a “brighter tomorrow.” Two years later, Hands Producing Hope was born when Gardner started selling jewelry made by women from the reservation through events like trunk shows and craft events.

Expanding to New Places

In the 11 years they have been running, Hands Producing Hope has expanded to other countries in need with their biggest program being in Rwanda. This expansion includes their refugee program in Baton Rouge and the Hope Shop storefront. Despite the challenges of running a business that funds organizations that don’t always make them money and is not fast fashion, Gardner said she still believes the storefront was a great decision and that response from the community has been “overwhelmingly positive” as they have grown over the past four years. 

A major part of their expansion has been their new second-hand clothing sections that reduce the amount of clothes going into the trash. Gardner said this section is a hit with customers because they don’t have to “break the bank” to have cute and sustainable clothing. They also donate clothes to provide for the refugees associated with their programs. 

After their fourth anniversary celebration, the Hope Shop has big plans for the rest of the year. They are hosting a clothing swap in July at Electric Depot, which is in partnership with Local Pop-Up. On November 2, they will host their largest fundraiser, “The Hope Gala,” on the rooftop of the downtown library. All proceeds go towards bettering the lives, business, and education of the women in their program. 

For more information on the Hope Shop and the backstory of Hands Producing Hope, check out their website here.