Women rule at Ciao Bella Moda

The fashion boutique opened two and a half years ago and prides itself on empowering women and giving back to the community.

The store is half new and designer clothes and half quality pre-loved clothes.

Customers are encouraged to bring their used clothes to receive a credit to use on a more pricier item.

The clothes that can’t be sold are sent to Vanuatu where local women sell them to raise money to build water tanks.

Since February they have sent over 15 50kg drums of clothing.

Owner Josephine Charlesworth said she believed all businesses have a social responsibility to give back.

‘’We want to make fashion affordable for woman,’’ she said.

‘’Most women are looking for someway to give back. 

‘’It’s guilt free shopping so it’s a win-win.’’

Liz Sherborne was a customer at the shop and decided to join forces with the store to bring unwanted clothes to Vanuatu.

She works with a woman in Vanuatu Lesieli Joseph, who has set up Vanuatu Earthbag Building which has since built 34 water tanks.

She said it gave women independence and also helped provide enough money to build water tanks and houses.

‘’It means a reduction in the death toll for water borne diseases,’’ she said.

‘’It also reduces the vulnerability of women.’’

The Vanuatu project isn’t the only cause the store supports.

They are also a drop off point for the Beauty Bank which donates beauty gifts to people in need.

The store also collects for Uplift Bras which recycles bras to women in need.

Snuggle Coats also collects unwanted furs that are dropped off at the store and donates them to wildlife rescues to comfort the animals in their care.

Ms Charlesworth said she wanted to empower women after herself having to start again after a divorce.

‘’My dream is to teach women how to become financially independent from any government and any man,’’ she said.