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In episode 208 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we speak with Julie Colombino-Billingham, founder of Deux Mains, on transforming lives in Haiti through business and employment.
In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a country torn apart by natural disaster found a beacon of hope and renewal in Deux Mains. Founded by Julie Colombino-Billingham, Deux Mains isn’t just a fashion brand; it’s a testament to resilience, empowerment, and sustainable innovation.

Julie’s journey began in the chaos and heartbreak of post-earthquake Haiti, where she witnessed first-hand the dire need for dignified employment. This profound experience laid the foundation for Deux Mains, driven by the desire to provide more than just aid—Julie sought to offer sustainable opportunities that empower the local community.

Crafting Fashion with Purpose

At Deux Mains, every piece of fashion carries a deeper meaning. The brand is rooted in the belief that thoughtful design and ethical practices can transform the fashion industry. By choosing Deux Mains, consumers support a business model that ensures safe working conditions, livable wages, health insurance, and educational opportunities for Haitian workers.

The brand’s operations are based in a solar-powered, women-owned factory, emphasizing a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. From sandals to handbags, each item is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, made from responsibly sourced materials and created with an artisanal touch.

Sustainability at Its Core

“Deux Mains” translates to “two hands” in French, symbolizing the handcrafted nature of their products. The brand champions a circular economy, utilizing found or made materials to minimize waste and environmental impact. Their products are not only designed to last but also to merge seamlessly as staple pieces in any wardrobe, embodying timeless elegance and durability.

A Vision of Sustainable Luxury

Julie Colombino-Billingham, the visionary behind Deux Mains, brings a diverse background from her experiences as a professional dancer and aerialist to her academic pursuits in international disaster management. Her unique perspective has shaped the brand into a luxury fashion house that stands for more than just aesthetics—it stands for change.

Under her leadership, Deux Mains has evolved into a hub for job creation, where artisans are not only employed but celebrated for their skills. The brand extends beyond the borders of Haiti, sharing the island’s exceptional craftsmanship with the global market.

Joining Hands with Deux Mains

Deux Mains invites consumers to be part of a movement that values fair trade, ethical practices, and community engagement. Each purchase not only enhances a wardrobe but also contributes to the ongoing story of resilience and empowerment in Haiti.

