Starling Box – November 2018 Review

Price: $54.95/month, less with longer annual subscription.

Website Description of Box: 

Over 20 million people are trapped in human trafficking. Together we can make a difference. Immerse yourself in global, artisan made goodies designed to bring you fun, relaxation, and positivity! All products are from organizations which employ survivors of trafficking and 100% of profits donated. Show yourself some love and join the movement!
  • 7-8 of our favorite full sized products of the season including jewelry, skincare, accessories, snacks, and more designed to help you relax, unwind, and look great doing it!
  • All products sourced from companies that employ and empower survivors of human trafficking or at-risk individuals, working to end the stigma around trafficking and break the cycle of modern slavery by providing fair employment and vocational training.
  • 100% of our profits are donated to organizations dedicated to fighting trafficking, including Zoe International and the International Justice Mission. You heard us right. 100%.
  • Our products are handmade and artisan crafted, bringing you the feeling of home and ensuring that you’re getting a product that’s one of a kind!

Shipping: Free to US, $15 International

Ships to: Worldwide

This box was sent to us free of charge for review purposes.  View our Disclosure to learn more about our process.  This post may contain referral/affiliate links. If you buy something, The Review Girls may earn a commission.

I was honored that the Starling Box agreed to let us review their box for all of our readers.  I have been watching their social media posts since we started this blog and have been in utter awe at their curation and purpose.  I included a much more in-depth website description (above) because I felt like each and every bullet point was equally important for our readers to know.  I am the type of person that helps out where I can and using my buying power for the greater good is something that makes my heart sing.

The first thing in our box was a mini-magazine which provided in-depth details about both the products in the box and each organization’s mission.  Having all the information at my fingertips was great and helped me feel more connected to the products.  I will quote information from this magazine in the description of each product to give you a better idea of what each organization stands for.  Then I will also give you my opinion of the product itself.

“Organized Chaos” BagSHE Rescue Home – It’s Not Ok Projects

“SHE Rescue Home, as an initiative of the It’s Not OK Project, is an amazing organization that provides shelter, healing, educations, and safe employment to survivors and individuals at-risk for human trafficking.”

First off, I love the saying, and I can’t be the only one to have organized chaos!  The zipper closure makes it super practical too.  This bag is also waterproof so I intend to use this as my new beach/pool bag.  The material feels very sturdy while still being lightweight which is much appreciated.  If you are thinking you need a bag for your organized chaos, look no further you can buy one for only $5 via their website.  You can thank me later.

Rwandan Single-Origin Coffee – 2oz – Rethreaded

“This medium roast is grown and harvested by at-risk women who are survivors of the genocide in Rwanda. It is roasted locally by survivors of homelessness and then packed and sold by survivors of the sex trade at Rethreaded in Jacksonville, Florida.”

This is the best cup of coffee I have had all year.   This coffee is extremely smooth had great flavor with floral hints that didn’t overpower.  The 2oz bag made a full 12 cup pot which was perfect for a cozy Sunday morning.  Don’t believe me?  You can order some to try for only $8 via their website.

Small Bag- JOYN

“JOYN employees over 300 at-risk artisans in marginalized communities.  Their mission is to fight fast fashion and employ workers who might otherwise be forced into sweatshops or unfair labor treatment.”

I love everything about this bag.  This clutch is so well made.  I can’t get over the thick material and the amazing stitching.  I love the pattern and the colors too, it is my style all the way.  It is really neat that the people that made it have signed the tag.  This will be cherished by me for many years.  I can’t find this exact one on their website, but there are many on there that are equally as beautiful!

Calm Healing OilThistle Farms

“Thistle Farms is based in Nashville, TN and is dedicated to healing and employing survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.  They believe that love heals every body and are proving it every day.  Thistle Farms has a two-year residential program that provides safe housing, education, healthcare, and vocational training for no charge.”

I have been meaning to buy a roller for my purse and didn’t think about getting a calming one until I saw this in my box.  What a great item to keep in my purse for stressful days.  I really love the hints of vanilla and that the scent isn’t too overpowering.  The roller works very well and the bottle is thick so I don’t have to worry about it breaking in my purse.  This is an item I will buy again in the future and actually may order for some stocking stuffers.

Choker – Purpose Jewelry

“Purpose Jewelry is a branch of iSanctuary, a nonprofit that houses survivors of trafficking.  They believe that in order to provide true freedom, they need to not only provide shelter, but also equip women with the tools they need to restore themselves and embrace their worth.  This is why iSanctuary has served 300 women in Mumbai and Orange County and provides vocational training and education, fair employment, scholarships, medial care, and micro loans.”

Chokers are so in right now so this was a perfect item for the box.  I love that it is lightweight and dainty since I don’t wear bulky jewelry.  The simple design is gorgeous and the perfect item to wear on a daily basis.  This choker is handcrafted as part of the Hope Line, which is crafted by new artisans.

Madira Tea TowelSewing New Futures

“Sewing New Futures works with survivors of trafficking, as well as people at risk in the community.  They provide paid training in textile making, sewing, and many other skills, which allows these women to gain a sustainable income and channel their creativity and talent.”

First off, I love the colors and design since it is perfect for Fall decor. I like switching my tea towels out for the various season and it so happened that I didn’t have a decent one to use for Fall.  Being that it is handmade I know it is unique.  And the fact that it is still machine washable is wonderful!

Basic Skincare KitApple Rose Beauty

“Apple Rose Beauty creates spa quality natural and organic skin care and organic beauty products and tangibly supports the fight to end human trafficking.  We employ survivors of human trafficking and donate to organizations involved in their rescue and rehabilitation.  Our ingredients are natural, certified organic and wildcrafted and our products focus on providing the most effective solutions in the most healthy way possible, without the harmful effects of harsh chemicals and fillers.  Our products are perfect for all skin-types and ethnicities.”

The Apple Rose website tells you what the money from your purchase will help fund, which really helps put into perspective how we as consumers can help. This product  “supports 1 hour of meaningful work for a human trafficking survivor.” Each item smells wonderful.  The cleanser works very well and left my skin squeaky clean without drying my skin out.  I did use the moisturizer on my more dry areas and it seemed to do the trick. The serum is for a few different things, my main focus was to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten my dull winter skin.  I used the serum on my smile lines and forehead and seemed to make a slight difference.  My favorite part about this set was the travel size of the items.  I will be ordering this kit before my next vacation for sure.

Red Thread BraceletEternal Threads

“Wear freedom on your arm! Bracelets made by rescued girls in Nepal. Proceeds from the bracelet provide Fair Trade wages for the girls that make them and support anti-trafficking border units and safe houses.”

Since I type all day I don’t normally wear bracelets, they tend to either get in my way or irritates my wrists at work.  This is the one type of bracelet that I feel comfortable wearing during the workweek.   This particular bracelet is really well made and I can tell it will last a long time.  The color is brilliant and will be lovely all year round.  Want to get one just like it?  Purchase it via their website for only $5!

Overall

First and foremost this box inspired me to be a better person.  Reading about all these amazing organizations out there helping women makes me remember that good does exist.  In such a turbulent time that is important to see since it can get lost in the shuffle of all the bad news in the world some days.  Every item in this box was of top-notch quality and oh so unique.  I can’t get over the level of craftsmanship on each and every item.  I will proudly use each product and when people compliment me on them it will allow me to open up the conservation of what these organizations focus on. I am so proud to showcase this box to all of our readers.

The Starling Box can be purchased here.

 

All views in this review are the opinion of the author. The Review Girls will never accept payment in exchange for a review but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain affiliate/referral links. Read our complete disclosure.

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