Dear Friends,

Have you ever stopped to consider why we celebrate Labor Day here in the United States? Beyond the backyard barbecues and shopping sales from our favorite brands is a holiday that is actually closely tied to why we exist here at Parker Clay. 

The annual celebration of Labor Day in America was created to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of our workers. In the late 1800’s, at the height of the industrial revolution, the average American worked 12 hour days and 7 day work weeks just in order to survive. Children as young as 5 or 6 worked in factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts. It wasn’t until 1894 that Labor Day became a legal holiday, after many of the unjust realities lead to massive unrest within America.

This weekend as we celebrate the Labor Day holiday, let us consider how our values are shaping the way we engage in our communities today. We are citizens that care about the rights of every human, especially those who are not experiencing equal rights and opportunities. We are consumers that realize our vote is not just on a ballot, but everyday as we purchase items that shape the narrative of the world we want to live in.

At Parker Clay, we believe that people are to be celebrated as much as the everyday products we love; in fact, both can exist together.

In Ethiopia we have expanded our team to over 150 employees, of whom 80% are women and 46% have never held sustainable employment. We plan to add more than 50 members to our team by the end of the year, and beyond just the numbers, we are celebrating today that we have a thriving workforce.

You can learn more here about the many ways we go far beyond just paying above a living wage, and are working towards inspiring others to do the same. 

We Go Together.

Ian & Brittany Bentley
Co-Founders