20 local businesses proving that shopping with purpose and shopping well don't have to be different things.
In another article we talked about the different shapes "giving back" can take—B Corps, one-for-one models, percentage-of-proceeds donations, and businesses that build their whole hiring model around opportunity. Now, we're making it concrete: 20 Los Angeles businesses actually doing it.
Most of these come from LA2050's community-vetted network of local grantees and makers, supplemented with a few more from local press. Many exist specifically to employ people who've been shut out of the job market elsewhere, such as people rebuilding after incarceration or homelessness, refugees and immigrants. Every listing links straight to the business so you can check current details before you shop, since specific programs and offerings can change.
Food & Drink
Five LA spots where your coffee order or grocery run funds job training and community access.
A nonprofit social enterprise in Lancaster, California that employs and trains unhoused individuals. The organization spends 100% of its sales revenue to provide jobs, vocational training, and transitional employment for about 30 people each year.
A mission-driven social enterprise restaurant in Los Angeles founded by Meymuna Hussein-Cattan. It highlights global and indigenous cuisines cooked by refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.
A social enterprise and workforce training program run by Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA). It provides paid on-the-job training, mentorship, and second chances to individuals recovering from mental health needs, homelessness, or past incarceration.
Ten shops and makers turning sustainability and second chances into products you'll actually want.
People's Pottery Project— peoplespotteryproject.com Employs and empowers formerly incarcerated women, trans, and nonbinary individuals through a collective ceramics business.
Neococo— neococo.org Women-led social enterprise creating embroidery jobs for displaced, refugee, and immigrant women.
Suay Sew Shop — suayla.com Upcycles and reclaims fabric to keep garments out of landfills.
The Giving Keys— thegivingkeys.com Pay-it-forward jewelry; employs people transitioning out of homelessness and donates a share of profits to Chrysalis.
Sustain LA— shop.sustainla.com Woman-owned zero-waste shop and small business.
Everybody.World— everybody.world Garments made from 100% reclaimed waste cotton.
Groceries Apparel — groceriesapparel.com Clothing made from discarded fruit and vegetable scraps.
Circular Fashion LA — circularfashionla.com California Social Purpose Corporation tackling post-consumer textile waste.
Rareform— rareform.com Repurposes retired billboard vinyl into bags and gear, diverting it from landfills.
Would Works— wouldworks.com Trains and employs people experiencing homelessness in woodworking.
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