We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Clasby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
True sisterhood. Soul Sisters for a CAUSE is what happens when highly artistic, corporate savvy and social-entrepreneurially minded women band together! We didn’t want just any business idea; we wanted a project that aligned with our values. To do that, we made it personal, and we drew on our own life experiences. All of these elements shaped the idea that is Soul Sisters for a CAUSE. What started as an idea to create beautiful items to wear and support a cause quickly evolved to the pieces becoming conversation starters to raise awareness for important topics. And the idea was born – a social impact business for our fashion-forward consumers. Our initial grassroots market research showed us two things – women love beautiful items, and, that women are advocates for social change. Yet there was a void in the area of cause-related items that are of high quality and fashionable. Having worked for years in the licensed business for the NCAA and NFL, we saw the power of an organization that someone loves and wants to support. Ever notice how a conversation unfailingly starts when someone is wearing a licensed logo for a university, or a team? These insights are at the core of Soul Sisters for a Cause. We have created a cache of beautiful items to empower, connect and amplify the voice and power of the modern woman in all of us! To support a cause, inspire a purchase and create awareness through education of the mission with each item that is sold. Our products have evolved from our initial signature inspirational leather bracelet to unique, custom designed necklaces, bracelets, and apparel in addition to our handcrafted Fair-Trade collection that support women artisans from across the world. We also develop bespoke designs for non-profit organizations and corporate citizenship programs. Our vision was simple. To empower our fashionable spirit and connect humanity. All of our items are inspirational, impactful and beautiful. We are agents, for social good and embrace fabulous fashion who make giving back look good on you!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been a builder. From start-up satellite business sites to grassroots efforts with a women’s fashion business. Walking in various high heels throughout the years has helped me realize that you are never too old, or too late, to start something, and build something, that you believe in, and are passionate about. My later adventures always led back to the fact that women love beautiful items, and, that women are advocates. These insights are at the core of Soul Sisters for a Cause. We have created a cache of beautiful items to empower, connect and amplify the voice and power of the modern woman in all of us!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite Soul Sister DFW Adventures: Dallas Day trip to the Dallas Museum of Art, and then cross over to Klyde Warren Park for some food truck yumminess and outdoor music and other community venues. When early evening falls, head over to get your must-have-photo-op with the iconic Pegasus. For dinner, go explore Trinity Groves & stroll the pedestrian bridge for a great view of the Dallas skyline.  Another hidden gem to explore Dallas is to do a Micro / Craft Brew Pub Crawl via the electric car which of course will come with a fabulous tour guide / driver sharing fun facts and sites around Dallas accompanied with various great beer to drink along the way at the many micro-craft breweries in a eco-friendly, and safe, adventure. So much fun! My Fort Worth favorite is, hands-down, the Fort Worth Stockyards. Great photo ops and western style fun that is always enjoyed by everyone via the Billy Bobs largest honky-tonk bar experience to checking out the long-horns and rodeo. Always a great time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our Shout out is for ALL Soul Sisters in our communities, who are our inspiration for founding Soul Sisters for a CAUSE. The women (and men) who have uplifted our lives. Through the ups and downs of life, we prevailed with the help of our friends, families, and strangers who turned out to be our Soul Sisters. We dedicate this venture to all the Soul Sisters of the world, inspiring and providing encouragement when it is needed the most and help carry us through to always believe that humankind does exist and we can all be both – human + kind. Working together to do more, and with each small act together we are creating bigger impacts.

Website: https://www.soulsistersforacause.com
Instagram: soulsis4acause
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-clasby-0455a64/
Twitter: @SoulSis4ACause
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulsistersforacause

Image Credits
Bhavna Vashisht Buddhavarpu Johan Salvador

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.