Impact
GOEX is B Corp Certified
What does it really mean to be B Corp Certified? As a B Corp, we’re part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. B Corps represent individual businesses that believe we’re all in this quest to create a better world together – that change requires many of us working together. We are proud to be part of this community to work with other social enterprises and our larger community to continue to push for the use of commerce to create positive change for people and planet! B Corp Declaration of Interdependence We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good. This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation – The B Corporation – which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe that we must be the change we seek in the world and all business ought to be conducted as if people and place matter. Through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all. To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations. B Corps join together in this manifesto: Together, we transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. Together, we lead economic systems change that will realize our vision of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Together, we create standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behavior, culture, and structure of capitalism. Together, we’re changing the rules of the game so that all businesses have to balance profit and purpose. Together, we’re building a movement of people using business as a force for good. Together, we won’t stop until all business is a force for good. Our social enterprise and transparent supply chain are also verified by the Fair Trade Federation and the Social Enterprise World Forum and certified by B Lab. We want our customers to feel completely confident in our products and our company – in our dedication to care for people and for responsible sourcing. Ready to open a Wholesale Account? Apply Today
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Why Fair Trade Matters: Beyond a Purchase
In an industry where only 2% of 300 million textile workers earn a livable wage, your purchasing decisions have power. At GOEX, we believe fair trade isn't just a verification—it's a commitment to human dignity and environmental responsibility that transforms lives.
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Soft Shades for Summer
Soft pastel shades, including our newest additions Light Pink and Orange Sorbet are key in 2025’s fashion color palette, especially as we’re now in warmer months. These hues offer a serene and approachable aesthetic that works well across different demographics. This is a shift from the neons we’ve seen the last few years. Why the Trend is Shifting These season, there’s been a noticeable movement away from the bold, high-energy neons and bright colors that dominated fashion, toward more subdued, gentle pastel shades. This shift can be attributed to several factors: Desire for Calm and Comfort: After a period of global uncertainty and high stress, consumers are gravitating toward colors that evoke tranquility, peace, and comfort. Sustainability and Mindful Living: Pastels are often associated with natural and organic aesthetics, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainability and mindful consumption. Digital Fatigue: The saturation of bright, digital colors in online spaces has led to a craving for softer, more soothing visuals in the real world. Seasonal and Cultural Influences: Pastels are perennial favorites for spring and summer, but their popularity is now extending year-round as people seek a sense of renewal and optimism. Styling Pastels To create stylish, balanced outfits with pastels, consider these color pairings: With Neutrals: Pair pastel pink, blue, or lavender with white, beige, or gray for a clean, modern look. With Other Pastels: Mix different pastel shades—such as mint green with soft peach or baby blue with lilac—for a harmonious, playful ensemble. With Earth Tones: Combine pastels with muted browns, taupes, or olive greens for a grounded, nature-inspired outfit. With Dark Accents: Add depth by pairing pastels with black or navy for a sophisticated contrast. With Metallics: Soft pastels look elegant with silver, gold, or rose gold accessories for a touch of glamour. Pastels are for everyone! No matter who you are, the move toward pastels reflects a desire for calm, comfort, and mindful living. Pastels appeal to a wide range of people, from trend-conscious youth to professionals and families, and can be beautifully paired with neutrals, other pastels, earth tones, dark accents, or metallics for versatile, stylish looks.
