The Hello Rewind Journey

I love this idea all the way around. So good to see creativity being put to good use. Thank you for sharing this with the world.

I love the idea, but you are missing out of something like 90% of the laptop market by only offering MAC sized laptops. I've got 4 laptops in the house, 3 are 17" PCs and one is a 10" PC. I'd love to buy a sleeve from you for one of my 17s but it won't fit in your presized sleeves. I'm not saying that you shouldn't have every computer possible listed (although that would be awesome) but some larger sizes would be a great idea.

So, why don't you disclose your financial model: how your labor is being paid, their working conditions, and wages. Your lack of transparency is disconcerting, especially given your source of labor.

@greg: our financial model is based on months of work, and it will evolve save for two facts:

The women will always get set compensation that:

1. Pays them considerably more then they would get elsewhere;
2. And makes them the highest paid people inside of Hello Rewind.

The only thing that would change is our margin (which represents the smallest piece of the pie, and is necessary to keep things running).

As for working conditions, we have a set-up that is comfortable, and allows the women flexible hours and a very entrepreneurial environment. Pictures (not of the women but of the work site) are forthcoming. As we just got our first spate of orders, it will take some time.

Outside of that, it's hard to be more transparent given the population we're serving. Your concerns and questions are appreciated. If there were ever a cause where hard questions are welcome and helpful -- it's this one.

greg: So, why don't you disclose your financial model: how your labor is being paid, their working conditions, and wages. Your lack of transparency is disconcerting, especially given your source of labor.

--Shut up. so easy to sit at home and accuse these people of wrongdoing for no reason what have you done for ANYONE lately.

Kudos to your site. Great idea, Great execution and Great cause. Keep up the good fight!

Also, Please do iPhone sleeves or cases quick! I will totally buy one and think lots of people will too. Plus you can do it with one shirt easy.

it dude, i think greg brought up some valid questions, and it's important to know where your money is going before you support an organization. not that you want to be eternally pessimistic, but i see no harm in conducting a little due diligence.

i love the concept, though!

Why does it matter what the business model is? Do you ask General Motors what their business model is before you buy a car? Do you ask Zappos.com what their business model is before you buy shoes? How about Geico, McDonalds, RJ Reynolds, InBev (Annhuiser Bush - however its spelled)?

My guess is no.

If the product looks like its something you're interested in, you'll buy it. Simple as that. I personally will be buying one of these as soon as I can find a shirt that I'd like to use as a laptop case. Its all a bonus that its going to help a good cause.

Saw this at Engadget [have to give credit where credit is due] - absolutely LOVE it!

Two questions:

1) Are you planning on expanding the line-up at all? T-shirt sleeves could be used for iPhone/iPod/smartphone/mp3 player cases, and smaller kids shirts could be used for netbook cases, etc. Long sleeves could be used to create wraps for Nalgene/Sigg/Klean Kanteen bottles. Etc.

2) If you guys need volunteers [cleaning/IT/teaching English/whatever] I'd be happy to help. 21/M/NJ area, close enough to NYC.

Either way - astounding work. If/when I get a Macbook, I'll be sure to order one. My current PC laptop is a bit too thick [1.5"] for the 17" sleeve... unless I can customize the size slightly when ordering? If so then I'm sold.

Thanks again.

this is a cool idea and all, but $50 is a big price for a laptop sleeve

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for your comment. $49 is pretty much a break-even point for us. It's a daunting operation with a lot of training and work with the sex trafficking survivors. Every penny we make goes into helping the women and sustaining the business. With all these constraints, if we could price at a lower price, we would -- but it's not economically feasible for us.

@sheila: thanks for the compliment regarding the idea! In addition to being cool, it also has a greater purpose. While your run-of-the-mill neoprene case can be had for $20 shipped, there are a few factors we take into account for Hello Rewind. We incur shipping, labor, and operational costs that pretty much leave us at break even. Also remember that designer laptop sleeves can easily run $40-$60. This one is custom, but it's not for everyone. You either want it for the uniqueness and style, to help others, or some combination of those two. Thanks for the comments, though.

Rock on with your repurposing/recycling/anti-trafficking selves. Love the idea. Love the execution. Awesome. And there has to be some grant money available somewhere - if not to help the business model then at least to help these ladies with education/rehabilitation initiatives.

Seriously though. Rock on cool idea.

What a wonderful concept and an admirable mission! I will keep you in my prayers as you seek to make the world a better place!!

Hi,
I ordered my laptop-sleeve a week ago... And only today noticed that the project is for charity for sex-traffic victims. Sorry I didn't read your webpage more closely, but I was just blinded by the thought of getting a cool, custom and unique sleeve for my laptop. And now I'm twice as happy, knowing that I'm supporting an important case as well.

Thank you for starting this incredible project!

We love this idea at goodkin! We just did a piece on you all and hope you get more traffic and raise more awareness.

