Bio Natural Inc dba
BioRepublic
Skincare
Atlanta, Georgia
D
M
espite being a business that is still very much in
its infancy (it is just a year and a half old),
BioRepublic is already creating a major name for
itself within skin care and philanthropy.
Founders Paolo Montonelli and Justin Hong wanted to show
their commitment to sustainability and to women’s issues from
the moment they launched the business with their first line of
eco-friendly sheetmasks in October 2014.
A partnership with their local Atlanta-based chapter of
Dress for Success was just the kind of philanthropic partnership
they were looking for, and according to Montonelli, it is a
partnership that “gives back to our community in a way that
makes sense, given the nature of our business and products.
After meeting with the director of our local Dress for Success
chapter to understand their approach to empowering women,
we knew we had found the right partner.”
Dress for Success is a worldwide nonprofit organization that
empowers women in the workplace by selling gently-used
women’s business attire, providing a professional support
network and career development tools. The organization has
helped over 850,000 women in 20 countries by providing them
with skills, counseling and clothing, helping them to re-enter
the business world or take their first steps on the ladder.
Montonelli believes that many more businesses can and
should embrace the social issues that are important to their
employees and customers. “There are so many opportunities to
get involved, especially at the local level,” he says. “We donate
free facial masks for every purchase in our online shop. We also
support Dress for Success by donating product for their
fundraisers. As of now, we are only working with their Atlanta
chapter; however, we hope to expand the partnership to other
regions in the near future.”
BioRepublic’s approach to philanthropy is a crucial part of
its business plan, and proves beyond doubt that a business
does not have to be mature or long-established to make giving
back a major part of its work.
TOP TIP: “Find an outstanding partner, one that complements your business and could use
your help. Despite the amazing work Dress for Success does, we find that a lot of people
still don’t know what they do. We want to build long-term success for them and for us.”
March/April 2016