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GOEX + The Good Tee: A New Fair Trade Partnership
GOEX and The Good Tee Announce New Partnership GOEX Becomes Exclusive Wholesale Distributor in the U.S. and Canada Kansas City, MISSOURI—GOEX and The Good Tee are excited to announce that GOEX will become the exclusive wholesale distributor of The Good Tee’s 100 percent organic cotton products in the United States and Canada. This partnership will be effective October 2024, adding The Good Tee’s trusted, sustainably sourced apparel to GOEX’s growing collection of fair trade, eco-conscious clothing. While The Good Tee will continue to sell directly to consumers through their website, GOEX will handle all wholesale orders, including blank and custom options. This partnership aligns with the shared commitment of both brands to providing ethical, sustainable fashion made with care for people and the planet. “We’re thrilled to bring The Good Tee’s high-quality organic cotton basics to our wholesale clients,” said Jessica Ray, Executive Director of GOEX. “The addition of these 100% organic cotton pieces strengthens our collection of sustainable apparel, providing even more choices for those seeking ethical, fair trade fashion.” The Good Tee's organic cotton products are known for their exceptional quality, certified sustainable practices, and commitment to fair trade. With this new partnership, wholesale customers in the U.S. and Canada can look forward to ordering these beloved basics through GOEX, with stock available by the end of December 2024. Interested wholesale clients are encouraged to contact their GOEX sales representatives for more information on orders and custom options. Stock will be available for sale at the end of October. About GOEX GOEX uses a simple tee to connect the customer and the maker. Our customers sustain fair wage jobs that liberate workers from poverty and empower them in their families and communities. We prioritize sustainability, evaluating materials annually to ensure the use of eco-friendly options like OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified fabrics and Fair Trade labels. As a Fair Trade Federation Verified organization and a member of B Corp, the Fair Labor Association, and the Social Enterprise Alliance, we are dedicated to transparency, integrity, and fairness in every aspect of our business. Our ongoing commitment to fair wages and benefits ensures our U.S. and Haiti teams can care for their families, stay healthy, and plan for the future. About The Good Tee The Good Tee, launched March 2020, is on a mission to be a positive example of responsibly made fashion basics and to humanize the fashion industry. Made from Fairtrade organic cotton and certified eco-friendly dyes, our t-shirts are fully traceable from farm to warehouse. We celebrate all the good humans in the supply chain that make our products, so you can understand the positive impact you make. As a certified B Corporation, we aim to be a force for good. For media inquiries, please contact Nate Williams, Director of Marketing, The Global Orphan Project. Email: nate@goproject.org or (816) 536-8333.
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A New Year in Haiti
Happy January GOEX Family! It’s been awhile since we sent out a Haiti update but today we want to celebrate with you because the team is back at work! At the end of each year we close the factory for about three weeks as required by Haiti law. Employees are paid for vacation time and we send them off with a holiday gift bag of special food items to celebrate the season with their families. This year that time off has been extended because we were not able to move a container of fabric from port due to security concerns. However, we are excited to share with you that this past Saturday morning the container was delivered safely to the factory! After customs inspection employees unloaded it yesterday and today we had navy triblend on the cutting table! To most apparel companies, this isn’t a big deal – fabric and garments come and go almost every day. But as security in Haiti has eroded over the past months, it’s become increasingly difficult and risky to move containers back and forth between the factory and the port. It’s also difficult to get messengers to move paperwork around Port au Prince as needed for clearance. Logistics isn’t generally the most fun part of doing business but it’s extremely difficult for those of us who work in Haiti. Nevertheless, because of our love for and dedication to, the amazing men and women who sew your garments, we keep at it! We have shipped garments and fabric via smaller air shipments for several months but that was not a sustainable, cost-effective solution. That makes us even more grateful that we were able to move the fabric and get the team back to work. All of this was happening while I was in Atlanta at a trade show with the Haiti Artisan Collective The support from this amazing group of brands is sweet and life-giving. I am so thankful for all of the men and women giving of their time and talents to bring Haitian-made products to market. And I am equally thankful for the amazing and generous customers who support us. Cheers to 2024 and to creating and sustaining even more jobs in Haiti! With love and gratitude,Jessica
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Warehouse Sale!
Save the date for our upcoming Warehouse Sale where you'll have the opportunity to shop incredible deals at our shop in Downtown Kansas City!We're located in Downtown Kansas City, near Union Station and the National World War I Museum.
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Creatively Counteracting Human Trafficking Through Job Creation
Creatively Counteracting Human Trafficking Through Job Creation About 12 years ago, I was introduced to the issue of global sex trafficking. We started working stateside to support women who have escaped sex trafficking and were working to rebuild their lives and create a better future for their children. We sold the beautiful paper bead jewelry they were creating and sent the funds back to help ensure that this happened. It made total sense to me all those years ago that survivors had to have a way to survive, and job creation had to be a part of the solution to counteract human trafficking. In 2021, Freedom Business Alliance released a startling statistic: 80% of those rescued from human trafficking are re-trafficked without dignified opportunities! WHOAH! We knew all along that job creation was powerful, but once the research showed us just how powerful it was, it reenergized us to keep going! Over the years, I have realized that, at best, job creation is also a significant way we can prevent human trafficking from entering someone's story! To date, we have partnered with over 156 organizations to ensure those rescued from or vulnerable to human trafficking have dignified opportunities. It has been such a glorious work to link arms with so many. The Issue Human Trafficking is a multi-billion dollar business that operates to flip a profit by trading and exploiting people. In reality, traffickers are scanning others