RubyMoon is a reversible swimwear brand (they have both one-piece bathing suits and bikinis) that uses its profits to provide loans for female entrepreneurs. Not the type of social enterprise to think small, the company's mission is to help give 1,000 women access to loans by 2014.
RubyMoon is based in Brighton in the United Kingdom and works with micro credit organization lendwithcare.org. The swimsuit designs and patterns are created by graphic designer Sam Hextall, and all the clothing is made in ethical work conditions in Europe.
"Because RubyMoon only sells online- all of the profit, 100%, can be donated," the website explains. "The money becomes part of a micro loan which will launch a small business, that in turn, will generate an income enabling families to find their own route out of poverty."
RubyMoon also takes the planet into consideration. Their environmental policy is explained on their website, which also includes information on how they work toward making their business carbon neutral.
Contact Information
RubyMoon website
RubyMoon on Facebook
Micro Loan Bikinis
RubyMoon Swimwear Donates its Profits to Female Entrepreneurs
Trend Themes
1. Reversible Swimwear - There is an opportunity to disrupt the swimwear industry by offering reversible swimwear options, like RubyMoon, that cater to environmentally-conscious consumers.
2. Social Enterprise - Businesses can explore the potential of social enterprise models, like RubyMoon, to allocate a portion of their profits towards supporting a specific cause or community.
3. Microcredit - The microcredit industry can leverage partnerships with fashion brands, such as RubyMoon, to provide financial support to female entrepreneurs and drive economic empowerment.
Industry Implications
1. Swimwear - The swimwear industry has the opportunity to integrate social and environmental initiatives in their business models, following the example set by RubyMoon.
2. Fashion - Fashion brands can incorporate social impact into their business strategies, similar to RubyMoon, to connect with socially-conscious consumers and make a positive difference.
3. Microcredit Organizations - Microcredit organizations can collaborate with fashion brands, like RubyMoon, to expand their reach and support more female entrepreneurs in accessing capital to start their businesses.