Karissa Bodnar still leads the company she founded in 2015, and a key piece of the business all along has been charitable giving. “Everyone who purchases a product becomes part of our mission to give back—and after four years of building a compassionate community, we've created a movement to empower women through beauty,” explains Bodnar in a media release about the brand’s anniversary.
“We are proud to partner with incredible organizations across the country to bring the power of beauty to every woman, no matter what challenges they face,” adds Bodner.
Beauty and humanity
Thrive Causemetics donates its color cosmetics to charities and causes that are local to the Los Angeles, California – based brand as well as to groups recommended by consumers. According the this week’s media release, Thrive welcomes nominations for future recipients.
Among the nonprofits receiving makeup as part of the brand’s fourth anniversary gift is Mary’s Place, an organization in Washington State that works with women moving out of homelessness.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Thrive Causemetics,” Marty Hartman, executive director of Mary’s Place says in the release. “Women experiencing homelessness often feel invisible and worthless. We're grateful to Thrive for bringing hope and for helping our women regain their self-confidence and thrive!”
More than makeup
The brand also recently raised money to support the wildfire recovery effort in Southern California.
“When we saw the devastating effect of these fires, our Thrive community mobilized to make a difference,” Bodnar told the press late last year. “We pledged to donate 100 percent of our profits for all products on one day of giving. I'm so proud of the Thrive Tribe for coming together—in 24 hours, we raised $250,000, which will directly support women, animals and communities that are in tremendous need.”
Thrive is just one of a seemingly infinite number of startup and indie cosmetics, personal care, and fragrance brands dedicated to reinventing the beauty business model and creating a more conscientious economy. Other brands are focused on environmental sustainability or access to clean water; but no matter the focus, brands like Thrive Causmetics are finding ways to make consumption benefit people beyond the customer and the company.
---
Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.