Wild Iris Boutique, Arlington Heights, IL
When we founded Wild Iris , we based our business model around the concept of sourcing unique purses and accessories that could be purchased for a low cost and therefore delivered to the consumer at a low price. Upon further investigation of our supply chain, however, we discovered some unsettling truths. We were disturbed to find that many of our suppliers were based out of China, and the working conditions in the factories in which these goods were manufactured were deplorable. Right then, we knew something had to change. And change we did! We discovered the concept of Fair Trade, as well as items manufactured right here in the U.S.A. that could provide the uniqueness, quality, and low cost we were looking for, and sources we could feel “right” about.
Fair Trade, at its core, is all about helping people in struggling countries earn a fair wage for their labor. It is also about helping third world communities provide schools, and helping individuals learn a trade to afford basic housing and put food on the table without working in a sweat shop, making pennies a day. Equally important, there is absolutely no child labor involved when dealing with Fair Trade providers.
In our search for higher quality suppliers, we discovered talented local artists making jewelry and clothing right here in the Chicago area. We then expanded our search beyond the local area from the East to West coasts, and were excited to find quite a bit of variety and quality. So we buy from them and bring their talents to you. We have also made it our mission to buy from Green companies right here in the U.S. that make their products from recycled materials. Or from Green plants that are energy efficient, not damaging to our environment, and are committed to protecting our Earth.
Some of our merchandise does come from China, but we have ensured that they are reputable companies that do not run sweat shops or employ children. These companies are overseen by owners in the U.S. that have built new, up-to-date manufacturing plants, and provide their employees with reasonable working hours and a competitive wage for their labor. They also provide employees the opportunity for advancement, and training with people from the U.S. working side by side with their local co-workers.
We do everything we can to stay true to our mission by asking questions and thoroughly digging into the manufacturing policies of each new company we take on. You would be surprised that most companies in the U.S.A. that purchase products from China have no idea what the working conditions are, and have never set foot in the country. They rely on deals made over the wire by contacting companies and bidding on who can make their product cheaper, often with a level of quality that is merely mediocre. We are not saying that all companies in China do not pay their employees enough to feed their families after working a 70 hour work week, or do not have an age requirement for employment, but there are enough out there exporting to the U.S. that buyers must remain vigilant – and we do!
Some of our Fair trade merchandise is made by people from 11 countries that had a disaster years ago that many have long since forgotten about, like the Tsunami of Dec. 2004. The global death toll was last posted in 2005 at 226,566 people, but we will never know truly how many perished because of the number remote islands and small countries that were affected by the disaster along the cost line. Some died over 1,000 miles away from the epicenter. There have been private Americans, as well as churches that, out of the goodness of their hearts, have helped the people start small businesses so that they can rebuild what they lost. A majority of these private Americans do not make a profit from what they started. They supported them with the equipment and training to make beautiful items to sell all over the world, and we are proud to be a supporter of this process and bring these beautiful items to you.
Wild Iris Purses is based in part on the belief that helping people is of the utmost importance, whether it is bringing wonderful treasures to you, or the greatest outfit for your date night or special occasion! Or supporting a struggling artist/crafter trying to make their own way, or a manufacture right here in the U.S. that helps our economy grow. We were surprised to find out that a lot of the U.S. companies also give a percentage of there income to foundations like petfinder.com, providing support for kids that would have never had the money for college, supporting battered women's groups, supporting the Cancer Federation, and it goes on and on. Our entire team is committed to finding those companies, and supporting our local economy. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. And we hope that what they say is true, "what goes around comes around," and that our company will continue to grow.
Everything we carry is purchased directly from the artist or manufacturer to give you the best prices possible and help us turn over our stock so that we may bring you the newest and freshest fashions out there. Since our products are constantly changing, there is no way of showing all of them here, but we do provide a showcase for you to browse to get an idea of the kind of deals you will find with Wild Iris. Also, we frequently are part of craft shows throughout the Chicago area. Upcoming shows are listed on our site. Feel free to come to any of them & shop!
In recent decades, products that are made in the USA have become more and more scarce, but we are finally seeing renewed interest in homegrown goods. Not only are you supporting American businesses, but the success of these businesses creates a halo effect that boosts the broader economy. At a time when jobs for Americans are lacking, it is more important than ever to support American businesses by buying products that are made in the USA.
