We’ve recently seen the Duchess of Cambridge speaking powerfully (with her words and actions) about mental health care and how vital its treatment is for children and families. I am not alone in on Team WWKD in feeling that her opening this dialogue may well turn out to be as epic in the mental health discussion as was Diana, Princess of Wales’s involvement with AIDS patients. That kind of activism is deeply inspiring and yet somewhat frustrating to mere mortals such as this contributor. Thankfully, as we frequently find, the Duchess of Cambridge’s example highlights that speaking with your wallet can be equally, though differently, powerful. We may not all have the platform Kate does to be a voice for change, but we can, make a difference and express our opinions with our Dollars, Pounds, or Euros.
Supporting Companies that Support Worthy Causes
Kate fans will recognize that the Duchess is a long-time fan of London brand Beulah. As What Would Kate Do? highlighted earlier this week, Beulah’s founder s Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan have launched a charitable arm of the company with a purpose toward combating slavery and sex trafficking. Additionally, they donate a percentage of the proceeds from sales of their iconic Blue Heart Shibani scarf (most recently worn by the Duchess at the 21 September Rugby World Cup match) and other items in the Blue Heart line to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign. Moreover, they are deeply conscious of their supply chain and strive to not only to eliminate exploitation in their commercial process but to actively empower those who work to bring their products to fruition.
Thankfully, one does not have to look far these days to find companies with a conscience in the marketplace. Whether education or animal cruelty is your personal passion, you can, like Kate, promote your cause by carefully selecting where you choose to spend your Dollars.
Buying Local
It is well-documented that Duchess Kate’s personal passions extend to aesthetics and design. Truly, the world is her oyster, from which she could commission experts to source for her any item she desires for her homes in Kensington Palace or Anmer Hall. Yet, Kate is regularly spotted popping in to antiques markets in Berkshire and Norfolk. Not only is this a thrill for the shop owners, it sends a message that, for the Duchess, e-commerce cannot replace the experience of browsing through history in person, and that those shops and their personnel remain a vital part of the economy.
So don’t wait until Small Business Saturday rolls around (it is usually the day after Black Friday)! Whether it’s a Main Street bookseller or a local farmer, your Pounds, like Kate’s, can make a difference to a neighbor’s bottom line and serve to remind others that local business are still a vital part of the economy.
Waving the Flag
The Duchess of Cambridge has also been known to spread the patriotic love while on Royal Tour. She marked her arrival in Canada by showcasing Canadian designer Erdem. She likewise tipped her hat to Aussie label Zimmerman while down under. Whether you’re prone to “Made in America” or “Made in Britain, like Kate, you can display patriotism and deference with purchasing choices.
No matter what you do, be sure to spend your dollars wisely – Kate also famously likes a bargain! We leave you with some Sephora printable coupons so you can even get Kate’s beauty secrets delivered to you at a discount… Definitely something Kate would do!
This is such a great reminder that we have enormous power as consumers–excellent post!