Founder Portraits: Bobbi Paidel
September 26th, 2019
Tribe of Lambs is more than a jewelry brand that is making a difference; it is a movement that is working to empower HIV positive children in India through fundraising initiatives and the sale of jewelry pieces that are ethically produced in vulnerable communities. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Bobbi launched the project in 2015 and was joined by two friends in Canada and the UK to grow the business into a full nonprofit.
Tell us about your ‘aha’ moment that made you start Tribe of Lambs and help HIV-positive children in India?
Bobbi: While I was living in northern India, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between consumer habits and compassionate choices that positively impact the lives of others. After an initial crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a few orphanages I was volunteering in, we offered locally made goods as rewards for donating & it was such a success that we found the confidence to move forward and start Tribe of Lambs.
Why did you decide to apply to The Social Ventures Zone?
Bobbi: I applied to the Social Ventures Zone primarily to join the community. As a social entrepreneur working on the road and at home, with my business partner far off in the UK, I was feeling isolated. I was also eager to receive all the resources the SVZ has to offer and access the coworking space. It’s been a year and it has honestly been an incredible experience.
"I applied to the Social Ventures Zone primarily to join the community. As a social entrepreneur working on the road and at home, with my business partner far off in the UK, I was feeling isolated."
What is your favourite part about running Tribe of Lambs and being a social entrepreneur?
Bobbi: My biggest challenge yet blessing has been overcoming difficulties we never thought we could and admitting failure in one area as an opportunity to expand another. The connections we’ve built, the kids we’ve impacted, and the thousands of people that have supported our mission this far are so special and humbling.
What has been your proudest moment while running Tribe of Lambs?
Bobbi: Definitely whenever we’re on the ground in India, getting to see actual impact of our work. Visiting the kids at school and hearing their achievements and struggles with us is always a reminder we’re on the right path, and getting to share these stories with our contributors, customers and donors allows us to connect them to the difference we’re making in the lives of these children.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned along the way while working on your venture?
Bobbi: Since day one, we’ve learned our biggest lessons through making mistakes. After making SO many mistakes, we’re now stronger and smarter in taking risks as we learn what it means to have a social venture. We’d never had our own business, our own charity, worked overseas, developed products, imported goods, built community, vended at festivals and events, understood online logistics…and now we do. It’s been an investment of personal resources like time & money that we’ll never get back but it’s been 100% worth it to see the return by way of positively impacting the lives of those who need outside support, and also inspiring those back home that with small, thoughtful choices, anyone can make change in the world.
What are your plans for Tribe of Lambs?
Bobbi: We’re 5 years in at this point and are approaching a big change for our organization. We are really leaning into what we love about Tribe: maximizing our impact & connecting people to our cause. We see a future for our children, and all HIV+ children, where stigma & discrimination don’t affect their access to basic human rights. If we’ve learned one thing through all this, it is that continuing to stay true to our why is the only thing that will keep us going. I see a big future for us and I’m excited about all the possibilities we’ll be creating for the Tribe!
Learn more about Tribe of Lambs. (external link)