I’ve learned a lot about human trafficking over the years. Specifically this being modern day slavery, and existing right here in my own backyard in the suburbs of Chicago. Just when I think I have my head wrapped around the basics, I stumble upon more information. This topic in particular is more challenging for me when it comes to learning and taking action because it is multi-faceted. This requires me to stop looking at life through one lens and look through multiple in order to try and understand what happens. While I can never truly understand and relate to those trafficked, I can still fight to end this because to some extent, I understand the base of some emotions- I know fear, sadness, longing, loneliness, anxiety- it just isn’t to the same degree or under the same circumstance.

As part of my lifelong journey with learning, I have become aware of the various forms of human trafficking. A misconception I had was thinking human trafficking was exclusively reserved for sex workers and that you only came across those trafficked on the streets. This is not the case. According to Homeland Security, “forced labor is another type of human trafficking; both involve exploitation of people. Victims are found in legitimate and illegitimate labor industries, including sweatshops, massage parlors, agriculture, restaurants, hotels, and domestic service.

I used to look at this topic with more of a black and white lens but have come to see the in between- the grey area. Preventing Human trafficking isn’t just focusing on providing help and resources to victims or letting law enforcement rescue them. I realized I can combat this global issue in my day to day, and without putting my life at risk. Truly making a difference starts by recognizing and making changes with who and what we support. I didn’t know that a lot of the brands I purchased contribute to forced labor, which is considered a form of trafficking. I unintentionally assumed the clothing brands I was adding to my wardrobe were made fairly and ethically. I didn’t think the makeup I was putting on would be enslaving someone. I didn’t know about the people being forced to create my favorite hair products until I learned more and until brands started sharing their reports and taking a stand against this injustice. Today I prioritize fair trade purchases. In 2017 I transitioned my makeup bag to clean beauty and also seized the opportunity to exclusively recollect products that treat people with dignity and respect- something we all deserve.

About the brand:

 

I connected with Missio Hair via their lovely PR company and had the opportunity to integrate their styling products into my routine. Before I had the product in hand I was already over the moon excited. I kept reading and re-reading their mission and impact. I think it is absolutely wonderful how the company is not only raising awareness, but taking action. They aren’t dumping information on us and washing their hands clean. They’re standing by our sides and providing easy solutions to implement.

Launched in 2017, MISSIO is a hair product company that exists to use beauty to restore hope and fight human trafficking. The experiences of stylist Lorin Van Zandt using beauty to help women emerging from human trafficking, alongside her husband Kyle’s desire to fight this injustice, led them to create hair product with purpose.

They have created stylist-designed and salon-tested hair products that serve as a vehicle to educate salons in victim identification, mobilize stylists in beauty initiatives, and give to non-profit partners. This double-bottom-line approach is an innovative and effective way to involve YOU- the customer who wants their purchases to matter while unlocking the potential of the cosmetic industry to directly fight human trafficking.

We are so glad you are here to join us in making a difference in this beautiful way!

Source: Missio Hair

The missio hair way:

1. Educate

2. Serve

3. Give

Missio Hair educates stylists and salon owners on “how to identify potential victims of human trafficking, and how to connect them with HELP in their area”. They have even created a training video and program specifically for those in the beauty/ salon industry.

MISSIO seeks to educate as many salons and stylists as possible through on-the-ground training and weekly webinars. 

If you are interested your salon becoming MISSIO Equipped by one of our staff, email team@missiohair.com.

Free online training can be accessed at www.missiohair.com/education

Source: Missio Hair

Missio has provided a video that “will equip YOU– beauty industry professionals & community members to RECOGNIZE and take ACTION against human trafficking in YOUR own cities” by knowing how to “learn what to look for”.

“Business can be the most widespread and sustainable vehicle for good.”

By mobilizing “stylists and volunteers to use their gifts to serve and encourage women who are in recovery from human trafficking.”, Missio Hair is taking the next step to eradicate the global epidemic of human trafficking. They also financially support organizations “both locally and globally who are working diligently to address the issue of human trafficking in many incredible ways”. Click here to see who they support.

Missio Hair tutorials

Their Instagram tutorials are my favorite! I’m absolute rubbish at styling my hair, so it’s fun and educational for me to be able to have a sit down with a stylist and replicate when I have free time. My hair is a bit shorter now so it’s like a bonus challenge!

Stay tuned for the video!

Next week I’m going to do a video review of the product and show my hair routine/ how I utilize my products to get my everyday waves!