In the world of beauty and fragrance, where luxury often overshadows ethics, The 7 Virtues stands as a beacon of hope and purpose. This eco-friendly brand, founded in 2010 by Barb Stegemann in Halifax, Canada, offers more than just perfumes; it provides a way to rebuild lives in war-torn nations. With a commitment to sustainability and empowerment, The 7 Virtues has established itself as a compassionate company that believes in making a difference through every bottle of fragrance it creates.
The Inception of The 7 Virtues
Barb Stegemann’s journey to founding The 7 Virtues began with a promise to a wounded friend. Her best friend, Captain Trevor Greene, was serving in the Canadian military, liberating women and girls in Afghanistan when he was injured. During his recovery, Barb took on his mission of peace, realizing that she needed to find her own way in a patriarchal world. Inspired by this challenge, she penned the book The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen to empower women to lead, end bullying, and run for office. But Barb didn’t stop there; she decided to make an even more tangible impact by creating a social enterprise that would uplift communities affected by war.
The 7 Virtues sources essential oils from nations like Afghanistan, Rwanda, and Haiti, where local farmers are given opportunities to grow legal crops instead of relying on illicit ones. By purchasing these oils, Barb and her team help to provide a sustainable income and a brighter future for families. The brand’s first product, an orange blossom oil sourced from Afghanistan, became a symbol of hope, supporting farmers and their daughters who were once vulnerable to becoming opium brides. This initial success laid the foundation for a business rooted in ethics and compassion.
Empowering Women and the Environment
The 7 Virtues’ dedication to sustainability and empowerment goes beyond sourcing natural, cruelty-free ingredients. Barb’s philosophy of equality and empowerment has led the brand to partner with organizations like Days for Girls and Charity Water, aiming to end period poverty and provide clean water to those in need. Every aspect of the brand, from the ingredients to the packaging, reflects this commitment to making the world a better place.
The brand’s secondary packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved, ensuring that the materials used are sourced from responsibly managed forests. The 7 Virtues has also earned certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny, affirming its status as a 100% vegan and cruelty-free brand. Barb’s personal commitment to a vegan lifestyle further underscores the brand’s ethos of protecting the earth, animals, and humans alike.
The Future of The 7 Virtues
Looking to the future, Barb Stegemann continues to drive The 7 Virtues forward with her unwavering mission to make rebuilding more exciting than destruction. The brand is now an award-winning clean perfume company, sourcing sustainable and upcycled oils while supporting women and girls around the world.
Barb’s dedication to finding new suppliers and expanding the brand’s impact remains strong, as she travels to countries like Madagascar, India, and Rwanda to source the finest essential oils and support local communities.
The 7 Virtues is more than just a fragrance brand; it is a movement that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters global change. With Barb Stegemann at the helm, the brand is set to continue its journey of compassion, sustainability, and peace, one bottle of perfume at a time.
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