The pursuit of profit often dominates the business landscape, however, there exists an opportunity for small businesses to harness their collective power for a greater purpose.  Ruah Zirachi has partnered with EDM  in such a way where entrepreneurship really does meet activism, an initiative that sees entrepreneurship intersect with the urgent need to combat one of humanity’s most horrendous crimes: human trafficking.

At the heart of this concept lies the idea of small business partnership, a collaborative effort to promote and support the cause of anti-human trafficking while simultaneously raising profits and profile for the greater good.

We’ve had the privilege of interviewing and getting to know Jeweller and designer, Jarrod M as he shares with us the motivation for the work he does and his heart to support the work of EDM. This small business has leveraged its platform to promote awareness, support survivors, and effect positive change. From the ethically sourced gemstones adorning their creations to the partnerships forged with anti-trafficking organisations, Ruah Zirachi embodies the intersection of commerce and conscience.

Can you share the personal journey or experience that led you to establish your Ruah Zirachi?

I have a clear memory still in my mind, which as far as I can remember was the first movement I made towards what is now Ruah Zirachi. 

I was mid-way through my business degree, on a 6-month hiatus travelling through India/Nepal at the time. I was sitting with a bowl of porridge and coffee in Dharamshala (North of India) one morning, maybe I remember it mostly because of just how cold it was there. But that was when I wrote down my first ever jewellery related business idea.

From both a love of rings and seeing the craftsmanship there in India that went into them, I had more of a plan to import jewellery rather than make it.

Fast forward a year or two after that stint of travel, and the idea still laid as just that, an idea. I knew very well that if I didn’t do anything, nothing would happen, so from that, and the added motivation to make myself a few pieces I both bought and was blessed with the bare basics to make a ring.

From that I made my very first ring, a wide plain 925 silver band with a fish engraved on its top.

What sticks in my mind is how that one simplistic piece of jewellery took me about 10 hours to make (huge learning curve), which in turn made the feeling of holding that finished piece so much sweeter. I’m pretty sure I was hooked on my newfound passion from that day forward and have handmade every single piece of jewellery Ruah Zirachi sells from start to finish.

Between that newfound passion of making rings, and the side of me that always wants to jump headfirst into things, the journey of what has now evolved into Ruah Zirachi started.

What inspired you to incorporate a philanthropic aspect into your business model, specifically supporting Every Daughter Matters?

I think this ties back to my first answer, where I mentioned a small hiatus of travel that the originating idea of Ruah Zirachi came from.

Through this and other travels I remember quickly growing fond of the rawness that Asia brings. But in this rawness, there’s no denying that there’s so much need, which I saw firsthand.

There were a few moments throughout Asia, Nepal included, that left an impact on me.

Specifically, I remember a family in Nepal I got the privilege of getting to know and stay with, they really showed me just how kind and generous Nepali’s are.

I think between multiple travels and experiences I always desired to extend help in some way.

Fast forward to near the end of the year just passed (2023), and I got to meet Every Daughter Matters’ Eexecutive Director, Ross Nancarrow.

After sitting and having a good old chat with him and hearing the heart behind EDM, it became really clear to me the beauty behind what you guys do, and the impact you make. After having travelled through Nepal some years ago, it seemed a beautiful opportunity to give back.

How do you believe your jewellery brand can contribute to the broader effort to combat human trafficking?

Personally, I’d love to continue to learn more myself, and grow in how I could do this. So even taking people on that journey with me through the business is a goal.

I think raising awareness is a huge aspect of helping further a cause. So, my hope is to be able to raise awareness and communicate how real and prevalent human trafficking is.

People tend to gain the most knowledge about a particular subject when they actively investigate it. By utilising Ruah Zirachi as a platform, I have the opportunity to raise awareness among those who might not initially prioritise the issue of human trafficking but can become informed through their interest in jewellery. I like the idea of this, so my hope is that Ruah Zirachi can do this.

