Overview:

A trio of local entrepreneurs are behind the brands Rice Love and Taaluma Totes, both of which give back to the communities.

From left to right: Garron Alexander, Jordan Wenck and Ethan Alexander, the owners of Rice Love and Taaluma Totes.

A trio of Carlsbad-based entrepreneurs are seeing their purpose-driven work pay off through their companies, Rice Love and Taaluma Totes.

The companies, which share the same owners, each have a mission to do good in the world. Rice Love’s mission is to help end global hunger by donating one kilo of rice to families in India for every bag purchased. While Taaluma Totes uses 20% of their profits to fund microloans in countries where the company buys fabric. 

Jordan Wenck, co-owner and operator of both companies, said they’ve seen their impact firsthand. Since 2016, Rice Love has donated 75,000 kilos of rice, which is more than 165,000 pounds and more than 900,000 worth of individual meals. Since 2015, Taaluma Totes has lent $275,350 in micro loans in small businesses and entrepreneurs across the globe.

“I chose these brands because we make more than just quality products, each brand has a very unique story and they give back to the global communities,” Wenck said. “Running a business that gives back has been an incredible experience so far, it makes it a lot more fun to work everyday.”

Wenck said they differ from other purpose-driven brands, because they show the proof of the impact to customers.

“We show you the proof of how your purchase is helping communities,” Wenck said. “We interview every single family that we’ve ever helped, and each bag comes with a tag that is associated with the unique family that each bag fed, and you can enter the code on our website so that you can read about the family.”

Aside from supporting communities, Wenck said she’s also had the privilege to support other like-minded entrepreneurs and companies. 

“I love companies that are using sustainable materials, offsetting carbon emissions, manufacturing and hiring responsibly, and using their profits to give back are so inspiring to me,” Wenck said. “We love partnering with like minded brands. To people who are reading this, know that your purchases matter.”

For more information about Rice Love, go to ricelove.com.

For more information about Taaluma Totes, go to carryacountry.com.