Meet Christine Winebrenner Irick, Fair Trade Partner, world traveler, and mother of three. She’s one of the winners of our Threads Family Values photo contest for capturing this beautiful moment of Abundant Joy & Wonder on our recent trip to Bali to meet our Artisan Partners.
Here’s what Christine had to share about her experiences as a Threads Fair Trade Partner.
Where do you live?
I currently live just outside of Denver, in Centennial, CO, but spend my summers in my hometown of Polson, MT, and as much time exploring the globe as possible!
How long have you been a Fair Trade Partner?
I have been a Fair Trade Partner for three years…I just celebrated my Threads-iversary in May!
In addition to Threads, what else are you up to in life?
I have three smart, strong, and beautiful little girls ages 4, 6 and 9, who keep me off and running most of the time; they are also a large reason why I joined and continue to be involved with Threads.
In addition to Threads, what else are you up to in life?
I have three smart, strong, and beautiful little girls ages 4, 6 and 9, who keep me off and running most of the time; they are also a large reason why I joined and continue to be involved with Threads.
I recently launched a transformational travel company for women called Lotus Sojourns. Lotus Sojourns combines my passion for creating communities of women and travel. It is a little bit adventure travel and a little bit personal development retreat. Being a part of the Threads community was a catalyst to pursue this dream. I have received so much support and encouragement and inspiration, and the skills I learned as a Fair Trade Partner that continued to push me out of my comfort zone and propel me forward were so valuable in this journey.
What’s your favorite part of being a Fair Trade Partner?
My favorite part about being a Fair Trade Partner is the community of women, which includes other Fair Trade Partners in the US, our Artisan Partners around the world, and women who invite us into their homes to connect and share the work we do at Threads with their friends and families.
This community offers so much; it is full of heart and passion and brilliant women committed to creating impact in their communities and the world. This commitment isn’t just from the women like me, who sell the jewelry here in the US, but begins with the drive and determination of the women in each country we partner with. These women who have overcome so much to get to the place where they can join our partner collectives, and they bring this strength to their work and are very intentional about the love and energy they put in their crafted goods they share.
How do you live the Threads Family Value of “Abundant Joy & Wonder”?
Being a part of this community and sharing in the impact it creates offers me the opportunity to be in a place of Abundant Joy. Every time I gather with the Threads community there is so much love and joy. We all truly love the work we are doing and are grateful for one another.
There is magic in the Wondering…wondering if I will be able to meet personal sales commitments I have made to our partners, wondering if I will be able to overcome nerves and fears to make the connections I need to hold showcases and create impact, wondering if we are aiming high enough. As long as we look at things with the lens of wonder and curiosity we have not closed any doors, we are open to growth and infinite possibilities.
How has your perspective in life changed since joining the Threads community?
I love that since joining the Threads community I have really found my tribe. I have always been passionate about creating opportunities for women and amplifying the voices of women who are victims of economic, political or social hardships. I believe the power of together is our greatest strength.
Before I began working with Threads there were so many times I felt alone, and the impact I want to create seemed impossibly far out of reach. As a member of the Threads sisterhood I am a part of a passionate community of women and see that I am not alone.
What do you now see is possible for you and for the world?
I have seen great strength when women collaborate and rise together. Because of this I know it is possible for women to move past great obstacles and to have loud voices to express their concerns, desires and dreams. I see this is possible for all women; I see that the future my daughters move into can be a place with abundance, justice, and opportunity for them, and their sisters around the world.
Interested in joining Christine and other Fair Trade Partners in Guatemala next year?
