I’m Elizabeth Rees from ElizaEliza and I’m a #WORLDCHANGER
This week on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, we speak to Elizabeth Rees founder and designer of ElizaEliza that creates the perfect zip purse to #carryyourcause.
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Current job: Full-time Mum, Founder of Eliza Eliza
One word that best describes how you work: Analytically
Current mobile device: iPhone XS Max
Favourite website: BBC News
First of all, tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.
Before becoming a mother, I taught as a Secondary Geography Teacher and never really went back. Taking a step back to have children, made me realise that teaching wasn’t something I felt truly passionate about. Whilst I was on maternity leave, I rediscovered my love of sewing. I made a zipped pouch to organise my changing bag better and my family and friends started asking me to make these pouches for them too. Before long I was selling via Etsy and not long after, set up my website. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had so much support along the way, featured by magazines such as Stylist and In the Moment magazines as well as being shared by influencers such as Gillian Anderson. All this has helped me get to spread my message and mission of building awareness all over the world, for the causes we care for.
How can you define Eliza Eliza ethical/sustainable?
In my mind, every business should without question be ethical/sustainable. Unfortunately so many are not. The choices of who makes the materials and products we use and what they are made of should not, in my opinion, be at the detriment of someone else’s health, wellbeing or wealth. I have worked hard over the years since starting Eliza Eliza to educate, research and carefully source the materials I use. Getting to know my suppliers and not being afraid to ask questions. For example, I spent quite a bit of time, particularly early on in my business, speaking to the hemp producers I use. They are undoubtedly passionate about what they do and taught me so much about hemp’s eco-friendly advantages compared with other textile choices. Environmentally friendly and non-exploitative textile production is central to their business model, these are the businesses I want to work with now and in the future.
What motivates you?
My children motivate me. I want them to grow up understanding the importance of kindness, looking after each other and that giving back can be just as rewarding as receiving. I hope that my business shows them in just a little way how this can be done.
Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work.
The first time I sent a donation to my charity was the best feeling. It wasn’t even a huge amount, but the fact that I could contribute from something I had I made and someone else had chosen to purchase was incredibly rewarding.
How does Eliza Eliza get involved with a cause or charity partner?
Sometimes it’s the cause that comes first and I research to find relevant charities to support it and other times it’s the charity that I initially discovered. But they have to work together appropriately. In some instances, I launch without a charity because it can be just as important to raise awareness around the cause as raising money. When I contact the charity, I explain what I do and we agree on a partnership agreement.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Yoga, meditating, going for a run or walk always help me recharge. I do so much of my work through my phone, that switching it off every once in a while help give me a break and allow me to focus attention elsewhere.
What book are you currently reading?
Borrow Box allows you to digitally borrow e-books and e-audiobooks from your local library. I’ve been listening to The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor which discusses how happiness and positivity can contribute to successful futures. I’d definitely recommend it.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
Without sounding too cliché it really is the journey that counts. I love to think that I could have forgone the stresses of training and being a teacher, but there are so many lessons and skills I learnt from that time.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _____ answer these same questions.
Kate Auguste from Mi Apparel
You can follow Eliza Eliza at @elizaelizauk
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts, and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more.
We love to interview brands with purpose and listen about their work and their way of giving back. We can help businesses to optimize their Cause Marketing and their Brand Strategy.
I’m Angelo from Angelo Galasso and I’m a #WORLDCHANGER
This week on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, we speak to Angelo Galasso, founder and designer of Angelo Galasso, an elegant and inventive luxury menswear brand.
