Daring Doer Feature - Christine Hutchison

Success isn’t a matter of luck or chance. Success comes from many deliberate steps and a whole lot of hard work. That means success is completely within your control to make happen. ~ Today's
Hustle Tip on, Spark & Hustle.
 
Our founder, Christine Hutchison, is an ecopreneur whose focus is on building five ACCESSORIES into a nationally recognized eco friendly brand and social enterprise. We are not only proud of Christine for all she does here at five, but for her passion and desire to help others as well.

Christine is being  featured in today's Daring Doer on Tory Johnson's Spark & Hustle website.  She answers questions about being an entrepreneur, her vision for five and what she has learned. Her parting thought should be lived out by all of us whether we are entrepreneurs or not:

'Dessert" is the word ‘stressed’ with the letters scrambled. Take everything in stride, make sure to breath easy and take the time to have the dessert.

Be sure to read the article in full at Spark & Hustle.

five ACCESSORIES Stretch Donation

We want Jim back!

Jim’s (aka "Stretch) health struggles began in June when he was diagnosed with a sudden and severe case of myocarditis that has left him in need of a heart transplant. Jim became the first person in the United States to undergo an experimental procedure where two small pumps were implanted in his heart. This has allowed him to go home and be with his family while he gets strong enough for his transplant. Leave it to Jim to make history! Read all about it at http://www.nmh.org/nm/bivad+release.

Jim’s willingness to undergo this procedure and document his experience will likely help countless future heart transplant patients improve their quality of life while awaiting transplant. This is no surprise for those of us who know Jim. From coaching kid’s soccer to working with disabled sailors, Jim is always helping others.

The immediate and long-term costs of a heart transplant are staggering. The first year costs average approximately $800,000.00. Thereafter, the cost of anti-rejection medicines and continuing medical care will cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.

On November 5, 2010, a fundraising event will be held for Jim and his family at the Belmont Station of the Chicago Yacht Club.

Please set the date aside and seriously consider this opportunity to help Jim, his wife and three young daughters. You can help give this family security and peace of mind during these trying times. Thank you for helping!

five ACCESSORIES is privileged to help with this charity event in a small way by donating the following:

1 Large Messenger Bag in Black $75
1 Shoulder Bag in Blue $45
2 Recycled Picture Frames $15 each= $30

We send well wishes to Jim and his family.

Eco- Friendly Handbags Support Cambodia Charity

As you know, Giving Back is part of our mission statement. A portion of sales goes to support five different countries. Today we featuring Cambodia and sharing the story of how we have chosen to give back to this country and why.

A portion of our sales from our Cambodia collection goes to support a Cambodian charity that supports women and children who are victims of human trafficking and sex slavery. Most of you are probably aware that human trafficking is a global problem that is embedded in a web of poverty, political transition, inadequate female education and economic opportunity and the low value placed on women and children. The International Organization for Migration estimates as many as 4 million people are trafficked each year, a quarter of which are children. Trafficking is a $10 billion dollar a year business. In Asia, women and children are trafficked into prostitution and forced labor within their own countries as well as overseas.

Our eco fashion bags and accessories are handmade by Smateria in Phnom Phem, Cambodia. All of Smateria's products are handmade by Cambodian craftsman and women employed in line with fair trade principles. The company currently employs 50 permanent staff and 15 outsourced families.

Buy locally and support globally by purchasing one of our sustainable bags and fair trade totes using recycled mosquito netting from Cambodia partners Smateria.