@Jennifer: Thanks for the great post!

Love the idea I really want one. I think you could sell way more if you could customize the size, not all of us are mac people.

Love it. I'm really excited for you guys and hope your project grows.

Fabulous idea on so many levels. Thank you for tackling the question of what to do with that old t-shirt - recycle, reuse and repurpose.

I'd love to see a T-shirt quilt offered. I have a bunch of T-shirts I just can't part with and would love to send them off to someone to make a quilt using the same materials you are using to make the sleeves. Just an idea... Also, I don't really need a laptop sleeve, but is there some way to make a donation without purchasing anything? I figure you can use help with the start-up costs. As I read "Half the Sky," I feel overwhelmed by the plight of so many women worldwide. It's energizing to see someone doing something so necessary and so positive. Kudos!

Way to go Hello Rewind team!!! Thanks for all the support everyone!!! Keep spreading the message!

Excellent stuff! Found out about this company over at Engadget, glad i've found it, i think what you guys are doing is great!

So your employing illegal aliens? That's your 'business model'?

@zaphod When did we say we employed illegal aliens? The women we currently work with have legal status in the United States, just little opportunity to find jobs that will support them and help them learn the skills they need to reintegrate with society.

Hi, I'm amazed at how great of a society we are when an amazing project like this comes out. To all those naysayers out there... I believe the Guns n Roses song, get in the ring is appropriate. I'm sure @Greg, @Bayarea, and @Zaphod as johns must be pissed at the good work you guys are doing. On a personal level; Would I be able to get a my team's hockey jersey made into a sleeve?

Really inspiring stuff, I'll make sure to order a sleeve when I get my new MB Pro :). Keep up the great work!

Are there plans to expand and include PC laptop sizes as well? Both my Dell and HP's don't are two big for the 15 but will have more wiggle room than desired for the 17.

Jess Lin said...@zaphod :When did we say we employed illegal aliens? The women we currently work with have legal status in the United States, just little opportunity to find jobs that will support them and help them learn the skills they need to reintegrate with society."

What makes you think that anyone previously involved with the sex industry wants to sew??? In what other ways does this business assist and empower people who have been trafficked if they choose not to sew??? Do these people get to choose where they live? Or are you housing everyone together?? Surely, if you are paying them a good wage you would be more than happy to disclose what their hourly rate is... Also, I assume that their medical health insurance is a part of their employment package?

Glad to see they now have legal status in the US.

Even if they were coerced into sex against their will (this is known as 'rape' not 'prostitution'/ sex work) doesn't mean that they should be described as needing "reintegration" into society - they have always been a part of society. Your language continues to isolate them and treat them 'differently'.

@Rebecca Thanks for your comments. Trying to steer clear of an exercise in semantics, but we feel the term "reintegration" is appropriate from our consults with case workers and others involved in rescuing these women. We just don't consider life moving in and out of brothels as "part of society" when "society" is defined as a normal life free of routine, premeditated abuse. These women, almost quite literally, have been pulled away from what would, at least in much of the U.S., be considered as normal human contact. They are, quite literally, pulled into the margins of a normal and just society, and they are isolated and abused (sometimes suffering from childhood into their 40s and beyond). And, once again literally, many are still forced into "prostitution/sex work" or are blind as to other alternatives, so that term isn't open to productive debate. Any talk about their plight is helpful, so thanks for your comments. If you want to get involved or help us refine our work, you can reach us at talk@hellorewind.com or through this comment section.

@Rebecca I should also mention that people who work with us:

a. make a choice to sew (some turn it down when offered the Hello Rewind opp by a case worker)
b. learn other business skills
c. learn English language
d. can and do suggest other product offerings, and other creative endeavors

As for the pay structure, suffice to say that it's generous as they need enough to help them break free from other lines of work. And most organizations don't share their pay information on a blog -- we're no different. If you'd like to know more, we would be happy to entertain an offline discussion.

Thanks -- Todd

brilliant idea and we would love to stock these items and help you guys grow! can you tell me who to contact to do this? x

@Clooci You can contact me at talk@hellorewind.com. Looks like we'd be a great fit! We have a new design that would go well in your store.

Can people donate shirts? If you're going to be placing them in stores, you'll need shirts that aren't sent in for special orders. Correct? I'd love to help and get my friends involved as well!

@elise please email me at jess@hellorewind.com -- i'd love for you to help us with this! :)

Inspired and inspiring idea, all. I love that from your start you are a social enterprise venture. To those who are questioning working conditions, wages, good for you - it's important for these folks to know that the community cares about those things! I already sent you an email so I won't spam your site with my company name :). Be in touch - I have some ideas...

it dude, i think greg brought up some valid questions, and it's important to know where your money is going before you support an organization. not that you want to be eternally pessimistic, but i see no harm in conducting a little due diligence.

i love the concept, though!

it's really a beautiful and excellent idea...go on!!