Location: London
Current job: Founder & Creative Director of Angelo Galasso
One word that best describes how you work: Dreaming
My biggest success: The Watch Cuff Shirt
My greatest fear: Not being fearless anymore
My secret dream: Leave a strong impact in the fashion world
First of all, tell us a little about your background and how your love for fashion began
Growing up in a typical large middle-class family in Puglia, Southern Italy, my father did not want me to play in the streets for fear that I would fall in with the wrong crowd. Instead, he encouraged me to make friends with the local artisans’ workshops along the main street. The tailor, the shirtmaker, the trouser maker and the cobbler, all welcomed me into their shops, where I started to become familiar with fabrics and cloths, colours and proportions. I came to understand the immense value of those trades that are carried out by men who have been passing on their knowledge through generations, making extraordinary products.
Was there a moment that gave the breakthrough to the Angelo Galasso?
There were many moments, but they all followed the same path – creating unique menswear products against the current. Some of most recognised items are: the unique high collar shirt, the denim jeans with leather patchworks, and my famous Watch Cuff shirt. Also being represented by amazing ambassadors such as Al Pacino, and our flagship store at The Plaza in New York contributed to building the Angelo Galasso brand success.
How does inspiration come about for your creations?
My inspiration is born from people’s need. People want clothing that solves problems and that makes a man look unique. That’s the approach I follow when designing unique products, such as The Watch Cuff Shirt, and it is still the same to this day. I am very curious and aware of everything that surrounds me, inspiration can hit at any moment when you are always looking.
Is there a person who has been instrumental in making you who you are today?
I was very fortunate to have met many amazing people along my path, who in one way or another positively contributed to my life. I have lived in so many and diverse places, I have travelled to many worldwide destinations that I feel a citizen of the world. This definitely made me stronger and more creative. Fortunately, I could always rely on my internal drive throughout the many encounters and changes in my life. That strength and determination that fuels you in the achievement of your goals. That drive that makes you fearless and determined that you are, in fact, doing the right thing. I think the key is inside us.
Do you remember a particular moment in your career when you thought, ‘I’ve worked so hard but it’s worth it?’
Everything I’ve done in my career has been the product of hard work and passion so I could never regret it.
Today we talk more about sustainability, in what can Angelo Galasso be defined sustainable?
Angelo Galasso is a sustainable brand because we don’t use any kind of mass production. All our garments are made exclusively in Italy and in small artisanal workshops. We do extensive background checks to ensure these workshops respect health and safety standards. We also operate a ‘zero-waste’ policy, we only buy fabrics based on the actual meters we need to maximize efficient production and minimize waste.
Tell us about a socially responsible project Angelo Galasso got involved
We are always happy to give back and recently we entered into a very exciting partnership with Bervann Capital, a NY investment company leading a global ecosystem of investors. In March 2020, Bervann Foundation, the non-profit arm of Bervann Capital, launched the Corona Opportunity Fund, to support local and foreign governments in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic.
To support this worthy cause Angelo Galasso is producing a short film about the brand and is gifting a very special Gold Sequin Blazer to be auctioned off at the Black Tie Online on 30th April. Funds raised at the gala will go towards Corona Opportunity Fund.
Can luxury and sustainability coexist?
Yes, as long as all ecosystem players abide by the same ethical and sustainability rules. All companies should care about their employees, the materials they use, the manufacturing processes and the impact each part of the process has on the environment.
How do you see the Angelo Galasso in 5 years?
I imagine having between 8 and 12 boutiques/houses around the world. We have a vision of defeating the globalization of fashion brands. We want every store to be unique in architecture, design and collections. The only common elements will be the logo the brand philosophy and exceptional customer experience, but we want every store to feel like it belongs to the culture of the place where it is.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I don’t really have to switch off from work because for me what I do is my passion and my version of ‘having fun’ — I’m always working, even if I’m walking down the street or I’m at an elegant dinner, I always look for inspiration.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
Nothing. Perhaps one thing, I would have made more mistakes because in those times I’ve grown the most, both personally and business-wise.
Last but not least, what should never be missing in a man’s wardrobe?
The classic shoe. Gassman used to say that we can tell how elegant and stylish a man is just by looking at his shoes. They are the first thing someone notices when looking at a stranger.
