FASHANTHROPISTS: KNOW TRIBE FOUNDERS | SARAH BENKEN & AMANDA LARSON
- Tyler Butler | GIS
- Feb 6, 2018
- 4 min read
Sarah Benken and Amanda Larson are the dynamic duo who have rallied 150 female entrepreneurs throughout the Valley in virtually every industry for the inaugural edition of KNOW PHOENIX. This coffee table style book will spotlight some of the best and brightest members of our community. The KNOW Tribe is a collection of badass female makers, creators, and entrepreneurs who are making major strides in their careers. They are dominating their fields of practice, changing the scene, making impacts in the community and working their bootys off. The women featured are a compilation of proven leaders, high producers, and rising stars. Those published in KNOW Phoenix are also considered trendsetters, influencers, and women to watch. Perhaps the most special component to this innovative new offering is the associate approval piece. Every woman featured in the KNOW book is vetted through peer-review, creating a network of women who understand the importance and power of supporting one another. As one of the women honored and excited to be featured amongst this great group it is my pleasure to showcase the powerhouses behind this glamourous new resource.
Learn more about Sarah Benken and Amanda Larson.....
How do you describe what you do:
We are the masterminds behind KNOW Phoenix and the KNOW Tribe. THE KNOW TRIBE is a collection of female business owners, leaders, and philanthropists. We are makers, creators, and entrepreneurs from virtually every industry and all walks of life. We are women are making big strides in our careers and impacts in our communities. We understand the need for collaboration and the value of fostering relationships. We believe firmly in supporting one another. We are intentional and authentic every step of the way. Together, we work to create a better foundation of living.
In addition to our Tribe, we also have a book, KNOW Phoenix. KNOW Phoenix is a coffee table style book that spotlights 100+ dynamic women, all of which are in the KNOW Tribe. Imagine a perfect bound illustration of carefully curated pages that highlight our featured women in both a glamorous and authentic style - that's what the KNOW Phoenix book looks like. Think 'glam while being in your zone.' KNOW Phoenix will be published annually and will be distributed to 10,000+ affluent decision makers through social and networking events and partnering businesses.
What is the mission for your businesses’ giving:
Our mantra for 2018 is LIFT & RISE. Every single thing we tackle will relate back to lifting others and helping them rise, whether in our KNOW Tribe or in the community.
How do you give back to society through your business:
We give back in every facet. In fact, our complimentary 2018 KNOW Book calls for readers to celebrate our book by making a ‘donation to a favorite charity in the name of one of the women featured’. Additionally, as a group, we plan to attend many philanthropic events throughout 2018 and will be putting together tables and sponsorships in the name of KNOW Phoenix. Our goal is to bring the KNOW Tribe together and to serve alongside each other with organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.
Charity or Charities of choice:
YWCA / UMOM / The Phoenix Dream Center – there really are so many!
Why have you supported these causes:
We chose to give-back to causes that are directly related to women and children. Lift & Rise!!
Favorite business based on their giving efforts and why:
We love when any company uses their platform, audience and revenue to make a difference. A few of our favorite large brands are: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, who gives so much to local communities. And TOMS, who gives shoes, sight and water globally and now has a domestic campaign to stop bullying in the United States. We also LOVE OneHope’s mission – where every bottle of wine purchased helps someone in need.
Who influenced your spirit of giving and how:
Amanda: Women and moms hustling to make a difference for their families who often forget to do something for themselves
Sarah: I learned about goodwill at an early age. As a young brownie, I’d spend weekends giving back and donating time to the community. Girl Scouts of America instils this from the time of joining and along every step of rising through the ranks. What a great organization!
How do you believe fashion can aid philanthropy:
Awareness! Who doesn’t love a great piece? When fashion is combined with give-back, the sky is the limit. Again, who doesn’t love a great piece? Attach it to a cause or mission – double rewards!!
What is your biggest philanthropic accomplishment:
Amanda: compiling 250 holiday gift bags and distributing them to women struck with homelessness. I collected donations and put together special swag bags for the women. We stuffed the bags with fun items like nail polish, lip gloss and other great beauty products. The aim was to remind these women that they are beautiful and deserve to be pampered regardless of their circumstance.
Sarah: building a curriculum on Overcoming Obstacles and delivering it in a 10-week program to a group of 50+ women struggling to overcome addiction, homelessness, human trafficking and working to get back on their feet. The 2-part course was designed around teaching the women how to let go of the past and to move forward by becoming their best. Mid-way through the program, we blew up white balloons, wrote down a series of words and names that were once used to classify the women. Then, we released the balloons into the air to signify letting go of the past and the old.
Favorite philanthropic quote:
“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have” - Jim Rohn
“The smallest act of kindness is worth the grandest act of intention” -Oscar Wilde
Learn more about Know Tribe here
Follow Know Tribe here
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