What made you want to start Impact Everything?
When a devastating earthquake hit Nepal in 2015, we gathered peers at the University of Connecticut and began to raise relief funds. After three months of fundraising from lemonade stands, carwashes, and a 5k road race we raised about $10,000. Hesitant to donate to an organization without knowing exactly how the funds would be used, we flew to Nepal to see what kind of difference we could make. The village of Ramche, in the Sindhupalchok district of Nepal, lost its school most recently to the earthquake, and previously to a landslide. We used the raised funds to build a new school. Inspired by this experience to continue giving back, and to empower others to give back, we created a business plan to be used as a force for good.
What does "Impact Everything" mean?
Our name portrays the movement we are trying to create. A global citizen is a person who realizes that their rights and responsibilities come with being a member of the world, not just a particular nation or place. We must realize that each of our individual lifestyles has the ability to impact others across borders. Every act, every purchase serves a purpose. We each have the ability to impact everything.
How do you choose your products?
Where does your inspiration come from?
We live in a world where 1 in 10 people are malnourished, 260 million children don’t have access to education, and the environmental crisis, I’m sure you’ve already heard...What are we doing? How far are we willing to let things go? The time for change is now. It’s time to “impact everything.” Since starting our movement we’ve sold over 17,000 products. But what really matters is that we’ve built a school in Nepal, provided 2,000 hours of education, 3,000 trees, 6,000 meals, benefiting 12 causes and 55 countries in total. Imagine what our world would look like if every single thing you ate, wore, and used was a tool for change? We won't stop until we impact everything 🙂
Do you still Travel?
As we grow, one thing will always remain the same - our passion for traveling and giving back. The difference now, is that we bring others along for more impact and inspirations. Impact Everything is committed to taking 10-15 customers to volunteer abroad with us each year.
How did Buddy get into the mix?
Startup business life can be stressful! What better way to alleviate stress than to get a puppy right? 😛 One late night when Saroj and Lanna were drowning in packaging their first set of products and building the website, Lanna asked Saroj how he'd feel about having a dog around. Saroj replied he thought it'd be great. When he was out at work the next day, Lanna may have taken a quick spontaneous trip across CT to adopt a small cute pup. Surprise! Now Buddy wanders around the shop everyday, people watching Thayer Street and providing free kisses <3
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