Building a Business That Gives Back

If you’ve been with us for a while, you may already know this, but Allie and I actually met long before Allie + Bess was even an idea. Back then, she was working as an occupational therapist and I was a speech therapist in a nursing home; and our desks? Side by side. That was 15 years ago, and looking back now, it’s wild to think that’s where this whole journey started.

We may have stepped away from the therapy world, but that deep-down desire to help people is still such a big part of who we are.

When we launched Allie + Bess, it was literally just the two of us—designing, beading, shipping, all of it. And we loved it. But as things grew (fast!), we knew we needed help and we also knew we wanted to do it intentionally. Dallas has an incredible refugee community, and one of the things we loved most about our process is that it can be taught visually. You don’t have to speak the same language to create something beautiful.

We were introduced to our first two beaders, refugees from Afghanistan, during that time and they’re still with us today. Truly, the pieces they create are art. Their work, their energy—it’s become part of the AB story.

But for us, it’s never been just about building a business. Giving back has always been part of the why.

There are so many incredible nonprofits in Dallas, but Genesis Women’s Shelter really struck a chord with us, especially as young moms. They serve women walking through unimaginable situations, and they support their children too. That mission hit home for both of us.

Our first time partnering with Genesis was around the holidays. Allie and I spent the day at the shelter making bracelets with the kids to give to their moms. What started as a small craft quickly turned into something bigger, and suddenly they were making gifts for teachers, friends, grandmas. That spirit of giving? It was contagious. One of those moments you carry with you forever.

A few years later, we decided to bring the AB community into the fold. Ahead of one of our Game Day drops, we launched a backpack drive, and you all BLEW us away. It was such a runaway success that it’s become something we both look forward to every year. A tradition rooted in purpose, connection, and a whole lot of heart.

At the end of the day, growing a business is amazing—but growing something with purpose? That’s the why.

As a small business, we’ve had to get scrappy and creative. We might not always be in a place to write big checks, but what we CAN do is show up with heart, stay intentional, and find ways to make meaningful marks in our community. Little by little, it adds up and that’s what we’re most proud of.  

This year, we’re excited to once again partner with Genesis Women’s Shelter for our annual backpack drive. If you’d like to join us in supporting this amazing cause, we’ve linked all the details below. Every backpack makes a difference. 💛

Here is the link to support Genesis: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/16X39K1FGO04K?ref_=wl_share

XOXO - BESS