You all know I love supporting small businesses, and I especially love finding new fair trade businesses to share with you all. Recently, I had the opportunity of connecting with Lauren Campbell of Fair Trade Traveler through Instagram and Zoom. We share the same passion for bringing awareness and fighting human trafficking, and it was such a blessing to hear her heart behind her mission.
Lauren owns a fair trade shop online and in person at Abbey Lane (located in Altus, OK). Her shop is full of unique and meaningful products that help fight human trafficking, abuse and poverty. You can find all sorts of cute mugs, socks, handbags, body products, chocolate, food and more in her shop!
Lauren is very passionate about educating people on slavery and trafficking here in the U.S. and around the world. And her story is one that only God can write...bringing her from the depths of despair in an abusive relationship to present-day triumph as she is now married to a wonderful Christian man, James, who loves and cares for her so well.
Lauren does a wonderful job using her influence on Instagram to encourage and uplift her followers through the thoughtful messages and Bible verses she shares.
Although she doesn't sell clothing in her shop, she loves wearing and supporting ethical fashion brands in her every-day life. Some of her favorites are Passion Lillie and Tula Hats.
Lauren is so passionate about educating young men and women on the dangers of human trafficking. She has worked with various organizations that bring awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. She interned with Restore One, a Christian organization founded to bring healing and awareness to male survivors of sex trafficking. During her internship there she grew in her passion for fighting trafficking and worked on research for the documentary Boys. This documentary seeks to help its viewers gain an understanding of what male sex trafficking looks like within the United States and how we can help male survivors have a voice. Throughout her time working with Restore One, she began to more fully understand a horrible reality facing many trafficking victims: the only way they can leave their slavery behind is if they have a job to go to. This reality is why she began her fair trade shop and loves to support companies like Thistle Farms and Bright Endeavors, which provide jobs for survivors and help them create a new life for themselves. Lauren also went on to work for the non-profit organization Be Free in Dayton, Ohio, where she served as the program director. This role brought her into middle and high schools, enabling her to educate youth on what human trafficking looks likes here in the States and how to protect themselves from being trafficked.
Though she no longer works for these organizations, her passion has not diminished. She still strives to bring awareness to all people through Instagram, her shop, and in person.
Together we can be that voice to tell the world! Every small step counts. Every purchase matters. I pray that Lauren's story and work inspire you today to go out there and make a difference in the world!
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