Archive - November 9, 2016

I met Redemption Market founder- Rhonda LaBatt and her three lovely daughters at another local event a few months ago. She told me that her company specialized in fair trade products from around the world. Fast forward a couple months later, I spotted her booth at Phoenix Public Market. It was then that I got to glimpse at the products she carried and was able to understand the concept behind the brand.

LAFS: Tell me a little about yourself?

Rhonda: I’m a wife, mom, and founder of Redemption Market, an ethical boutique based in Phoenix. We have three amazing teenage daughters who also help with the business. I love camping, gardening, and going on spontaneous adventures!

LAFS: What inspired you to launch Redemption Market?

Rhonda: We had just adopted our youngest daughter from Peru, and she was 10 at the time. Previously I had been a middle school Spanish teacher, so I quit my job to stay home and teach her English and get her caught up in school. I saw an advertisement online from Sak Saum, an organization that was helping women rescued from trafficking. They were looking for ambassadors in the US to carry their products and share their message. I thought it would be a beautiful opportunity for me to be able to make a difference, while still being at home. So, it all started with one small box of purses and jewelry, and has now expanded to over 15 organizations!

LAFS: Tell me what products / brands you sell, and why?

Rhonda: Every brand we carry supports a distinct cause, from building schools to clean water programs. The first priority is the cause behind the line, and then secondly whether or not the item fits with the vibe of our shop and is of excellent quality. Some of our primary lines are Sak Saum based in Cambodia, JOYN out of India, and the Tote Project which is here in the States.

LAFS: What makes Redemption Market unique?

Rhonda: We have such a curated collection of items, and with everything being ethically made, it really sets us apart from other shops. I love owning my own shop because I can just pick out everything that I would like to purchase! It’s been working great so far, with my only challenge not keeping everything for myself!

LAFS: Where can we find you (online and such)?

Rhonda: Our shop is always open at redemptionmarket.com, and we are downtown most Saturdays at the Phoenix Public Market. See what’s new online on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. We are very easy to find- “Redemption Market” on all social media.