LoveWell C.I.C employs a trainee on a permanent contract thanks to Social Supermarket orders

LoveWell is all about changing lives – one handcrafted candle, diffuser or skincare product at a time. The Bristol-based, female-led social enterprise is on mission is to empower women who have survived trauma and exploitation by providing them with meaningful work and a supportive community. 

The team recently shared that, thanks to the number of orders they’ve seen through Social Supermarket’s marketplace and Team Gifting Platform, they’ve been able to tangibly change the life of a woman on the road to recovery. Our clients’ orders of LoveWell’s corporate gifts are amplifying the brand’s positive impact for trainees in other ways too – read on to find out more. 

Creating meaningful work for female survivors

LoveWell was born out of a desire to create opportunities for women who have faced unimaginable hardships, from trafficking to exploitation. Too often, survivors of such experiences find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse, with few pathways to rebuild their lives.

Founders Claire and Rhian (pictured above) launched the social enterprise as a way to help these women overcome barriers to employment and reach their full potential. They take on trainees for a six-month programme that involves making the brand’s luxury beauty and homeware products, as well as learning about other aspects of the business. Trainees end with a host of new skills and an uplift in confidence, ready to enter the world of work. 

We stock a range of their homeware and wellbeing products – from their Signature Massage Candle which you can rub into skin as it melts down, to Fresh Linen Reed Diffusers that add a calming energy to any room. They’re popular corporate gifts for encouraging self-care and restful moments, while of course creating meaningful change for women.  

Celebrating a permanent contract for a LoveWell trainee

We were thrilled to hear that the volume of corporate orders via our Team Gifting Platform in recent times has led to a major milestone for the LoveWell team. 

Senior Commercial Engagement Manager Caitlin Phetnoi shared the good news with us: “We’ve employed someone from our first programme of women into the C.I.C from the success Social Supermarket has brought us. With the extra orders we had last year, we were able to give Mary* extra hours at the point when she needed it most. 

“We had originally employed her on a short contract through a small pot of grant funding, but the increase in sales that we have seen, hugely driven by Social Supermarket, has enabled us to make her contract permanent.”

The permanent employment has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on Mary’s life and wellbeing. “She moved into a new home and was able to make it just how she wanted it,” says Caitlin. “She deserved that, and we are so thrilled that the orders from Social Supermarket have afforded Mary the opportunity to work and create a happy home for herself. 

“Our aim is to have at least two further trainee roles in the organisation because of increased sales.” So Mary might be the only trainee to move into permanent employment for now, but hopefully not for long. 

How Social Supermarket orders boost trainee confidence 

Orders of LoveWell’s corporate gifts through the Team Gifting Platform are also creating positive ripples of change for those still on the training programme, instilling a great sense of pride. 

“Having organisations buy products because of our cause and the women we support, not only supports us to grow, but also lifts the spirits of our team tremendously,” explains Caitlin, about why these orders are far more than simply a business success. “It is a huge deal to a group of women who feel unseen, unheard and unsupported. 

“When we tell the team we have an order for, say, 30 reeds diffusers from a large firm, and that they have chosen LoveWell because they believe in our purpose, and they want to support our trainees to succeed, that’s a huge boost. It means they feel purpose, it drives their ambition, as well as letting them know people do care about them and want them to move on in life.

“Emotionally, our trainees are with us because they want to build their confidence. Large orders lift their confidence because they can see a direct link between the products they have made and a customer who is interested in what they have produced through their own hard work. This has enabled us to see real change in our trainees, and a drive to not get stuck in the cycles of abuse and exploitation they are used to.

“Real sales really impact and inspire the women and this is exactly what LoveWell is about.”

A branded Christmas candle signifying brighter times ahead

We’d love to end the year by helping LoveWell get a headstart on hitting next year’s goal of hiring two new employees – and you have the power to make it happen. 

If their mission is resonating with your brand values, consider gifting the Winter Spice Aromatherapy Candle to the team or clients this Christmas. Their festive spirits will be buoyed by both the heady scent of cinnamon, clove and sweet orange and the story behind their gift. With the candle being a symbol of hope, warmth and love, it’s just the thing for reflecting on the brand’s purpose and the brighter future that lies ahead for its trainees.  

We can customise these candles, adding your logo alongside LoveWell’s, as well as a personal message that speaks to their mission or simply wishes giftees a merry Christmas. A bespoke report will give you the lowdown on the impact your candles create, so you can celebrate the difference you’re making together.  

Corporate wellbeing gifts supporting survivors for every occasion

If your Christmas gifting plans are already wrapped up, not to worry – your business can champion LoveWell’s mission year round. Whether you want to mark Mother’s Day with items representing female empowerment, give new joiners something for their home office or treat the team to a restorative gift after a busy period – take a look at their wellbeing gifts on the Team Gifting Platform.