The story behind The Conscious Consumer 

With so many brands, logos and messages, and not much supporting information, it is sometimes hard to know that you are making the right decision. The Conscious Consumer was born from a burning desire to build a new vision of trade; and to offer a real alternative to mass produced products.

The seed was sown when the founder Jan Appleton was studying a MA in Gender Studies Research, where her understanding of the systematic discrimination against women throughout different societies conflicted with the fundamental dependence on women to provide the skills and knowledge to bring up the next generation within these very societies. Roots where formed when Jan worked for Oxfam, discovering the values of fair trade that were then underpinned with the Make Poverty History Campaign. With the concept that to empower women we need to increase their status and self-esteem in a sustainable way, the Conscious Consumer was born. It is part of our ethos to assist women to achieve economic independence and alleviate poverty at grass roots level. 

Why fair Trade?  Around 70% of the 1.3 billion people who live in extreme poverty are women and girls. For, too many women these statistics mean a life of grinding poverty and few opportunities. Many women try desperately to make a living selling their artisan crafts but find they have little access to market opportunities. Through Fair Trade practices, The Conscious Consumer brings the work of these disadvantaged groups to the consumer. The Conscious Consumer's aim is to mix fashion and design with a social conscience.  

Find us in...