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Ten by Three is not just a nonprofit, it is a transformative force built on the conviction that extreme poverty can be eradicated through sustainable entrepreneurship. Founded in 2002 by Theresa Carrington, whose personal journey of resilience gave rise to the groundbreaking Blessing Basket concept, Ten by Three has evolved into a global movement. Our mission is clear and inspiring: to end extreme poverty by empowering artisans to build prosperous, debt-free businesses through our innovative 10x3 model.
At its core, Ten by Three believes in the power of connection, quality, and conscionus business practices. We are committed to paying our artisans Prosperity Wages, which are defined as at least 2.5 times the local Fairtrade rate.
This not only provides financial stability but also creates the conditions for artisans to launch three small businesses, each of which sparks multiple income streams. With over 9,200 graduates from our program across seven countries—from Ghana to Uganda, Kenya, Togo, Bangladesh, Madagascar, and India, our model has already transformed countless lives. Our culture is inherently collaborative, innovative, and impact-driven and one that places storytelling and connection at the heart of every transaction, proving that ethical commerce has the power to change the world.
WHO WE ARE:
Ten by Three, a St. Louis-based nonprofit, has pioneered a sustainable way to end extreme poverty. Our 10x3 model ensures that when we buy at least 10 products per month from an artisan at Prosperity Wages (2.5x fair trade), they can launch three small businesses, all debt-free. Unlike micro-lending, our approach fosters lasting entrepreneurship without loans or interest.
WHAT WE DO:
We partner with 3,000+ artisans across seven countries, paying Prosperity Wages, 2.5x fair trade. This “more than” money empowers artisans to launch three small businesses, each creating four income streams on average. Our debt-free, sustainable model breaks the cycle of poverty and builds lasting generational wealth.
WHY YOU MATTER:
Our 10x3 model only works when you participate. Each item you buy is individually numbered, allowing you to connect directly with your artisan through our Artisan&You program. Your purchase fuels their journey from poverty to entrepreneurship, helping them build three sustainable businesses. Your purchase is a lifeline, the spark for a brighter future, and creates stories of human connection you will be proud to share.
ORIGIN STORY
HOW LOVE CHANGED THE WORLD
THE ORIGINAL BLESSING BASKET
This is Theresa Carrington's original Blessing Basket. Overflowing with cards and letters of support during a difficult time. Theresa knew she could never repay the authors of these cards and letters, so, she dedicated her life to paying forward their love to the world.
LOVE STARTED IT ALL
In 2002, amid a storm of personal challenges, Theresa Carrington discovered an unexpected source of strength in the simple, heartfelt gestures of those who cared for her. Friends and family sent her notes, cards, and pictures. These were small tokens of love that carried immeasurable power. Theresa preserved these treasures in what she came to call her "Blessing Basket." This was no ordinary basket; it was a sanctuary of hope, a daily reminder of resilience, and a testament to the unyielding support that surrounded her.
Touched by the profound impact this act of encouragement had on her own life, Theresa felt compelled to share it with others. She began speaking at conferences, sharing her deeply personal journey and the role her Blessing Basket played in lifting her from despair to empowerment. Her story resonated powerfully with audiences, particularly women, who saw in the Blessing Basket a symbol of hope and connection. A ripple of inspiration began to spread as people yearned for their own Blessing Baskets, tangible reminders that they, too, were not alone.
Theresa realized this was more than a story, it was a call to action. She envisioned a way to multiply the Blessing Basket’s impact, transforming it from a personal lifeline into a global force for good. Theresa's vision extended beyond creating beautiful baskets; she saw an opportunity to empower the artisans who crafted them. She was determined to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation by paying artisans prosperity wages, far above fair trade standards, and eliminating the middleman.
Through this bold vision, Theresa created not just a product, but a movement. Each basket became a bridge, connecting cultures and communities while honoring the artistry and humanity of its maker. The Blessing Basket Project, now known as Ten by Three, grew from this mission, providing artisans with the resources to lift themselves out of poverty and into sustainable entrepreneurship.
Theresa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, compassion, and courage. What began as a deeply personal response to adversity has become a global movement, proving that small acts of love can ignite extraordinary change. Through Ten by Three, Theresa invites you to join in this movement, one purchase, one artisan, and one story at a time.
Why did Theresa change the name of the organization to Ten by Three?
HERITAGE CRAFTS
Each item is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted and subjected to our rigorous seven-step quality control process. This commitment to quality begins the moment artisans join our program, ensuring every product meets our high standards. As they preserve their heritage crafts, and earn they also start three businesses.
SUSTAINABILITY
At Ten by Three®, our promise to purchase 10 products per month from each artisan provides the funding for them to launch at least three small businesses debt free. Entrepreneurship sparks sustainable financial independence, breaking the generational cycle of poverty
GLOBAL IMPACT
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar spent at Ten by Three® is an investment in preserving heritage crafts worldwide. Our innovative Prosperity Wages® model guarantees earnings beyond fair trade standards, empowering artisans to achieve entrepreneurship without the need for middlemen and the burden of micro-lending debt.
WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY
GUARDIANS PAST AND PRESENT
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A TEN BY THREE MARKETING SPONSOR
| Ten by Three is a certified nonprofit organization that sells products made by artisans in developing countries to empower them to sustainably exit poverty. |
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Ten by Three is the inventor and pioneer of the 10x3 formula. We guarantee to buy up to TEN products a month from each artisan at Prosperity Wages and they use those funds to start THREE small businesses separate and apart from their hand-crafted art. |
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Unlike micro-lending, which provides small loans to individuals, Ten by Three directly supports artisans by creating a marketplace for their products. This approach offers a sustainable income rather than debt. |
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Ten by Three's prosperity wages model allows artisans to grow their three businesses beyond their handicrafts, without the burden of loan repayment, or interest. This provides a faster, more direct path to economic stability. |
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Ten by Three offers a platform for artisans to reach a wider market, helping them sell their goods and share their stories, which generates direct income and fosters community growth. |
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Ten by Three operates not as a traditional e-commerce platform but as a nonprofit. We focus on empowering artisans by enabling them to sell handcrafted goods directly from rural villages in developing countries to markets in the. U.S. and Canada. Ten by Three raises 80% of its annual budget through the sale of the products, enabling us to help more artisans. |
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Over 9,200 artisans have been lifted out of poverty, contributing to sustainable livelihoods across seven countries. |
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Each product comes with a story lookup code that provides details about the artisan who crafted it, through the Artisan&You® platform. Customers can actually exchange digital letters with their artisan through a fleet of translators. When an artisan receives a letter it changes the way they see themselves and helps them feel more connected to others in the world. |
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Each item is rigorously handcrafted and goes through a seven-step quality control process. Much of the work to get products ready for shipment to customers is done by those who have been involved in the judicial system and were sentenced to community service. They serve their community service at Ten by Three and most will tell you their volunteer experience helping the world's poor changed the way they see their own human journey. |
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Products are available at over 550 retail locations nationwide, including stores like Lowe's and Whole Foods Market, and this website. |
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Donations help expand our model to reach more people in extreme poverty and ensure artisans earn beyond fair trade wages. |
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How can one get involved with Ten by Three? |
Individuals can become retail partners, donate, purchase products , or Volunteer to help us achieve our mission of ending poverty through entrepreneurship. |