for a vulnerability to exploit. New Creation has used the approach of monitoring the vulnerabilities that we can remove. When we don’t address the root cause of issues, we are allowing the doors to remain open and people to continue to be harmed. The work we do in our shop and through our subscription box, Do Good Mail, is anti-trafficking work in a beautiful and creative way. We are taking two powerful tools, fair wage opportunities and poverty alleviation, to push back on the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. The Poverty Cycle Did you know that most often, poverty is intergenerational? “Roughly one-third of children who grow up poor in the United States will also experience poverty as adults.” (Source: Brookings) The issues that often are linked to poverty include limited access to education, difficulty navigating and connecting to resources, housing limitations, addiction, and other criminal activity, as well as child abuse and neglect. Our work, which started globally, quickly shifted to adding a local focus when I came face to face with human trafficking in my zip code. My hometown, with less than 4,000 people and three stop lights, seemed like an improbable place for it to exist. But the truth is human trafficking exists in towns and cities, big and small. This local case opened my eyes to what poverty, desperation, and addiction can lead to. The survivor’s trafficker wasn’t a stranger or a boyfriend; it was her very own mother. I didn’t know it then, but statistically, 50% of children trafficked in our country are trafficked by a family member. And in most of the familial cases I have seen, poverty and addiction were both glaring factors that led to trafficking entering their stories. Whether you are looking at domestic or global trafficking, poverty is often the common factor that sets it into motion. In 2017, we began working in Moldova, the tiniest and poorest nation in Europe. I had heard stats like one in every ten people fell victim to trafficking, and the biggest export out of the country was girls. I was shocked but also desperate to find a way to serve there. We were beyond fortunate to find a Moldovan-led organization that was doing critical work to remove vulnerabilities within their country. In one of our first meetings, they discussed the reality that the lack of opportunities for women was one of the common reasons trafficking was an epidemic there! Limited options and desperation can many times push people into accepting risky job offers that lead to human trafficking. They told us of girls being offered jobs as nannies, working in restaurants, and more. Each opportunity, in reality, resulted in them being sold for sex in countries around the world. Sadly, when limited choices are available, these job proposals often feel like their only option. By providing fair wage jobs to the women of Moldova we are helping alleviate the root vulnerability: the lack of opportunity, and ensuring they also have access to job training opportunities, life skills, and health care. Not only is that a life-changing opportunity for the survivor but also her children and the greater community. What we have seen is that communities are lifted when there are fair-paying, dignified opportunities available. When economic opportunities are present, it creates a more resilient environment where members become less likely to fall victim to human trafficking. When we invest in social enterprises that are integrated with skill-building initiatives, we are helping to support economic stability, which in turn reduces the risk of trafficking. Job Creation is Empowerment In my years of experience, I have been saddened to see how those in the anti-trafficking movement can be seen in a hero role. The truth is survivors of human trafficking are the actual heroes of their own story. When we can create space and opportunity for them to thrive with dignified opportunities, we ensure they are empowered and have agency. They use their creativity, skills, and more to create their future. The survivors and artisans we have served alongside are some of the most creative, resilient, and powerful people on the planet. Living wage job creation is a necessary piece to seeing survivors lead self-sustaining lives that they can be proud to have created. These job opportunities provide financial stability and security, allowing them to support themselves and, many times, their children. There is fundamental dignity and self-worth established when artisans are paid fairly for the skills they have and the contributions they make. They are more likely to feel seen, valued, and respected for the work they do, which can boost their overall self-confidence and motivation for the future. Our hope is it will also engage upward mobility with increased job skills that can create career advancements, future education, and personal development. Every Product Tells a Story In conclusion, I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the way that consumerism can either be the solution to or the fuel of the issue of human trafficking. When we began over a decade ago, I had minimal knowledge about fair trade and ethical manufacturing. Like most people, I purchased items with very little thought of who was behind the creation of the product and how that, in turn, affected the person involved. I now know that many of the items we consume are a significant contributor to human trafficking. Fair Trade promotes ethical practices, fair compensation, and safe working conditions. In contrast, the creation of many products involves exploitation, coercion, and forced labor, which is, by law, human trafficking. Fair trade and living wage job creation are such vital tools to educate others on how to consume consciously. We have always viewed our shop as a way to start conversations and bring others close to an issue that can feel paralyzing. By using ethical practices in creating items and marketing them, we are creating opportunities for everyday citizens to use their purchasing power for GOOD + ultimately join our mission to creatively counteract human trafficking! BIO Sabrina Dorman-Andrew Co-Founder + Executive Director Sabrina's passion for combating human trafficking quickly developed after volunteering stateside with an Ugandan-based nonprofit, + since then it has been her mission to learn about this issue on a local + global scale. In 2013, she + her husband founded New Creation VA, a nonprofit that creatively counteracts human trafficking with a local heart + global approach. To date, that organization has generated almost $5 million to combat trafficking. They have worked with over 10,000 students to raise awareness, as well as, training hundreds of community members on what trafficking is + how to recognize the signs. In 2022, Sabrina was named “Freedom Ambassador of the Year,” for her commitment to the mission of preventing human trafficking and championing the Prevention Project curriculum throughout Virginia. Armed with the belief that prevention education + job creation are powerful solutions to the problem, she has dedicated her life to developing concepts that will make an impact.
