hannah-skvarla-blog-headshot-jpgHannah (Taylor) Skvarla
, B.A. public relations and advertising ’10, is putting her education and passion for social justice into action through
The Little Market
, a social enterprise she created with Lauren Conrad (of MTV’s
The Hills
and
Laguna Beach
), whom she met while they were both studying merchandise marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. The Little Market’s mission is to build sustainable partnerships with artisans in developing countries by connecting them with customers through an online marketplace. In addition to her work with The Little Market, Hannah is also an active member of several committees within Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Read on to learn more about The Little Market and find out what advice Hannah has for students and alumni who are interested in launching a social enterprise. 

Tell us about The Little Market – how did it start?

After Lauren and I studied at FIDM, we visited the local markets on Bali and discovered fabrics in vibrant colors, stamped tin boxes piled to the rafters, and hand-woven baskets in every shape and size. In El Salvador in 2011 we began brainstorming about a way to give artisans an online platform for their handmade goods. While visiting non-governmental organizations in Tanzania and Uganda in 2012 we met with hardworking women who were struggling to support themselves. We asked experts in international development about the most sustainable way to set up an online store to support artisans from around the world. After strategizing with non-profit Global Goods Partners in New York, we spent 2013 working on product development with the ten initial The Little Market groups representing Bolivia, India, Mexico, Nepal and Peru.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

On a typical day I work on everything from connecting with new artisan groups, designing products with existing artisan groups, updating the website with new products and pages, preparing new product descriptions and photo shoots, planning trips to visit artisan groups, emailing with customers and writing blogs about human rights for the site.

What insight would you give to current students and alumni who want to start a non-profit or social enterprise?

I highly recommend volunteering or interning at non-profits that do work you are passionate about. When I graduated from Chapman I interned at Human Rights Watch in Los Angeles. You won’t even realize how much you learn until you apply the knowledge to starting your business. Change is possible, it is OK to be idealistic.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their time at Chapman?

Find internships and work that offer experiences in a variety of workplaces. Through these experiences you will learn about your own skills and gifts – and you will have the opportunity to learn from others who have more experience than you.

From your time at Chapman, which faculty member made the greatest impact on you and why?

Jeff Swimmer
taught me how to use images and stories to reach an audience with a powerful message.

How has your Chapman degree helped you in your professional and personal life?

The public relations major gave me the ability to understand the target market, to develop a brand concept and to communicate a business strategy to the participants in the process to bring a message of making a difference to a global marketplace.

What is your favorite Chapman memory?

The first time I visited the Chapman campus I was a middle school student participating in Dr. Marilyn Harran’s Holocaust essay project. That experience made me realize that it was important to me to go to a school that focused on human rights issues around the world and across time.

Learn more about The Little Market »

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