Our Why: Shop Purposefully, Empower Locally

At Shop to Empower, this isn’t just a store. It’s a community-powered initiative born out of lived experience.

Last year, I ran for office in our deeply red county. Not because I thought I’d win, but because I wanted to make sure there was someone on the ballot who represented our values. That experience changed me. I saw firsthand how hard it is to participate meaningfully in local democracy when you don’t have access to time, money, or infrastructure. It’s expensive, exhausting, and often isolating.

But I wasn’t alone. I connected with others who were organizing, advocating, and creating change with almost no resources. I helped start a county-wide organization to support Democratic candidates and grassroots leaders. Through that, I met incredible local groups doing critical work, often without any stable funding.

I also realized something else. I hate making fundraising calls. But I love building things. So I decided to learn a new skill: ecommerce. And use it to try something different. Something sustainable.

That’s how Shop to Empower was born.

This store exists to offset the personal costs of being active in our communities. Because action takes time. And time takes resources.

Every item purchased contributes at least 25% of proceeds to underfunded, community-based groups working for local change. Most are grassroots organizations. Some are local chapters of larger networks operating with minimal local support. We focus on those doing the work where it’s needed most—regardless of name recognition or size.

This isn’t about profit. It’s about purpose.

Even if we never become a giant retailer, success looks like one more group funded. One more neighbor supported. One more person who feels seen and empowered.

We’re not waiting on foundations or corporate donors. We’re building something sustainable. Something local. Something real. With you.

Thank you for showing up with us.