Donor profile: The Clay Society
Jules from The Clay Society is an important donor to the Remote Laundries project. We need her, but interestingly Jules says she needs us too because being involved creates a deeper meaning for her business.
“Through the medium of clay we create thoughtful, functional and beautiful pieces for the home, designed for conscious consumers. Being able to support the Remote Laundries brings a deeper meaning to our studio”.
“For every product purchased, I donate $2 which is the cost of laundry detergent for a single wash in the laundry”.
Business model of giving
Jules started The Clay Society in October 2019 and was very clear from the start that she wanted to include giving in her business model.
“When I purchase as a consumer, I want to know where my money is going and who that truly supports, where the product is made, and if it is ethically produced. I’ve applied this into my business model because consumers like myself are looking for products that have a deeper meaning especially when it supports Australian business and the boarder Australian community.
“My goal is to donate around $5000 per year to the laundry and I am on target to meet that goal this year”.
Benefits are clear
Before making beautiful ceramics, Jules was a nurse, she was attracted to the Remote Laundries project because of the obvious health benefits of a public laundry in Aboriginal communities.
“I heard about the project through family, and straight away it captured my attention. I was a nurse for 15 years so I could understand the health benefits for the people in the community. I think it’s really important people in the outback have a voice and that we are listening. Working towards positive change should be shared goal for everyone’
Purchasing power makes a difference
Purchase with purpose is designed for conscious consumers and gives people the opportunity to be involved through their purchases.
“ I think people really want to genuinely support Australian made, and the broader Australian communities. I would love to see other businesses also supporting projects like the Remote Laundries, because if we could all generate awareness about the struggles that remote communities face imagine the positive impact that could create.’
Donations provide a deeper meaning
“Being involved puts heart and soul behind how and why I create. It provides a deep sense of purpose in the studio. Everyone that works in the studio has a shared goal, we get our hands dirty to create positive change’
“For me, it’s about education to the broader community about issues remote communities are facing and coming together to help those communities. Joining hands for a greater good”.
Awareness is important too
Money in the bank is good but helping to create awareness and support of the project in the broader community is also valuable. Jules is active in using her contacts to drum up support.
“I was joking the other day saying I need to have a Remote Laundries ambassador t-shirt made up because I am always talking to people about the project and why people should be supporting it”.
“There are few ways that I create awareness. Firstly, each of my products has a tag that refers our consumers back to the Remote Laundries project. This creates a conversation about what the laundry is about and why I believe in supporting it”.
“The other way is through my social media platforms. Sharing the remote laundries, and bringing a conversation to what the remote laundries is all about, helps create awareness”.
“I plan to create a photo wall in the studio with people from the community of Barunga so everyone who comes into the studio understands what we’re working for. I’m heading out to Barunga later in the year and I am excited to meet the people in this community and have a look at the remote laundries site”
People want to help but don’t know how
“Consumers are smart and can quickly identify if a project is genuine and worthwhile, or if it is white washing for a cause. By giving them the opportunity to be involved in something greater than themselves, you empower them to also create positive impact”.
“The shift towards social impact, or positive impact business models is quiet strong. If you’re thinking of including this in your business model, it’s important to be really transparent and honest about how much money you’re putting towards the project and build trust”.
“If businesses say they give back, and they aren’t genuine, consumers can see through that very quickly and will lose trust in the brand and ultimately defeat the purpose of being involved in the first place. Transparency and honesty are so important”.
Check out The Clay Society website to see how they create conversation and build trust with their consumers.
How to get involved
Contact Remote Laundries, we would love to hear from you. Jules and her involvement through The Clay Society is a perfect example of how a social impact business model can be successful.
We can provide the information and resources you need to engage with your customers about the Remote Laundries project and the benefits of being involved. Contact Fiona.ainswoth@aiggroup.org.au