Join us for a conversation with the co-founders of Trouble, Bari Harlam and Meredith Curren, to learn more about their inspiration behind the brand, their vision for its future, and perspectives on making the world a more equitable, inclusive place. Stay tuned at the end of the conversation for a special video featuring RéVive CEO, Elana Drell Szyfer.
Real Change Starts with Trouble
Q: What was the driving force behind Trouble?
Trouble: Our purpose is to raise as much money as possible for non-profits doing the hard work of closing gender equity gaps. Our moonshot goal is to reach $100 million so that we don’t have to wait another hundred years for equity.
Q: Tell us a little more about yourselves and your backgrounds.
Trouble: We found our seats at the boardroom table and knew that it was far from enough. We were tired of hearing how far we’ve come as a society because we can see clearly how far we still have to go. We want to accelerate the process of equity by creating a new kind of brand; one that inspires women, supports them, funds women’s causes, and recognizes the barriers caused by intersectionality.
Q: What comes to mind when you think about key, inspirational TroubleMakers that came before you?
Trouble: Trouble launched on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, to help carry the torch of gender equity forward. Guided by the spirit of the incredible women who fought so hard for our rights, we honor the women of today who are Troublemakers for Good. Together, we celebrate their courageousness and raise much-needed capital for non-profits hell-bent on change.
Q: What is your advice to all the future TroubleMakers?
Trouble: Speak out and support those around you. Do it in your own way. Some people are loud, some are soft, some lead from the front, some lead from the back. All TroubleMakers make a difference because if one woman causing TROUBLE is good, then a couple million is even better.
Q: What are your near-term goals and long-term vision for Trouble?
Trouble: Our 2020 launch year goal was to raise $20,000 for non-profits, and we exceeded it. Our goal this year is to raise $100,000 and we are well on our way to doing so. Our long-term goal is to raise $100 million to honor the incredible women who have fought so hard for our rights in the past and those who are making history today. We will not rest until there is equity for all girls and women.
Q: How do you choose which organizations Trouble donates its profits to?
Trouble: We support a range of organizations delivering impact to close equity gaps for women and girls. Our initial partners were Higher Heights and Vision2020 – they focus on getting out women’s votes. Given our launch timing on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, they were a clear choice. We also support Gift Card Bank because of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women and the resulting need for essentials, such as food. Our other national partners to date include GirlTrek, Girls on the Run, and I Have The Right To.
Q: What empowers and inspires you, in business and life as the founding forces behind Trouble?
Trouble: We are inspired by Trailblazers such as Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Billy Jean King, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Gloria Steinem, and Kamala Harris who paved the way for women across various sectors of society – they are all firsts, but not the last.
Q: What does being a TroubleMaker mean to you?
Trouble: A TroubleMaker is a courageous disruptor who is up to good.
Q: How does a brand like RéVive fit into Trouble’s mission?
Trouble: RéVive and our other Trouble Beauty partner brands are led by exceptional women making exceptional products for other women. They motivate us with their high-quality products designed to lift us all up… together. Lastly, they all know that we can’t make history if we don’t make Trouble.
