Tame and Treat (Tame The Violence, Treat The Suffering)

Tame&Treat manufactures biodegradable, recycled rings made from bio-resin. While our products reduce fast fashion through sustainability, Tame&Treat aids women who suffer from domestic violence. 

Tame&Treat operates in a hands on circular motion to further assist the triple bottom line model of business.

Environment- We act through life cycle thinking: environmental, social, and economic impacts of a product over its entire life cycle. The most common materials for jewelry are silver, gold, and platinum. Once these metals and plastics end in our landfills, they don't biodegrade and release dangerous toxins into the atmosphere. Tame&Treat's solution is to be able to create handmade jewelry strictly through Bio-Resin which is made from annually renewable resources and offers the safest and greenest alternative to traditional epoxy resins. During the production of bio-based resin, the solution made from renewable resources can capture 1-3tons of carbon dioxide during its production.Carbon capture can achieve 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed by 2050 to achieve decarbonization.

Social and financial - Tame&Treat collaborates as an Impact Agent in the Women's Fund of Miami: attending meetings, events, and advocacy interactions to raise awareness. Monthly donations go towards almost 500 programs serving over 75,000 women and girls and advertisements (billboards&park benches) throughout Miami

Fast fashion is known to conduct the "Make, Take, Waste" model. As we take from the environment to create products, make clothing and jewelry with very little regard of how they are being produced, and wear our wardrobe once and throw it into the garbage, 85% of 25-billion pounds of waste from the fashion industry finishes in the US landfills allowing toxic chemicals in our water systems and oceans which further negatively impacts the food chain. This unsustainable mindset empowers the fashion industry to be second highest polluter in the world and creates ten percent of the planet's carbon footprint due to the energy being used during production and transportation that generates greenhouse gases. 

Also, Tame&Treat focuses on the domestic violence pandemic within Covid-19. The worldwide lockdown put many women at disadvantage in their homes as domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent globally/27 percent in the US in 2020. Creating a violent and silent existence, the women and young girls trapped inside their homes were not able to be seen at work or school which prevented them to search for help. The burden of this brutality increased severe levels of anxiety and depression damaging them psychologically, physically, and sexually. Through this oppression, it is difficult for these women and young girls to acquire jobs, study, and create equal opportunities for themselves. 

Tame&Treat's solution serves the planet, the people living in it, and, specifically, the women in my community. 

Tame&Treat's concept of sustainability towards the planet serves to protect the food chain. As each man-made product has a lifecycle, it is important to understand that all the chemicals produced from the fashion industry that fall into the surfaces of the planet not only harm animals, but humans too. The toxins that are consumed by animals go straight back to us as we eat fish and meat. Using plant-based/bio-based renewable resources protects our soil/air and all living things from unnatural matter in their bodies. 

Moreover, serving women in my community who have been affected by domestic abuse, especially during the course of the coronavirus Pandemic, will create positive change for women and girls. Through advocacy, Tame&Treat works with engaging in advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs to fight for women's equal rights. Our small business donates monthly to The Women's Fund (TWF) which goes towards ads across park benches and billboards in the South Florida community along to almost 500 programs serving over 75,000 women and girls. And lastly, through collective impact with one-on-one meetings with TWF to discover more ways we can work together through media. 

In the Summer of 2020, Tame&Treat was created through the Amigos International Community Impact six-week program: a cohort program networking with young leaders from Latin America and the United States collaborating in identifying today’s issues and reflecting upon the diversity and identity of our communities. Through this, I discovered that many women found themselves beholden and exposed to toxic relationships causing a violent and silent existence as they were trapped inside their homes - I began my business.

 For having only operated for a year, Tame&Treat was acknowledged on Miami Proud CBS 4 tv segment for its corporate social responsibility towards the South Florida community. Through this news coverage media exposure, Tame& Treat was able to dive deeper into understanding in the reality of these women during the anguish of the coronavirus Pandemic through a collaboration with The Women's Fund and land the position as an Impact Agent. Attending one on one meetings with the Executive Director and the Senior Research Associate and Operations Manager, going to events and advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs in my community, allowed us to distinguish ways to to truly attack the problem and help these women at a disadvantage.In a year, Tame&Treat was able to donate over $500 in support to the disadvantages that women face in my community.