On 30 of April from 7 pm to 8.30 pm EDT, you can come to the Virtual Gala Event organised by Bervann Capital and Angelo Galasso, click here for your ticket
You can follow Angelo Galasso at @angelogalassoofficial
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts, and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more.
We love to interview brands with purpose and listen about their work and their way of giving back. We can help businesses to optimize their Cause Marketing and their Brand Strategy.
I’m Paola Zancanaro from NamuStore and I’m a #WORLDCHANGERS
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more.
This month on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, WeGiveIt speaks to Paola Zancanaro, founder of NAMU, a wonderful sustainable brand of clothing and accessories for women.
Location: Bali, Indonesia and online
Current job: founder and creative director of NAMU
One word that best describes how you work: sustainable
First of all, tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.
First, I have been working in fashion for the past 20 years organizing events and fashion shows across the globe. I started my career in London working for Vivienne Westwood , where I immersed myself in the world of fashion from marketing to sales. VW is one of the most creative designer in this industry and I truly treasure my experience there. After 3 years at Giorgio Armani working on events I moved back to Italy, my own country and started my career with Prada, which lasted almost 15 years.
During one of my many trips to Asia I decided to relocate to Bali in 2007.
Bali is a creative hub, where you can explore and make your dreams come true working along skilled and passionate artisans
How can you define your business ethical?
My company NAMU was founded in 2009 and since then it showcases our shagreen accessories collection and our Resortwear Collection along with other brands all made in Indonesia.
At NAMU we like to support local artisans and to keep alive traditional artisanal techniques.
Because we are sustainable, we handpick all the brands available at NAMU STORE, which shares the same values that we have.
We do not follow trends but like to offer transeasonal pieces that last forever and can be pass from generation to the next one.
Our philosophy is handmade is luxury, – each handmade piece differs from each other making each item unique and one-of-a-kind.
What motivates you?
Keeping alive traditional artisanal techniques and keep learning from local artisans motivates us every day.
We like to support small businesses and to work with them; they are not our suppliers, they are part of the NAMU family
Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work
Sitting in my office and hearing our staff talking to clients about the brand and our philosophy!
They are ever so proud of NAMU and they never stop learning about new techniques we work with.
They support the brand as if it is theirs and they are the best Ambassadors of NAMU!
How did your company get involved with a cause or charity partner?
Since I arrived in Indonesia I have been wanting to work closely with an NGO that supports children and education; children are the future and they all deserve to receive an education.
I was thrilled to meet Kartika Soekarno through a dear friend and support her Foundation. The KS Foundation not only supports kids and their education but also mothers with pre-natal care through birth, infancy and early years up to secondary school.
We designed a pouch for the KS Foundation and all sales are donated to the Foundation and its activities.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Yoga and traveling!
Work is always at the back of my mind but I try to combine my passion for traveling with work finding new suppliers and artisans to work with in countries that I love the most.
What book are you currently reading?
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
Definitely using less plastic, I am trying to embrace a life plastic-free.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see Kartika of KS Foundationn answer these same questions.
You can buy pieces from NAMU collections in Bali, NAMU STORE or on line NAMU.
We love to interview brands with purpose and listen about their work and their way of giving back. We can help you to optimize your Cause Marketing and your Brand Strategy to reach your profitable and ethical goals.
Have someone you want to see featured or questions you think we should ask? Email Sara
I’m Laila Charlton-Meyrick and I’m a #WORLDCHANGER
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more. It’s published regularly at www.wegiveit.co.uk/blog
This week on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, we speak to Laila Charlton-Meyrick, experienced strategic advisor to UHNW clients and now Impact investment consultant.
