Meet Jennifer Olson | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Olson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am what some might call an ‘accidental entrepreneur.’ I started my first business as a sophomore in college. I wanted to make mason jars and sell them to help nonprofits around the world. Each month, I picked a cause and a nonprofit and donated all the money to that organization at the end of the month. What I thought was going to be a little craft I did on the side turned into a flourishing business called Jars of Hope. Within months I began focusing all my efforts with this business on fighting human trafficking.

As a student, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew next to nothing about business but continued to move forward with a very good thing. I received support from professors, mentors, and students which helped this business grow. During my first year of college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Starting my first business helped me find my passion. Helping vulnerable people through economic empowerment.

Once I graduated I started learning more about the issue of human trafficking. And one stat in particular kept coming up – 80% of trafficking victims go back to the life because they can’t find a dignified job. Seeing this disconnect I started learning more about employing survivors and about fair trade as a whole. I learned that there is a broken supply chain that we need to address. Today, the products we make have value but the people producing them are considered to be disposable. How do we change that narrative?

Mosaic Collective changes the narrative by sourcing products made by survivors of exploitation and other vulnerable people groups. We partner with fair trade brands committed to providing a living wage and a safe working environment for each person. The workplace is free from harassment, discrimination, and child labor. Instead of struggling to survive, families thrive under our brands. They are able to provide for themselves and their families and ensure economic growth for the community at large.

Our products are made by survivors of human trafficking, refugees, people with mental illnesses and disabilities, those transitioning out of homelessness, and many other vulnerable individuals. Through employment, we help reduce the cycle of exploitation and injustice that is pervasive in our world.

What I’ve learned in starting Mosaic Collective is that fair trade proves greater justice in the world is possible. Every dollar we spend matters and impacts another individual for better or worse. It is our goal to provide opportunities for people to shop knowing they are making a positive difference.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am what some might call an ‘accidental entrepreneur.’ I started my first business as a sophomore in college. I wanted to make mason jars and sell them to help nonprofits around the world. Each month, I picked a cause and a nonprofit and donated all the money to that organization at the end of the month. What I thought was going to be a little craft I did on the side turned into a flourishing business called Jars of Hope. Within months I began focusing all my efforts with this business on fighting human trafficking.

As a student, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew next to nothing about business but continued to move forward with a very good thing. I received support from professors, mentors, and students which helped this business grow. During my first year of college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Starting my first business helped me find my passion. Helping vulnerable people through economic empowerment.

Once I graduated I started learning more about the issue of human trafficking. And one stat in particular kept coming up – 80% of trafficking victims go back to the life because they can’t find a dignified job. Seeing this disconnect I started learning more about employing survivors and about fair trade as a whole. I learned that there is a broken supply chain that we need to address. Today, the products we make have value but the people producing them are considered to be disposable. How do we change that narrative?

Mosaic Collective changes the narrative by sourcing products made by survivors of exploitation and other vulnerable people groups. We partner with fair trade brands committed to providing a living wage and a safe working environment for each person. The workplace is free from harassment, discrimination, and child labor. Instead of struggling to survive, families thrive under our brands. They are able to provide for themselves and their families and ensure economic growth for the community at large.

Our products are made by survivors of human trafficking, refugees, people with mental illnesses and disabilities, those transitioning out of homelessness, and many other vulnerable individuals. Through employment, we help reduce the cycle of exploitation and injustice that is pervasive in our world.

What I’ve learned in starting Mosaic Collective is that fair trade proves greater justice in the world is possible. Every dollar we spend matters and impacts another individual for better or worse. It is our goal to provide opportunities for people to shop knowing they are making a positive difference.

Starting this business was anything but easy. And as we continue to grow more challenges arise. However, when you focus on the ‘why’ behind what you do it gives you the motivation to move forward. That has certainly been the case for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I love this question because I love my little city! We are located in Downtown Lynchburg which is a vibrant and growing downtown community.

Right before you get to downtown there’s a coffee shop called La Vida Coffee + Market. I’m there almost every day getting work done and can easily say it’s the best coffee ever! I would take my friend there first and then go to My Dog Duke’s Diner where they serve excellent brunch!

Then, we would take a walk on the Blackwater Creek Trail which is incredibly beautiful and extends for miles through downtown and the rest of the city.

For lunch, we’d stop at Farm Basket, which is a Lynchburg staple and overlooks the Blackwater Creek. After lunch we’d go to some of the best boutiques downtown like Lexi and Lee and Gilded!

Some afternoon treats would also be in order. I’d take my friend to Mrs. Joys Fabulous Treats – arguably some of the best baked goods in town!

In the evening, we’d head to Skyline Rooftop located at the top of the Virginian Hotel for some drinks and dinner!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Jenny Nuccio – my mentor and role model paving the way for other business owners who want to make an impact on the world.

Website: mosaicco.org

Instagram: mosaiccollective_

Facebook: Mosaic Collective