The unmet need that the solution addresses is the empowerment of women and young girls to realize a community where power and possibility is not limited by gender. Till this day, true gender equality does not exist in any parts of the world. Strengthening women not only is important for their own well-being, but is necessary for the social development of the communities in which they reside in, warranting an access to opportunity to contribute creativity and critical services to all levels of society, whether it may be the workforce or at home. 

Gender equality is necessary for building a fair and sustainable world. 

Another unmet need that the solution addresses is the lack of ethical practices in the fast fashion industry. Through sustainable fashion we may reduce carbon footprint, save the lives of people, animals, and the planet, rescues water, protects our natural resources, and supports fairer working conditions, especially child labor. It is important that we take charge to further stay away from the harmful environment that we have today, and the toxic one we might have tomorrow. 

The Community Impact Program that I participated in  built a very strong foundation prior to launching my service project to my community. Tame&Treat was able to sell over 400 rings to all corners of the world proving it to be an attracting product. Allowing me to grow was the powerful use of marketing in the media, sending off my rings to fashion influencers allowed Tame&Treat to receive exposure to over fifteen million users. From shipping rings off to Norway, UK, Europe, Japan, and Vietnam, all together we contributed some relief to these unfortunate women of my South Florida. As I continue to be a small business at the heart of my closet-sized studio in my home, growth continues with the discovery of new ways to continue to be sustainable through possible, new products in order to contribute towards the dangers that the planet has endured due to the fast fashion outbreak, and immersing in ways to give back to those who need it the most. 

Tame&Treat focuses on the use of three core instruments in the production of our biodegradable, recycled jewelry: a silicon mold, solution A of the the bio-based resin, and solution B. 

Incorporating chemistry during our production process, we combine two solutions, A and B, from the the only bio-based resin made from annually renewable resources to offer the safest and greenest alternative to traditional epoxy resins made from fossil fuels to lower your carbon footprint and create using more Eco-friendly fashion-forward products. Both solutions must be at an equal ratio of 2.5 grams to achieve the perfect filling for one ring cavity in the mold in order to make sure no resin is gone to waste. Of course, while we continue to expand the variety of our products, the amount of resin from each solution correlates to the size of the mold of the product that is being fabricated. Next, the mixture must be stirred under warm to hot water in order to produce crystal clear resin with zero air bubbles. Once five to ten minutes of fusing together the solution has passed, the mixture is ready to be injected by a syringe into the silicone mold (silicone being more environmentally friendly than plastic). Overnight, in room temperature, the resin undergoes the curing process in which both solutions cross link and harden the resin. In what was two solutions of resin, is now transformed into harden and durable jewelry.

As of 2021, networking with The Women's Fund of Miami, in which supports almost 500 programs in my community, Tame&Treat is accessible to serving over 75,000 women and girls throughout Miami-Dade County. Now, due to the growth of our business there is insufficient funds to directly impact tens of thousands of people. Yet from what we can do, Tame&Treat focuses on the little things that truly make the difference and can impact more people than we can imagine. This includes donating to park benches/billboards to spread the word, attending events with the non-profit and public hearings with the legislative affairs in our community to fight towards women's rights in our community . While the women of South Florida have been the center of our philanthropy, we hope that as we grow we can be serving women across Florida, and hopefully, across the country. 

In April of 2021, Tame&Treat also sent care-packages to a less fortunate city in Venezuela called Barinas. Through this we were able to give back to about 100 families. Giving back to those who need it the most, Tame&Treat is inspired to give back to over hundred of more families in other municipal cities across the globe in the next year. 

Lastly, working with sustainability and renewable resources does not only service to the planet, but strives for a healthy future to all humans across the globe. 

Tame&Treat's impact goal for the next following year..

Impact goal #1 - double the amount of money that was donated last year (2021:$500) in order to continue to empower the women in my community towards freedom from violence, economic mobility, leadership roles, and great health and well being. In order to expand the business, Tame&Treat hopes to not only to continue to collaborate with The Women's Fund Of Miami, but other non-profit  organizations that strive for the equality of women in neighboring communities. 

Impact goal #2 - Create products that are 100% sustainable in order to promote the importance of protecting the planet. In the past creating a business at such a young age,& reaching understanding of what materials correspond with the business's mission was quite tricky and is still being perfected

HOW WILL TAME&TREAT MAKE THIS HAPPEN?