Location: London
Current job: working on a new project to provide “purposeful” wealth management
One word that best describes how you work: collaboratively
Current mobile device: iPhone and MacBook Pro
Favourite website: https://theconduit.com
First of all, tell us a little about your background and your work experience
I am originally from Iran and came to the UK with my parents and brother over 30 years ago, in order to escape the war back in my country. I arrived with almost no knowledge of English. I left my home, my school friends and more importantly my extended family, who play a huge role in my culture and in particular in my family. I went on to finish my secondary education in the UK at Francis Holland in London and got my degree in Finance and French at Santa Clara University in the USA. I went on to build an international professional career in Finance, which over the last 20 years has had me working in a research role at Cross Border Capital, in management consultancy at McKinsey & Co and as an advisor to several HNW/UHNW individuals at UBS AG and Credit Suisse more recently. I am a mother of 2 beautiful daughters and married to a loving husband who is English by blood but has lived almost all his life outside the UK.
What are your plan for your future?
I have recently left my career in banking, with a mission in mind: “shift the mindset” of private asset owners towards investments and initiatives that make a positive impact on our world. Impact investment is the future. In the face of social and environmental challenges that directly or indirectly will affect us all, wealth holders around the world are increasingly drawn towards investments that generate not only financial returns but also benefit people and the planet.
Why did you decide to move from conventional to impact investment?
Having spent almost two decades advising clients to invest in the conventional way to achieve the financially optimal portfolio, I have learnt that this type of investment is not always the best solution for a “real person”. Humans have emotions and they are influenced by context and environment, and their best portfolio isn’t just financially efficient, it also needs to be one that feels emotionally comfortable.
What motivates you?
The endless possibilities of life, people connections’ and my desire to make a change creating an impact on the world around me. Last but not least being a role model to my daughters it’s a constant motivation.
Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work
Although stepping outside of the large organisations where I have been working for the last 20 years it wasn’t an easy decision, it has given me the opportunity to be more creative and focused on my agenda and although unnerving at times, I strongly believe that I owe it to myself, my family and the planet. I live on to play my part and use my skill set to mobilise funds towards investments and initiatives that make a positive impact on our world.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I LOVE being outdoors and particularly being by the water. My family and I live in West London and lucky enough to be by the river. We get to enjoy lots of walks, cycle rides and runs. Given the pace of life these days, I am a strong believer in creating peaceful time for oneself that promotes creativity, which I thrive on.
What book are you currently reading?
Factfulness by Hans Rosling. My sister in law told me about this book. I was instantly gripped as it is an incredibly written book. It’s about our world and it provides factual information to help understand what we have achieved so far and what more we need to do on the urgent issues we face today such as poverty and climate change
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
I would most certainly have lived a more mindful life and by that I mean I would have taken a more active and conscious approach to manage my personal and professional life. I feel I could have begun this journey that I am embarking on now a decade ago at least. Having said that it is not too late and I believe we can always reinvent ourselves and redefine our goals: that is life.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see Diana Verde Nieto of Positive Luxury answer these same questions.
Laila Charlton-Meyrick
www.linkedin.com/in/laila-charlton-meyrick
We love to interview people who believe in brands with purpose and listen about their work and their way of giving back. If you want to optimize your Cause Marketing check out how we can help.
I’m Francesca Griffiths from Casa-Londra and I’m a #WORLDCHANGER
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts, and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more. It’s published monthly at www.wegiveit.co.uk/blog
This week on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, we speak to Francesca Griffiths, founder Casa-Londra, Trustee and President of NPH UK charity
Location: London
Current job: Property Lawyer, Founder Casa Londra Limited, Trustee/President NPH UK
One word that best describes how you work:
Multitasking
Current mobile device:
iphone 7
Favourite website:
www.casa-londra.com
First of all, tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.
I am Italian, grew up in Genoa and moved to London in 1995 with an Italian law degree and the ambition of working in one of the big legal firms in the City. My parents were not keen to have me in London long term, I am an only child and they wanted me to take the traditional Italian bar exam and settle down in Genoa. They were very surprised when I announced them that I got a law firm sponsored position at the College of Law, wanted to live in London and qualify as an English solicitor!