As Julie often reflects on her initial encounters in Haiti, where a woman told her, “I don’t need water, I need a job,” it’s clear that Deux Mains is more than just a brand—it’s a lifeline, a form of support, and a step towards a brighter future for the Haitian community.
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In episode 207 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hardika Shah, Founder and CEO of Kinara Capital, on transforming lives and local economies, by providing access to capital for small business entrepreneurs.
Armed with a mission to empower the 70 million small business entrepreneurs in the country, Kinara has embarked on a journey to provide fast and flexible collateral-free business loans. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a dedication to customer service, Kinara Capital revolutionized the lending landscape with its digital processes and doorstep assistance.
Over the years, the company has disbursed more than $300 million to over 40,000 small business entrepreneurs, ushering thousands into the realm of financial inclusion. This transformative journey has not only created jobs and spurred economic growth but has also generated over $100 million in incremental income for MSMEs across India.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Hardika honed her skills as a management consultant, working on projects for global companies across the USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Her passion for social impact led her to devote nearly a decade to mentoring emerging social entrepreneurs.
At Kinara Capital, the mission is clear: to transform lives, livelihoods, and local economies by providing access to capital for every entrepreneur. With a vision of a financially inclusive world, Hardika and her team continue to pave the way for a brighter future for small business entrepreneurs across India.
I hope you enjoy the conversation, until next time, stay humble and stay creative.
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In episode 206 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, on dedicating his life to driving systemic policy changes to combat extreme poverty worldwide.
As the Co-Founder of Global Citizen and an advocate for global social impact, Michael Sheldrick has dedicated his life to driving systemic policy changes to combat extreme poverty worldwide.
In this podcast, he shares his insights into the work of Global Citizen, his experiences, and his new book, "From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World."
Michael Sheldrick's journey began with the founding of Global Citizen, an international education and advocacy organization committed to ending extreme poverty. Over the past decade, Global Citizen has mobilized millions of individuals worldwide to take action on critical issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Through collaborative efforts with governments, businesses, foundations, and the artist community, Global Citizen has distributed over $40 billion to anti-poverty initiatives, making significant strides towards achieving its mission.
At the core of Global Citizen's work is the belief in the power of collective action.
Sheldrick emphasized the importance of bridging divides and fostering cooperation to drive meaningful change.
He highlighted the role of policy entrepreneurs—visionaries who prioritize impact over rhetoric and work tirelessly to implement tangible solutions. Through his new book, "From Ideas to Impact," Sheldrick offers a comprehensive playbook for individuals seeking to make a difference in our divided world.
"From Ideas to Impact" delves into the essential traits of successful policy entrepreneurs and provides practical tools for navigating challenges and driving policy change.
Sheldrick draws from his experiences at Global Citizen and historical movements to illustrate the transformative potential of united voices and collective action. The book serves as a guide for changemakers across various sectors, from philanthropy and corporate social responsibility to policymaking and higher education.
In our interview, Sheldrick expressed optimism about the future of global social impact. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and narrative building in inspiring change and empowering individuals to take action. With "From Ideas to Impact," Sheldrick hopes to equip readers with the tools and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
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What’s up everybody, this is Grant at Causeartist. Welcome to the Disruptors for Good Brief, where we dive into the top stories of the day related to impact startups transforming the sustainable and regenerative economy.
Turning our attention to climate startups, Sprih has raised a $3 million funding round headed by Leo Capital. The company specializes in carbon emission management and is aiming to expand its global reach. With a revenue target north of 6 million dollars, Sprih's innovative AI models and solutions are set to revolutionize how businesses measure, assess, and decrease their carbon footprint.
Moove, an emerging mobility fintech, has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round. This investment is co-led by Uber and Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi. This latest financial endorsement underscores the confidence in Moove’s innovative revenue-based vehicle financing model, which caters to the mobility ecosystem. With a mission to democratize vehicle ownership in its current markets, Moove is dedicated to providing accessible financing options for gig economy drivers.
On the frontlines of technology and ecology, NVIDIA steps into the limelight with a pretty big announcement. They've unveiled Earth-2, a climate digital twin cloud platform heralded for simulating and visualizing weather and climate dynamics. Imagine a world where we can see the ebb and flow of weather with great precision, thanks to AI models that push the boundaries of forecasting speed and clarity. Entities like The Weather Company and the Taiwan Weather Administration are already set to harness the potential of Earth-2, which promises to enhance our preparedness for future weather disasters.
Let's head over to Latin America where Marco has raised a $12 million Series A funding round. Marco's vision is to revolutionize trade finance for SME exporters in the region. From providing financial solutions to enabling LLC formation and insurance services, Marco's mission is to bridge the daunting 350 billion dollar trade financing gap in Latin America and energize an entire industry.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have re-launched the Investing in Impact podcast. Our most recent episode is with Social Innovation Circle, a platform dedicated to coaching and nurturing the spirit of social entrepreneurship. We sat down with their cofounder, Anshul Magotra, to talk about her journey and the mission and vision of the company. Subscribe to the Investing in Impact podcast wherever you stream.
Thank you for joining us today, remember to share this episode, rate us, and subscribe. Until next time, stay humble and stay creative.
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Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.
Welcome to Causeartist.
Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.Impact Investor Interviews.Impact Startup News.
Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.
⏺ Weekly Podcasts⏺ Weekly Newsletter⏺ Deep Dive Interviews⏺ Community(coming soon)
To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.

Here are the top 5 stories impacting the sustainable and regenerative economies.
Welcome to Causeartist.
Social Entrepreneurs Interviews.Impact Investor Interviews.Impact Startup News.
Our mission is to empower and inspire social entrepreneurs, impact investors, impact professionals, and conscious consumers, who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and regenerative world.
⏺ Weekly Podcasts⏺ Weekly Newsletter⏺ Deep Dive Interviews⏺ Community(coming soon)
To learn more, please visit causeartist.com.