Could you describe the process of selecting Every Daughter Matters as the beneficiary of your donations? Was there a particular aspect of our work that resonated with you?

I’d always had interest in contributing to some form of humanitarian work in that region through my business, and after meeting Ross and hearing more in detail the work EDM does and their heart behind it, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

I think what resonated the most was to hear firsthand how passionate EDM is about putting a stop to human trafficking , and how authentic the work you do is.

Something I found really beautiful was how you seek to provide for the girls in which you intercept, through a holistic approach, being aftercare, training in skills, family unification and counselling to list a few.

How do you engage your customers and followers in the mission to combat human trafficking beyond their purchases?

Currently the main way I’d say I seek to engage those involved with Ruah Zirachi beyond their purchases is through raising awareness. This collaboration with EDM is definitely one, which I’m hoping will spark interest in people to take a deeper look into the work done to combat human trafficking.

I also know that EDM has a page called ‘Stories of Hope’ found on their website, which has really helped to open my eyes to the reality of what goes on. So I look forward to sharing those stories on my socials also. I desire to encourage followers in ways I also feel encouraged, as I think that’s relatable of sorts.

This is definitely something I’d love to grow in though, so I’m open for input!

What advice would you give to other businesses interested in incorporating social responsibility into their operations, particularly in the context of combating human trafficking?

Go for it!

I strongly believe deep down   we are all designed to help each other, and there’s a sense of joy that we can only truly experience when we get to do that.

One of my favourite aspects of, and really what drove me into business in the first place, is the idea that a business can be whatever you make it. It’s mouldable, and really has no ceiling to what it can look like, like a potter and a piece of clay.

So why not use it to extend a hand to those in need, we’re all human and we’re all deserving of the fullness that life can bring.

So I’d say, take part in the joy that comes from helping bring that to others!

How do you see the role of businesses evolving in addressing social issues like human trafficking in the future?

I think the world of business is one that itself is changing constantly. For instance, Instagram plays a huge roll in reaching people, which in hand has become the main way a business like mine can raise awareness for Human Trafficking. Rewind 10 years ago and Instagram wasn’t even a thing.

I know, as with running my own business, raising awareness with the reach a business holds is a great way in addressing it, but I’d love to see how businesses, including mine, can be more hands on with social issues such as human trafficking.

I know a lot of businesses do take part in some form of humanitarian efforts, but I’d love to see that number increase and be used for good.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to your customers and supporters regarding the impact they can make through their engagement with your brand and Every Daughter Matters?

Every little bit counts. I feel that’s such a widely used statement, but man it’s true! Human trafficking is such a real, and large issue with horrific effects for those victimised. With it being such a large issue, I find it’s pretty easy to not fully know where to start, just as I did. But then thankfully there’s an easy answer also, right here.

10% of all sales from this year’s collections have been and will continue to be donated directly to EDM. So, purchasing a ring is a practical way to help, which is a pretty cool feeling. Plus, I mean the more RZ grows the more people that will see what is shared about Human Trafficking and become aware, so any support contributes.

Of course I’d encourage anyone reading this that donating directly to, reading up on, and sharing about Every Daughter Matters  is both directly helping put an end to human trafficking and very literally rescuing the life of another human being from the effects of it, which is incredible.

Again, every little bit counts, and that’s what I’d love to convey to the Ruah Zirachi community. 

Whether you’re a shopper, a supporter, or a business owner yourself, be inspired by businesses like Ruah Zirachi who take the initiative to collaborate with organisations like Every Daughter Matters. Their commitment to balancing profit with a higher purpose sets the stage for a world that’s fairer and kinder. When businesses blend their bottom line with a heart-driven mission anything is possible.

And on that note, a heartfelt thank you to Jarrod and Ruah Zirachi for his collaboration with Every Daughter Matters. Jarrod, your dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for your partnership in the fight against human trafficking.