Seven years ago, Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she did not have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that did not stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school.
Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Global Girlfriends is Edgar's inspiring story of following her convictions, as well as her passionate argument for simple actions we can all take to eliminate extreme poverty.
"Stacey Edgar's Global Girlfriends is a heartening story of big dreams and small steps. Tireless and passionate, Edgar has forged ahead with a beguiling combination of head and heart to create a business model that works for rich and poor alike, linking together women from around the world. Global poverty, like so many seemingly insurmountable problems, can be tackled one girlfriend at a time."—Pietra Rivoli, author of Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy
"Global Girlfriends is an inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Stacey Edgar takes us on a journey from her suburban American basement to some of the most impoverished areas of the world with humor, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Her story proves that one person's drive, passion, and commitment can make a real impact in the struggle to eradicate global poverty and empower women around the world."—Greg Mortenson, New York Times bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools
"Stacey's story of starting Global Girlfriend is a wonderful example of the incredible change that one person can make with small but persistently bold steps. Being a changemaker has nothing to do with having fancy degrees, lots of resources, or being an 'expert' in philanthropy or business. Every one of us has the capacity to create something special . . . it just takes creativity and the willingness to face your fears—both of failure and success. If you're looking for inspiration, this book is definitely worth a read."—Blake Mycoskie, Founder & Chief Shoe Giver, TOMS Shoes
“In my work and travels I have been amazed by the ability of women to change not only their own lives, but the lives of their families, and communities as well. I am convinced that no village, community, or town on this planet can be changed for the better without involving the local women. Miss Edgar's story is a beautiful example of what one woman from the west can do to improve the lives of thousands worldwide simply by following her heart. Her idea is simple; help women pull themselves out of poverty and they will pull those around them out as well. However, her story is nothing short of amazing and it will inspire even the most timid of dreamers to get out and try their hand at making a difference in the world.”—Doc Hendley, President & Founder, Wine to Water
"From its humble birth in 2003 in Edgar's basement, Global Girlfriend has helped poor women develop and sell fashionable, ecologically sound products, thereby feeding their families, educating their children, and contributing to their communities. At the time, former social worker Edgar states in her captivating account, she knew little about the fair-trade movement, but harbored a desire to reach women subjected to hunger, gender discrimination, and abuse in nations reeling from war and natural disasters. As she chronicles visits to cities and villages east and west, Edgar profiles crafters and entrepreneurs with whom she has partnered. Serving as designer, marketer, wholesaler, retailer, and cheerleader, Edgar stresses her role as bridge to American women eager to shop on behalf of their 'sisters.' While quick to reveal failures (e.g., bugs emerging from seed jewelry), Edgar delights in symmetries: low-caste Indian women recycling trash bags into chic items; a series of Friday phone calls from Organic Style and O magazines and Whole Foods. Now part of GreaterGood Network and posting annual sales of more than million, Edgar makes clear that her company is a model for-profit social business that grew by making people the bottom line"—Publishers Weekly
Stacey Edgar started Global Girlfriend in 2003 as a way to provide economic security for women in need by creating a sustainable market for their products. Stacey has been honored by the Microsoft Corporation as a recipient of the company’s “Start Something Amazing” awards, and is a sought-after speaker on the topics of women in the global economy, fair trade, sex trafficking, market and enterprise development, cause marketing, entrepreneurship, and parlaying your passion into your career. She lives in Colorado with her family.
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