Spanx® recently recognized re:loom as part of its Leg Up® award program. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, got her big break when Oprah named Spanx a “Favorite Thing.” Blakely wanted to “pay it forward” and created the Leg Up program to spotlight female entrepreneurs.
Lisa Wise, re:loom Executive Director
Photo by Ann States
The award went to Lisa Wise, executive director re:loom’s parent organization Initiative for Affordable Housing. Wise said the award belongs to the hard working men and women at the Weavehouse who are putting their lives back together while gaining important job experience.
“The Leg Up will allow re:loom to expand our audience for more support for our weavers,” said Lisa Wise when she heard that she had received the award. “The award will support our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. We wish to thank Spanx for this opportunity to grow re:loom.”
Spanx’s Leg Up award also recognized Stephanie Jolluck, founder of Coleccion Luna. Wise and the re:loom team congratulate Jolluck on receiving the honor.
Blakely said re:loom’s mission of helping homeless adults transfer into full time work is a compelling message for customers.
“It’s inspiring to see how art and need were woven together into a business that is changing lives,” Blakely said of the re:loom business model. “I love shopping with a purpose, and with such a unique selection, there are so many reasons to shop!”
About re:loom: The Initiative for Affordable Housing, based in Decatur, Ga., created re:loom to train adults who struggle to secure and maintain jobs. Weavers design and produce handmade products while receiving a stable salary, free healthcare coverage, and opportunities to engage in the operation of the Weavehouse. re:loom helps its employees get back on their feet, develop leadership skills, and teaches them the value of a hard day’s work. For more information, visit reloom.org.
About Spanx: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Spanx® can be found worldwide in more than 50 countries. The Spanx brand houses more than 200 products ranging from slimming apparel and swimsuits, to bras, activewear and men’s undershirts. In March of 2012, Founder Sara Blakely was named the world’s youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
