larking mercantile

Last fall, I started an IG shop. At first, I just saw it as a way to unload some things I no longer needed. Then it became a fun way to give some purpose to my thrift-shopping and craft-making habits. I certainly don't see it - or my Etsy shop (yet!) - as a career move. But I definitely need something to stimulate me creatively during these long days of diaper changes and battles over naptimes.

I've also been struck, lately, by stories like this one (if you don't know about this, you need to stop reading my blog and go focus on something far more important):

It's been said, many times by many people far more eloquent than I am, that educating and supporting women and young girls is the best way to change a society and bring an end to tyranny and violence.

There seems to be a huge community on IG that rallies support around women who are raising money in order to finalize adoptions; IG auctions for these purposes often raise hundreds of dollars at a time. I think it's amazing that so many people reach out to help families other than their own - and I love the idea of combining something that I have a passion for with causes I feel passionate about. Back in November, I was asked, through a friend-of-a-friend, to be a part of a collective of artists who were raising funds to support relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. I decided to host a small auction online to raise some additional funds, and I was pleased to be able to set aside $75 in addition to my work with the Artists Heal PH towards disaster relief.

As a result - I've decided that I want to turn my humble little IG shop into a way to give back. Profits from Larking Mercantile are now going to be sent to charitable organizations that work to educate and empower women and girls, both here in the United States and across the world. I'm still working out the details, but I'm feeling excited about the possibilities. Looking forward to having more to share in the coming weeks and months!