If you have been reading our blog you know that we occasionally feature one of our customers that we believe might be an inspiration for you. One of our best customers is Thistle Farms right here in Nashville, Tenn. We are so happy to be a packaging supplier for this special place. Thistle Farms is the social enterprise run by the women of Magdalene. By hand, the women create natural bath and body products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body. Purchases of Thistle Farms products directly benefit the women who made them.
I can’t tell you more about Thistle Farms without first explaining Magdalene. Magdalene is a residential program for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. For two years, these women receive housing, food, medical and dental care, therapy, education and job training without charge and without government funding. After their first four months in Magdalene, the women find work, return to school and/or enter Magdalene’s job training program at Thistle Farms.
Marlei Olson of Thistle Farms explains the organization’s name: “We truly consider ourselves thistle farmers. Considered a weed, thistles grow on the streets and alleys where the women of Magdalene walked. But, thistles have a deep tap root that can shoot through thick concrete and survive drought. And in spite of their prickly appearance, their royal and soft purple center makes the thistle a mysterious and gorgeous flower. Being a thistle farmer means the world is our farm. Harvesting thistles is a way of walking in the world and choosing to love the parts of creation that others have forgotten or condemned.”
Thistle Farms manufactures and sells natural products. The Winter Skin Survival Kit includes wonderful body products all packed into a cotton drawstring bag. The bags are hand-made by women from the Lwala Community Alliance in Kenya (don’t miss the video below). Charming Lavender Sachets are available—lavender flowers packed into our tiny organza bags. From lip balm and all-natural room spray to soy-based ecowax candles, every product sold helps directly to keep women in recovery and moving toward healthy independence. You can even order inspirational books by author and founder Becca Stevens. Shop online or visit their store front at 5122 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Tenn.
It wouldn’t be a Nashville Wraps post without some helpful tips and I found quite a few on Thistle Farms’ site. Planning a wedding? Have a bridal shower at Thistle Farms! Toss lavender rice and give wedding favors of lip balm including an info card about this special business.
Thistle Farms also sells wholesale so you can stock their products. Attention gift basket businesses: These products make a wonderful basket, especially when you include a message about Thistle Farms.
The women of Thistle Farms lend a helping hand to women in crisis on the other side of the world: Watch the moving story (below) in this video from Tennessee Crossroads.
Kathy works with the Nashville Wraps’ Marketing Team as a packaging consultant and photo stylist. She is also a Master Gardener and enjoys her greenhouse and garden, three spoiled dogs, hubby and grandkids in her spare time. She also loves any kind of craft and spends rainy days in the art studio she shares with her creative husband, Bill.