London gave me great opportunities, as a solicitor I practised in what was one of the leading international law firms called Coudert Brothers, spent a year in their beautiful offices in Paris and specialised in corporate finance. In the meantime I met my husband Dominic, also a finance lawyer, we married in 2001 and started a family. With young children working in a big firm as a corporate lawyer was too challenging though, the hours were crazy…
As I have always loved the London property market I decided to abandon the finance world, specialise in property law and work as a solicitor in a smaller law firm in the West End with more reasonable working hours. I created an Italian desk and started assisting Italian clients who wanted to invest in the London property market. Property law is a very complex subject in the UK and my Italian clients feel reassured with me dealing with their transactions and explaining what a leasehold and a freehold are all about!
Whilst assisting my Italian clients in purchasing their London pied-a-terre I realised that they needed more services, not only the legal support but also assistance with their property search, with the management and letting of their flats after the purchase and sometimes even with the refurbishment and interior design. An Italian real estate agency in London was certainly needed and in 2009, with a few girlfriends, I started Casa Londra in the sitting room of my house in West London.
Casa Londra now manages over 200 properties in Chelsea and Kensington, all owned by Italian clients. I have two business partners, six employees and a chic little shop on The Old Brompton Road. I feel very lucky as I still practice as a solicitor in Child and Child, a great law firm specialised in property, but I also supervise the various activities of Casa Londra and I consequently have a very exciting and diverse workload everyday.
So with two jobs already under my sleeve, I was not planning to take more on board but NPH UK was a beautiful and unexpected surprise…
Why did you get involved with NPH?
Two years ago a friend of mine introduced me to Mariavittoria Rava, an amazing person who is President of Fondazione Francesca Rava NPH Italy. Mariavittoria was looking for an English law firm to create the UK fundraising office for her charity and I offered to help her on a pro bono basis.
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) is an international charity assisting orphans and abandoned children in Haiti and nine countries in Central and South America since 1954. I was immediately taken by this incredible organisation which has saved the lives of thousands of children, giving them a family upbringing and great life opportunities. The work carried out by Fondazione Francesca Rava, the Italian fundraising office of NPH in the last 18 years under the direction of Mariavittoria Rava touched me deeply. Mariavittoria’s passion and determination to give a better future to disadvantaged children were incredibly contagious and I realised that it was time to give back and find some time in my life to help others.
NPH UK is now a registered English charity of which I am President and Trustee, together with Mariavittoria and Stefan Grafe. Since the incorporation we have set up an office and organised three successful events in London: the official launch of the charity at the Italian Embassy last November, a winter ball at Bulgari Hotel in January, followed by a ‘Flower Power’ themed dinner at Sumosan Twiga in May. We raised about £160,000 through these three events and I am already working on the next occasion, a Christmas Family Ball in a cool Chelsea location… watch this space!
What motivates you?
I am a people person, I love making connections and putting people together though my network of friends.
What is the process to finding your cause or charity partner?
People can access the charity directly through me or the website:
Every child needs a family
Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work
Preparing the grants for the NPH Homes and the various NPH projects following the London events was certainly the most exciting part of the job. These funds make a huge difference in the lives of the NPH kids. Through a very efficient system of scholarships, many of them are able to attend secondary schools or universities and end up having successful careers, frequently returning to their home countries to contribute back to the community. There is nothing more rewarding than that.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I love spending time with my family. I have three gorgeous children aged 9, 12 and 16 and I always try to have quality time with each of them. London is a very hectic place and we often escape to our holiday home in Santa Margherita Ligure, the place where I grew up and where my roots still are.
What book are you currently reading?
Il Giardino dei Finzi Contini by Giorgio Bassani. A few days ago I gave it to my daughter as I loved reading it when I was her age. She hasn’t opened it but I am glued to it like thirty years ago!
