A few months back I was approached by a representative from Tom’s Of Maine. You don’t need me to tell you who Tom’s Of Maine is, right? This is a pioneering, well-established, and prominent brand in the natural living community. And they asked me to be a part of a year-long collaboration called the Goodness Circle – as a sort of “ambassador” for the brand.
I’ll admit, I was nervous. This is the first time I have ever directly partnered with a large company, and certainly the first time that I’ve been financially compensated for doing so (and yes, full disclosure, I am being compensated for my participation in the program). So, as I’m sure it goes without saying, this had me feeling slightly apprehensive. I mean, what would be expected of me? And would I be compromising my integrity in the eyes of my readers?
Like, y’all know I’d breach contract before I’d say something I couldn’t stand behind. So . . . was I setting myself up to be sued? (Haha) (But no seriously)
Okay, so maybe I was being a little bit silly. (Tendency to totally over-think things? Check!) Because honestly? All my reservations were resolved within the first few minutes of the first Goodness Circle conference call. And I am SO happy to be a part of this team!
I was raised by hippies in a certified-crunchy household, which meant I grew up using Tom’s products. So I was familiar with the brand insomuch as I knew they were all-natural, and were pioneers in that field. Because of this, Tom’s is one of the most widely available natural + eco-friendly + cruelty-free brands around. And that was the main reason I decided to accept this partnership. I love that Tom’s means access. Tom’s is in Trader Joe’s, in regular grocery stores, and in drug stores. Tom’s means that almost anyone, almost anywhere, can choose a safer and more wholesome product for their family.
What I didn’t know going into this, and what I quickly learned in that first conference call, is that Tom’s is a company that’s completely centered around social responsibility and community building. For example, 10% of ALL profits are donated to charity, every year. I couldn’t believe that!
As well, every Tom’s employee is encouraged to take 5% of their paid work time to go volunteer with the organization of their choice. That’s to say, they will go work somewhere else, and Tom’s will pay them as though they were working at Tom’s. 5% of their hours, every year.
Dudes. That’s incredible! You can learn more about their charity and community outreach programs, here. I have been completely impressed with this company, and the more I learn, the more I love them. Yes, no company is perfect. But that’s okay, because neither am I. What I really appreciate is Toms’ openness to hearing from their customers, and making changes.
I look forward to sharing my ideas (and YOUR ideas) with them over the next year (and have, in fact, already begun to do so). I am excited to see what will grow out of this partnership. And now I want to ask you – what would you like to see? Do you use Tom’s Of Maine products? Y’all are conscientious, informed, inspiring eco-warriors. I’d love to hear from you!
♥ ♥ ♥
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