Whether you have no idea that it exists, or merely have heard that it is happening, the sex trafficking industry is a serious global issue that is happening before our very own eyes. You can help take a stand against this modern day slavery by supporting a business that's within your very own community. Director of Field Development at Better Way Imports, Beth George, explains.
Whether you have no idea that it exists, or merely have heard that it is happening, the sex trafficking industry is a serious global issue that is happening before our very own eyes. You can help take a stand against this modern day slavery by supporting a business that's right here in our community. Director of Field Development at Better Way Imports, Beth George, explains.
Rapid Growth Media: How did you first get your start with
Better Way Imports?
Beth George: When I had decided to step down from the company I was working with, I did my best to not make plans to move on to the next thing, as I truly felt that I was being called to another career. Within two weeks of my stepping down, I got a call from Better Way Imports letting me know they were going in a different direction with their business strategies, and decided they wanted to do direct marketing. I knew immediately that this is the place I was supposed to be using the skills I had acquired — to the betterment of others.
RG: Who were you working with previously?
BG: Before I started working at Better Way Imports, I was a consultant/manager with another direct sales company. I had been with them for about six years when I felt the call to do something more meaningful with my career life. I had quite a successful bout with the company I was with, yet I felt there was more I could be doing for the world around me.
RG: How does the Better Way Imports business model work?
BG: From the outside looking in, Better Way Imports looks like any other direct sales or party planning company. You purchase products, you book a party or you decide that you actually want to make a career out of it and join us as a "freedom fighter." And all of this is true, however our why is evident through the idea that we are producer focused first and consumer focused second. Don't get me wrong, our products are awesome and high quality. However, we exist to meet the needs of the ladies we support. Better Way Imports connects with organizations that are offering alternative employment to women who have been subjected to the horrors of sex trafficking. Once they join these organizations, they are offered health care, child care, consulting and then they are taught a trade. They make the products, and then we purchase those products and sell them here in the U.S. through our consultants who get to tell the stories of these beautiful survivors. Then, we go back for more!
RG: How do most people learn about Better Way Imports?
BG: We rely heavily on our in-home parties. This is the only place where you would see us or hear about us. It is pretty incredible to see how quickly it can spread by utilizing word of mouth. We believe that every penny that crosses our threshold needs to be spent on whatever will create the most freedom in the fastest way; therefore, our "advertisers," or "freedom fighters," is the way to go. Nothing motivates anyone like income does. We also believe that the stories need to be told about our bags and blankets and jewelry. It isn't just another product. There is life in each thread stitched and every clasp branded.
RG: Do you personally get to connect with the women who are hand-making these products?
BG: It is one of my greatest honors to spend time with the women who make our products. Each one of them is my hero and so the fact that I get to meet them has changed my life and of course motivated me to continue this work of freedom.
RG: Do you often find that people are unaware of the social issues you are fighting against?
BG: It is a mixed crowd at each event that I attend. Some people have no idea that this issue even exists and others have heard that it is happening. My goal is not merely to educate on this issue, but to infuriate. This should break every heart and in doing so motivate others to do something about it. That is why I love what we do. We offer tangible ways to make a dent in the sex trafficking industry.
RG: What has been one of the most eye opening experiences since you started working at BWI?
BG: In March of 2016, we took our first trip to India to meet the founders of our organizations and, of course, the ladies who make our beautiful products. We had the opportunity to spend some down time with the women there, and that was really lovely. However, the most extravagant time spent was watching them work. They have true joy when they come together to create. I do not know what it means to live a life where I truly believed I had no value. These women have become so objectified; I could not imagine how I could walk into humanity once again. But they do. And because they show up every day to create, I will continue to show up to sell.
Jenna Morton is Rapid Growth's RapidChat correspondent.
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