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
I would have got involved in charity work earlier on in life. For many years I worked so hard on my career, the company, … I should have been less selfish! There is always a bit of time in everyday life to help others.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see Mariavittoria Rava President of Fondazione Francesca Rava NPH Italy (a real world-changer!) answer these same questions.
Francesca Griffiths
Managing Director Casa-Londra
We love to interview people who work hard but find some time to giving back to society. We can help you to optimize your Cause Marketing and your Brand Strategy to reach your profitable and ethical goals
I’m Nick Hart from Turner and I’m a #WORLDCHANGER
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts, and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more. It’s published monthly at www.wegiveit.co.uk/blog
This week on the #WORLDCHANGERS series, we speak to Nick Hart, Head of CSR for Turner, the company behind CNN, Cartoon Network & TCM
Location: Soho, London
Current job: Head of CSR for Turner, the company behind CNN, Cartoon Network &TCM
One word that best describes how you work: Helping
Current mobile device: iPhone, iPad and iPod
Favourite website: Spotify
First of all, tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are today.
I started in an editorial on a movie magazine and moved through various TV companies doing publicity while also getting involved with the production and putting on events. I came to Turner to look after publicity for the entertainment channels and linked Cartoon Network with several children’s charities. At the same time I set up a short film festival with some well-known directors and actors and so this experience of helping young people’s careers and the charity links meant it was a short step into CSR.
Why did Turner get involved with your ActionAid?
We get involved with a lot of organisations as we have very diverse output and offices throughout EMEA. We pick ones which relate to our output and/or our locations so work with a lot of children’s charities, schools, homeless and environmental organisations. For several years we have been working with ActionAid to build schools in Africa which is a project that our staff from around EMEA get involved in. As well as fundraising all the money for the project they spend a week living in a remote African village helping the builders and getting to know the local people which is always an unforgettable experience. So far we have provided buildings in nine countries and are about to go to Zambia to build a pre-school.
What motivates you?
It’s very exciting when you realise that by using your assets you can make a big difference. Our assets are our people who all have paid volunteering time, our channels, websites, cartoon characters, presenters and expertise. So for example, we can donate airtime or web banners for a charity to fundraise, give the rights for an organisation to use one of our famous cartoon characters to front a campaign, encourage our staff to use their skills mentoring young people or send a team of volunteers to paint cartoon characters in a playground.
What is the process of finding your cause or charity partner?
Our strategy is to work with a broad range of organisations working in a variety of areas and therefore we don’t have the pressure that companies have when they just have one charity of the year. This allows us to test the water with new organisations to find which aspects work for both of us and often they grow and prosper in ways that no one imagined at the start. When new organisations contact us we look for the synergies and work out what we can offer and what the links are, but it is different in every case.
Tell us about a moment when you knew that it was all worth the hard work
There have been several small things that we have done that really brought that home to me. The one I will never forget is when we were in Rwanda building a school there was a young boy who always stood at the back of the other children, didn’t join in and covered his mouth. He had been born with a very disfiguring cleft palate and as soon as the volunteers knew this we organised and paid the surgery which completely changed his life. At the other end of the scale, we built a school in Mali to replace a grass hut which housed over 100 children. The local government was so impressed that they built another building and put in playing fields, so what had been one primitive shack now looks like a western primary school.
How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I love the sea and the countryside and go to the south Cornish coast as often as I can. It’s wild and unspoiled, miles from anywhere, there are great beaches and walks, friendly people, lovely pubs and not much phone coverage so it’s perfect.
What book are you currently reading?
Ernest Hemingway’s short stories. He writes very succinctly but somehow describes people and situations better than anyone.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
I would have moved into the CSR world earlier although my varied background and experience are very useful in doing this job.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see Miranda Harman from ActionAid answer these same questions.
The WeGiveIt #WORLDCHANGERS series asks heroes, experts and leaders to share their ambitions, routines and more. It’s published regularly at www.wegiveit.co.uk/blog.
Have someone you want to see featured or questions you think we should ask? Email Paul