'All Good Things' Doing Good for Others

Photo Submitted

Gabby Vannozzi’s “All Good Things” online boutique sells fair trade items to support causes around the world.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Gabby Vannozzi, a sophomore apparel studies student in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, decided over spring break last year she wanted to make a difference. She is doing just that by combining her love of shopping with her passion to help people. 

“I came up with the idea over coffee with my mom,” said the 19-year-old from McKinney, Texas. “I wanted to learn the business of fashion and make a difference while doing that.”

Her idea was a small online boutique that sells fair trade accessories. Vannozzi said an idea is one thing, but turning the idea into something more is completely different. “I owe my mom and the rest of my family the world for all of their continuous encouragement, support, ideas and love.”

Vannozzi named her boutique “All Good Things” and decided to only sell items with a cause attached to them. Her mission is to “better our world” by only offering products that give back to society. The boutique’s website says that the consumer should feel good about the design and style of the products, but should also be delighted the purchased item is “making a difference in someone’s life around the world.”

While finding items to sell is a little complicated, Vannozzi accepts the challenge with a positive attitude.

“It’s challenging at times to find wholesalers that sell products that create some good in the world, but it's a fun challenge,” said Vannozzi. “It's kind of like a treasure hunt. Once you find the perfect item, it's much like a video game enthusiast waiting in line for ‘Call of Duty.’ It's totally worth it." 

After research, preparations and receiving a business license, Vannozzi established “All Good Things” on June 1. Since then, Vannozzi, who puts all profits back into the business, has sold several accessory items to online buyers.

“Gabby can be an example to other students and faculty of how to balance academic and personal career goals,” said Kathy Smith, assistant professor and internship coordinator in apparel studies. “It should give her a sense of responsibility and accountability, meeting deadlines and attention to detail, which are all crucial to the professional industry she will be entering. The apparel studies program encourages an experiential and entrepreneurial spirit within its student body. Gabby is a good example of that model.”

Every item Vannozzi sells has a cause attached to it. The headbands, bracelets, scarves and necklaces are all given “product descriptions” explaining exactly where the item is from and how it is changing the maker’s life. The scarves are fair trade made by artisans in India. Every scarf purchased is helping alleviate poverty in the Barmer region. Another cause is for women in Northern India. When consumers purchase Purple Pharaoh necklaces they are helping artisans in efforts to overcome “exploitation, poverty and illiteracy.” The items that have the most variety are the Nepal Mission bracelets. Women in Nepal, who “delicately handpick the colors,” made the bracelets. The description says, “When you wear these rollover bracelets on your wrist, know that you are helping empower women, sponsor poor children and educate young minds to help them live a joyous life.”

“Students seem to have more of an entrepreneurial spirit today and are more inclined to start a business on their terms and in their timeframe,” said Smith. “I am not surprised they are taking these steps toward their professional aspirations at the same time as their academic aspirations.”

Another way Vannozzi is influencing the fashion community is her blog, Shimmy. Vannozzi uses her style and quirky titles to gain the Internet world’s attention. Shimmy holds pictures of Vannozzi’s outfits with an explanation of why she puts them together and where the items are from.

Vannozzi doesn’t have a long-term business plan, but she wants to continue to help people.