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Fashion Revolution Week 2023
10 years ago the Rana Plaza factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing at least 1132 people and injuring over 2000 others. This served as a wakeup call to the working conditions of those who make our clothes and an international movement, Fashion Revolution Week, was born out of this tragedy. People all over the world ask questions like, "Who made my clothes?", "Who Made My Jewelry?", "Who Made My Shoes?", etc. At GOEX we are committed to transparency and fair wages.As Fashion Revolution Week approaches April 22-29 you’ll see many ethical, transparent brands posting and sharing pictures of the amazing craftsmen and women who produce your garments, shoes and accessories. Typically we would be right there with them – we believe in the power of this movement and link arms with others who are pushing for fair wages and ethical practices in apparel manufacturing. However, above all this movement is about caring for makers and so this year you won’t see any of those photos. Realistically, pictures of our makers will be absent from your inboxes and feeds for the foreseeable future. Why? Back in September our General Manager in Haiti shared about the dangers there due to political instability and gang activity. Unfortunately, while the port is open and goods are flowing for the most part, the danger has not decreased. In fact it’s continued to escalate. If our employees are associated with us as an American company, it could potentially make them targets and we absolutely do not want that! We are taking every precaution we can think of from the US to prioritize their safety. So why do we continue to produce in Haiti in this climate? It’s because the need for jobs is more real than ever as the unemployment rate rises and the currency continues to devalue. As you may recall from the letter we shared in September, coming to work “is a risk that our employees are willing to take at any cost, because "Le travail c'est la liberté." This is a saying in French that means, ‘Work is Freedom.’” As other employers pulled out of Haiti we doubled down on our trust of the team to make good decisions and in our desire to care for our team and their families through the dignity of work. We added a social worker to our team to invest in their emotional health and we continue to provide lunch each day. And so, when you next put on a GOEX tee, we hope you’ll think of the hands that touched it and take a minute to pray for their safety and for Haiti. The need has never been greater than it is today. As always, thank you to the entire GOEX family for your support!
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The Dominican Republic & Haiti: An Update From Jessica Ray
Hi GOEX family – I’m on my way back from visiting the factory we’re working with in the Dominican Republic and wanted to take a few minutes to update you on the trip! Before I dive into info on the factory, I want to share super fun news – the port in Haiti opened this week while I was on the other side of the island! The container of fabric we’ve had sitting at the port since August was delivered to Life around noon today, just hours after the container we sent to the Dominican Republic was delivered there! While we have no idea what will happen from here in Haiti but we are hopeful for a season of stability and this was a major step in that direction. We can now keep our team in Haiti working even while we do some catch up sewing in the DR. And with the fabric arriving at Life, we’ll be able to deliver the end of our new 2022 styles – remember Funfetti? We promise, it’s coming and it’s going to be FUN! So now to more information about the DR. The factory we’re working with is managed and partially owned by a couple with decades of experience in the industry. Their investment partner is a sportswear company in the USA. The atmosphere in the factory was very positive and upbeat. The employees enjoy one another, celebrate birthdays with singing and dancing and are decorating in preparation for the annual visit from Santa! We saw the evidence that there was no work for line 5, which will be sewing our garments! The work we’re providing will keep their income flowing and we feel great about that! While we did not do a payroll audit, we did talk with the owner about employee wages. The minimum wage in apparel in the DR is 3200 pesos per week but he said employees earn more, many of them up to twice that along with transportation allowances. Some light reading on livable wages in the DR says that employees need 4600-4900 pesos per week. This means a large group of the factory is earning a local livable wage. If we pursue additional work with this factory, we will dig in deeper. We had free range of the sewing floor, cutting tables and product development departments – we observed happy employees, about a 50/50 mix of men and women and no children. We were, overall, super happy and pleased with this visit! As I said in my earlier update, we are committed to our families in Haiti and will support them through all of the political challenges. We are grateful for a solution that can bridge the gaps and take some pressure off of them. And we’re SO grateful for a container delivered today that equals work continuing to flow through Life. Most of all, thank you to our community for supporting us and our teams. We appreciate you more than you know! Happy Holidays,Jessica
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