Episode 213 - Doing Good is Good for Business with Keren Pybus & Jeff Kahler
Aug 9, 2022
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Keren Pybus, co-founder of Ethical Apparel Africa, discusses her journey in revolutionizing the fashion industry with ethical manufacturing practices in West Africa. She emphasizes the importance of creating job opportunities, especially for women, contributing to community empowerment. Jeff Kahler joins the conversation, highlighting the need for faith-driven investment in Africa. They explore integrating faith into business, fostering supportive environments, and forming partnerships that balance profit with social impact.
Entrepreneurs should prioritize their faith and purpose over financial success to navigate business challenges more effectively.
Ethical Apparel Africa demonstrates that combining social responsibility with business can generate significant community impact and empower workers, especially women.
Deep dives
The Identity of Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to root their identity in their faith rather than their financial success. The journey of entrepreneurship can lead to challenges, including feelings of loss and the importance of understanding one's purpose in God's plan. Recognizing that everyone can be classified as either winners or learners—rather than winners and losers—helps shift the perspective on setbacks. This emphasis on faith provides a solid foundation for making decisions and overcoming the difficulties that arise in business.
Ethical Apparel Africa's Mission
Ethical Apparel Africa was created with the belief that manufacturing can and should be both ethical and impactful. The company focuses on partnering with international brands to develop a manufacturing base in West Africa that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. By adopting a model that merges profit with people-centered practices, the vision is to generate thousands of quality jobs in the region. The founders aim to transform the garment industry, proving that ethical practices can succeed at scale.
Vision and Challenges in Manufacturing
The founders faced significant challenges in creating a sustainable business model, especially within an industry often linked to ethical compromises. They established a vision that included operational excellence and the use of renewable energies while creating a manufacturing model that could attract international orders. By leveraging initial funding from partnerships with organizations like USAID, they were able to develop the skills necessary in the local workforce. This careful planning allowed for the growth of ethical manufacturing, turning a vision into a functional reality that benefits the community.
Impact on Workers' Lives
The impact of Ethical Apparel Africa extends beyond providing jobs; it also focuses on enhancing the lives of the workers they employ. Providing stable employment opportunities allows workers, especially women, to support their families and contribute to their communities. The initiative has created a trajectory for women who often faced limited job prospects, enabling them to gain valuable skills and training that fosters professional growth. Personal stories, such as that of a young operator named Florence, illustrate the transformative potential of job creation in this context, ensuring individuals have meaningful and dignified work.
Keren Pybus is the Co-founder of Ethical Apparel Africa, an impact-driven company based in Ghana and Benin. Ethical Apparel Africa was founded based on the core belief that all manufacturing can and should be done ethically. And they work with international brands who are interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact. Keren joins us on the Faith Driven investor Podcast to discuss the importance of leading a company that is committed to more than just looking good.
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