Business
Her Story of Success… Becca Stevens believes that when women help each other heal, it can ripple out to change entire communities. She’s the founder and president of Thistle Farms, an organization that helps survivors of trafficking, addiction and prostitution. Thistle Farms began as a community of five women in 1997. Since then, it’s grown to include a residential program, three social enterprises that provide jobs and leadership opportunities for survivors, and a national network of like-minded organizations. Becca is also a speaker, priest, author, and founder of nine other justice enterprises around the world. Becca is a survivor of abuse herself, so she recognized the need for a space where other survivors could heal and find freedom and peace. She also started Thistle Farms to help change the wider culture, which still supports the secrets of abuse and the commodifying of women. By providing a safe place to live, meaningful jobs and a lifelong support system, Thistle Farms is proving every day that “Love Heals.” In This Episode: Becca shares her story of finding hope and healing after experiencing abuse, and she explains how she’s spreading that healing to other women through her work at Thistle Farms. She also offers encouragement to listeners who want to help change the culture around abuse and violence but don’t know where to begin. Episode Highlights: Why we should empower women to come off of the streets rather than criminalizing them for being there Being a host instead of a hero Partnering with your spouse to raise a family while building a business The importance of purchasing products that help other women How to get involved in helping women survivors Products Leah and Becca Mentioned: Thistle Farms candles The Cafe at Thistle Farms Thistle Farms Immunity Oil Fair trade tea and coffee Love Welcomes Mats made by women refugees Love Heals by Becca Stevens Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored in part by Piccolo Marketing, providing outsourced marketing professionals for business owners. Piccolo Marketing is our go to resource when it comes to comprehensive marketing strategies and execution. Learn more at piccolomarketing.com