SHE HEARD: REBECCA SMITH OF BETTER LIFE BAGS

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith of better life bags never dreamed her skill for creating bags would be an answer to others' prayers.

In 2010 Rebecca Smith posted a cute, custom bag she created on Facebook. Her friends urged her to open an Etsy shop because it was such a cute bag. Rebecca did and the results were astounding.

Soon, Rebecca discovered Micro-Loans, a method to help fund people in third-world countries so that they can provide for themselves and their families. In that vain, she named her company Better Life Bags. She began giving 10% of her sales to these individuals through micro-loans.

Rebecca will tell you that God was very "sneaky" in how He turned her hobby into a business and guided her steps to create what Better Life Bags is today. In fact, it wasn't until she was three years into the business that she realized what was happening. His voice, she says in the way He called her into this business and this ministry, was a small whisper as He offered gentle guidance on which way to turn. She acknowledges that He clearly had a plan for Better Life Bags from the beginning. 

When asked if she responded quickly to God's prompting to create Better Life Bags, Rebecca's answer echoes what many women say when asked this question. Instead of one, big "A-HA" moment, she explains that it was really several smaller steps along the way that brought her to where she is today. Rebecca is confident that God wants her business to be about loving people well over profit and numbers. 

Image courtesy of Rebecca Smith

"It wasn't a matter of standing on the edge of a decision and making the choice to walk into it - it was small moments and little decisions of bravery and obedience that has led our company to where we are today." ~Rebecca Smith, Better Life Bags

One of the first steps Rebecca took in launching her business was to hire women right in her own community. An influential blogger posted a picture of a bag from Better Life Bags to her website. The blogger's followers pinned it to Pinterest as well and the orders exploded. Suddenly, Rebecca found herself facing two decisions:  Close everything down because she couldn't keep up with it or send her bags to a warehouse overseas. She chose a third option: She hired a woman who lived in her community. 

One day, as Rebecca went to visit the woman at her home, the woman excitedly showed Rebecca the bunk beds she purchased for her daughters. Rebecca was floored to discover that the woman bought the bunk beds with the earnings Rebecca had paid her. It was a pivotal moment for Rebecca. She realized that she was making a difference for women right in her own back yard. 

Image courtesy of Rebecca Smith

Image courtesy of Rebecca Smith

Rebecca's community is very diverse. On her street alone, the women there--most 1st generationr immigrants--represent five different countries. These women tend to have barriers that preclude them from working outside of their homes. These barriers are cultural, educational, and sometimes language barriers. Rebecca has found a way to provide these women an opportunity to earn, to feel a

sense of honor and value, and also to keep the business thriving so that others' lives can be touched as well. Looking at where her life is  today, Rebecca says with confidence this is not the life she thought she'd be living. She's also quick to add that her life thus far has been an amzing adventure. 

"I love having a creative outlet in the business and a way to make a difference in real people's lives.  I love that my children get to watch their mom steward this God-given dream.  I love the family environment in our workshop and the diversity we all bring to the table.  It has given me the opportunity to step outside of myself and create opportunity for women in my community.  My life has been changed as much as theirs has." ~Rebecca Smith, Better Life Bags

When asked what advice she would offer to women being called into ministry or business to serve the Lord, Rebecca answers, "Go for it!  Take the next small step forward where God might be working.  Don't look too far down the road and don't look around to what everyone else is doing.  Keep your eyes fixed and forward and walk confidently.  He directs paths.  He blesses ministries and companies.  He is ultimately in control. " 

Want to Support Better Life Bags?

Check out their website HERE. 
Find them on Facebook HERE. 
Find them on Twitter HERE. 

Watch the moving video below to hear Rebecca tell in her own words how Better Life Bags came to be. See first-hand how she is acting as the hands and feet of Jesus to help women in her own community.

Written by Mandy.