Now more than ever we need to look after each other.
When we first opened the store back in June, we knew that as soon as we could we wanted not only to bring you positive impact brands but also make a positive impact on others in our community. We got to know of national charity Smart Works a while back, after seeing the clear similarity in our aligned values: making women feel their best, feel like themselves, and feel like they can tackle life's ups and downs knowing they are supported to make a fresh start.
Smart Works give women the tools required to succeed in interviews, get the job they want, and empower themselves to make a fresh start.
Smart Works is a UK based charity, with a flourishing local centre right down the road from us in Edinburgh, that provides high quality interview clothes and training to unemployed women in need. By offering a triple whammy of professional styling, a work ready wardrobe, and critical confidence and interview training, this is a proactive, pragmatic charity that holds a sustainable approach to supporting women. No one touch point only, Smart Works give women the tools required to succeed in interviews, get the job they want and need, and empower themselves into making a fresh start.
With women referred to them across a spread of organisations such as job centres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities, this really is an all encompassing charity. And in their own, poignant words, 'Half have been unsuccessful in over 20 applications. A third have been turned down from over 50 jobs. All are suffering from a lack of confidence in their own abilities. The tangible impact that our service has on a woman’s confidence is something we have the privilege to witness every day. The magic begins when she enters the dressing room and is styled into her interview outfit, hers to keep, by trained volunteers. She looks in the mirror and sees a new and impressive version of herself. This is followed by one-to-one interview coaching, after which 64% of our clients go on to get the job.'
The even better news? We can all help.
We get how important clothes are in making you feel good, help us to share that feeling with those who need it most. Every time you invest in a piece from our positive impact, sustainable and vegan brands we'll give 5% of every sale directly to Smart Works Edinburgh. It's as simple as that, no catch, no clause. Get supporting and shop our new arrivals here. We're in this together!
