S1E24: Ethical Entrepreneurship - Connecting Artisans to Global Markets

Today's guest is Rebecca Van Bergen, founder of Nest, a nonprofit organization that champions the handworker economy and supports artisans around the world. 

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Rebecca exemplifies what happens when someone takes an early leap into meaningful work, building a business that authentically reflects who she is. Twenty years ago, as a fresh social work graduate, Rebecca won a business plan competition that provided seed capital to start Nest. Rather than following a traditional career path, she immediately began creating a platform that helps women artisans build sustainable businesses across 123 countries. 

Recognized as a PBS Changemaker, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and Ashoka Fellow, Rebecca offers invaluable wisdom on building a purpose-driven enterprise that challenges traditional business models while creating economic opportunities for women worldwide.

Her story offers powerful insights into creating an enterprise aligned with your values and finding fulfillment through supporting others' creativity and economic independence.
 

Key points:

• Rebecca founded Nest after graduating with a social work degree, inspired by Muhammad Yunus winning the Nobel Peace Prize for microfinance in the same year.
• Rather than focusing solely on providing debt for women entrepreneurs, Nest creates supportive environments for craft enterprises through training and market access.
• Nest's Artisan Guild connects craft enterprises globally, with members in 123 countries and all 50 US states, providing e-learning and business development resources.
• Nest partners with major brands and retailers like Etsy, Target, Patagonia, and Williams-Sonoma to connect artisans with markets and ensure ethical sourcing.
• The Uplift Makers program with Etsy has helped bridge the digital divide for cultural communities, including Native makers, Gee's Bend quilters, and Gullah Geechee basket weavers.
• Nest developed a seal of ethical handcraft for globally produced artisanal items, ensuring fair pay and no child labor for home-based producers.
• Craft has historically been marginalized as "women's work" despite being a major income driver for women globally and providing flexible work options.
• The organization focuses on active listening to makers' needs and willingness to iterate programs based on feedback.
• As technology advances, consumer demand for handcrafted items has grown as people seek an antidote to digital life.
• Rebecca built her business skills through learning-by-doing and seeking mentors, maintaining a financially conservative approach to ensure sustainability.
• Nest runs a volunteer program connecting professionals with makers who need support in areas like web design, sales strategy, and logistics.
• Rebecca emphasizes the importance of building confidence to overcome imposter syndrome, which she reframes as "pioneer syndrome" when doing innovative work.