FITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship) is a new initiative that helps consumers give back and assist launching women-owned businesses worldwide.
How?
By extending 25 000 microloans to women worldwide. This philanthropic initiative is the latest expression of Dermalogica’s legacy of empowering women, based on the business model created by skin care therapist and Dermalogica founder, Jane Wurwand.
The Facts
Jane Wurwand herself could not get a $10 000 (roughly R70 000) loan to start Dermalogica in 1986. Since the brand was founded, Dermalogica has facilitated the education, development and financial success of more than 25 000 women in the skincare industry as business owners. These businesses in turn employ an additional 75 000 professional skin care therapists.
The Concept
FITE provides global microloans to female entrepreneurs who otherwise would not have access to capital or credit. Dermalogica has partnered with non-profit microfinance leader Kiva.org to connect with women in more than 50 countries world wide.
Easy to spot
The initiative will first become visible to consumers by means of special FITE packaging for the brand’s five best selling products:
Daily Microfoliant
PreCleanse
Skin Hydrating Booster
Total Eye Care
Intensive Eye Repair. 
How do I participate?
There is a special code printed on the FITE sleeve packaging. You, the consumer, enter the code from the product you have purchased on www.joinFITE.org. Upon activation, $1 USD (about R7) is contributed towards a microloan for a specified, qualified female recipient. You may choose the region as well as the industry towards which you choose to support with each purchase. Better yet, you will be able to track the ongoing business activity of the specified entrepreneur, including the repayment of their loan.
Final Thoughts
It makes me very happy to see positive and constructive projects in this awesome but often shallow industry we find ourselves in. So I heave a sigh of relief as I activate the code on my new Daily Microfoliant. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be the one with smooth skin and a helping of Good Deed on the side thank you very much.
Article By: Chantelle Bester