The nonprofit started back in 1883, during a time where there were few ways women could work.
ST. LOUIS — As we close out Women's History Month, 5 On Your Side is highlighting a nonprofit created by women for women.
The Woman's Exchange has been in St. Louis for over 100 years and has impacted lives in the St. Louis community for the past century.
The nonprofit started back in 1883, during a time when there were few ways women could work. While it's still kept its roots, it's now expanded into so much more.
Board President Allie Cohn said the nonprofit has a long, beautiful, and influential history here in St. Louis.
"The Woman's Exchange was founded by women for women, the original group of ladies that got together wanted to help out other women who had fallen on hard times financially," she said.
It was a way for women, back in the late 1800s, to earn a living by creating and selling handmade goods and heirloom garments. Cohn said sometimes, even in secret, without their husband's knowledge.
"This group of ladies ran the store, they ran the tearoom, and they would sell these items for sale and be able to give the proceeds back to these women who could then maintain their families," she said.
Nearly 150 years later, that mission still holds true. Executive Director Julie Peters said it's now a model for others, as it's a part of the National Federation of Woman's Exchanges.
"We are one of the last few standing Woman's Exchanges in the country," she said.
The nonprofit is known widely for its iconic cherry dress, which was made famous by people like Jackie Kennedy, Gwenyth Paltrow and Jenna Bush, according to Peters.
"We have sent it to dignitaries, celebrities, influencers. Just the idea that this dress gets to travel the world and show up on Christmas cards and paintings is just as important as is the work that went behind it," she said.
The meticulous artisanship that goes into the infamous dress is handmade by many immigrants today. It's all a part of the nonprofit's immigrant and refugee training program, which helps people transition into the workforce. People, just like, Jasmina Germic.
"It's a place that helps out when you need it the most and immigrating here and starting work, it's really hard," she said.
It's something Germic knows all too well, as she immigrated to the states from Bosnia and started working at The Woman's Exchange when she was in college.
Loving the atmosphere and the mission so much, Germic has never left, and now serves as the nonprofit's Finance Director.
"For somebody who has immigrated and been through the war and moved, I also lived in Germany, just being at a place that has existed for so many years, it's really amazing," she said.
That's just scratching the service of women the nonprofit impacts daily. According to Peters, it also has a tearoom anyone can enjoy and a free commercial kitchen for women entrepreneurs.
"We are able to offer this beautiful environment for people to learn job skills, for people to feel at home while they're going through a personal crisis. It is truly our greatest gift that we can offer the St. Louis community," she said.
It's a gift that's centered on values, which are truly timeless.
"Upholding the standards that people remember, and being there for people's great days and rainy days is just something that's really important," Peters said.
The best way for you to support The Woman's Exchange is by shopping and eating there. The nonprofit is also always looking for artisans to join their team. You can donate here.
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April 01, 2024 at 05:30AM
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The Woman's Exchange in St. Louis has existed since 1883 - KSDK.com
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