Design with benefits

Move over, Etsy- there's a new online shop in town. If you're looking for personally-curated boutique with unique, design-focused items, we've found you your match. Shop at Design with Benefits for clever, beautiful products that keep social good in mind. But the good doesn't stop there. Each month, users vote for a cause (design-related and socially-conscious, of course), and the winning one receives a percentage of all online sales. It's a complex, brilliant idea, so we thought we'd let the team behind the site do the talking. Meet Tania, Ida, and Eunice- the brains (and beauties) behind Design with Benefits.

introducing… DESIGN WITH BENEFITS

T: I’ve always been interested in looking at ways in which design (whether architecture, urbanism, or product design) can be a catalyst for social change and a tool for addressing equity and environmental issues. For me, Design With Benefits is an opportunity to find and curate amazing products that are already doing this, and showcase them in one place, making it easy for people to make a small but meaningful difference through everyday purchases. For example, we just started selling these striking bags called Homeboy Totes, that feature bold quotes and original calligraphy by ex-gang members in L.A. The organization involved, Homeboy Industries, encourages ex-gang members to turn their graffiti skills into profitable graphic skills. They also provide resources and assistance for them to build their own sustainable local businesses—offering a rare opportunity for a second chance.

E: My favorite part of Design with Benefits is The Dish section, where we feature news related to design activism, social innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. I’ve interviewed such incredible designers and entrepreneurs, and their stories truly inspire me. I am so thankful to have found Tania and Ida; Design with Benefits has been a thrilling experience so far... Design with Benefits is so much more than design and social responsibility; to me, it is also about women and entrepreneurship, inspiring storytelling, and redefining beauty.

I: Design With Benefits has a primary objective to sell products, which are not only clever and beautiful designs, but also yield a certain social or environmental benefit. We aim to create an ethical relationship between the designer, the user and the interface that connects them. Moreover, our major goal is to help influence overall consumer values and promote responsible purchasing, as well as to leverage values throughout the whole manufacturing process. With hopes that social entrepreneurship will soon become mainstream, we are proud to be a part of this venture.

T: We’ve also had vendors approach us with a clever product, who really liked our model, and were inspired by us to rethink their product to implement a benefit, like donating a portion of proceeds to a charitable organization. In the future, our goal is to do more of this. We would love to become a hub that connects beautiful products from enlightened companies with creative non-profits, so that they can partner together to create better, more ethical products in the process.

I: Work with Design With Benefits is a continuous learning process; I am constantly acquiring new skills and broadening my perspective as an architect. It is wonderful how creative this process is, and that I have an opportunity to express myself as a designer in completely new ways. And of course, the people: the three of us are a great team, we work well together and laugh a lot.

Stay tuned for more about Tania, Ida, and Eunice-

xx