Marketing has been the #1 source of growth in Tame&Treat's journey. Whether it may be sending off products to influencers on instagram to promote the importance of sustainable fashion and change for women and young girls to their millions of followers, or finding exposure through local newspaper articles, it all starts with building a brand identity via the media that is appealing to our young target audience. Through exposure we are given the power to collectively promote change and protect the world and the people living in it. 

With an increase of finances, it has permitted us the opportunity to.... 

More Resources, new innovations. Ex: New resin molds, New alternatives of eco-friendly resin and add-ons to the rings, an at home studio.

How does this align with our solution? Allows us to be more environmentally conscience with our materials. Using renewable and eco-friendly materials during our products lifecycle is important for us to draw closer to a healthier, sustainable planet. Also, allows us to improve organization in Tame&Treat's project and empowers us to continue to be contemporary with our products. 

Corporate Social Responsibility advances. Ex: Donating more money monthly towards the women's fund, being able to branch off to assist different sectors in the world such as Venezuela. Aligns with our solution because increases philanthropic responsibility 

Greater Media Exposure. Ex: CBS4 News Television Segment - Miami Proud. News Articles online including DailyNationToday, TheNewObservers, Patch.com, SpotOnFlorida, and a dozen more. Influencers that promote the rings on their instagram account and speak out towards the importance of the philanthropy behind Tame&Treat — Influencers include Makenzie Ziegler (15M followers), Madi Monroe (5M), Lilia Buckingham (1.6M). 

How does this align with our solution? More exposure, spreads the word of our business, which further unites consumers from all corners of the world to contribute relief 

A barrier that currently exist for Tame&Treat to accomplish a goal for next year has been a team. Having worked as an entrepreneur for my junior, and currently, senior year of high school has been difficult to balance time. Yet, since Tame&Treat is very tight on money, it is difficult to be able to pay coworkers and a team. Nonetheless, I will have time during the summer transitioning into my university in Boston to dedicate towards growing closer to my goal. Another barrier that currently exists is the low supply of the resin molds that are utilized to fabricate the rings. The resin molds is the capital in which is most costly ranging between $200-400, and with that, I am able to make 28 rings a day (only sizes ranging from 6-9 with seven captivities each) creating limitation/delays in my production/consumers.Lastly, I believe that a barrier is experience. Despite the fact that I have been working on my business for a year, Tame&Treat is lacking guidance. 

Starting a business in your junior year of high school, the knowledge to understanding how a business operates is questionable. Yet, joining the Amigos International Community Impact six-program it opened gates to empathize with my community, define the issue I wanted to focus on, Ideate with the resources I have and have access to, design a prototype sample, test it in action, and pitch my project to the AMIGOS panel in order to receive feedback from adults that have experience in initiating projects. Through this experience I understood the foundation to a project and how important it is to take action in your community, connect with globally-minded students around the Americas, and design and implement ethical, meaningful service projects shaped through cross-cultural collaboration. 

Before beginning my business, I played volleyball for 10 years on a national travel team having participated in the 2020 Junior Olympics. Engaging in a very competitive sport allowed me to understand the meaning of daily commitment, working in a team, problem-solving, being open to feedback, and practice. Those ten years shaped my strong character today. 

Being a daughter of two hard-working, self-made, business owners allowed me to be surrounded by a working environment all my life, and once I began my business the guidance I received from my parents opened gates to the awareness of operation .While my father shifted the gears to teaching me about shipping and handling, customer service, and packaging, my mother focused on assisting me on the importance of attention to detail, analysis of cost, and logistics . 

Tame&Treat currently partners with The Women's Fund of Miami (TWF). Although our business has donated monthly to TWF since January of 2021, the non-profit organization had invited us to work together in October of last year after the CBS4 Miami Proud news segment had aired. Since then, Tame&Treat had landed the position as an Impact Agent. Holding one-on-one informative zoom meetings once a month with TWF's Interim Executive Director and the Senior Research Associate and Operations Manager (+ occasional staff ) allows us to work together to find social media tactics and different strategies that may be beneficial towards these women and their current situation. In order to be more conscious of my communities events and public hearings/advocacy interactions informed by Legislative affairs are attended. 

I am a seventeen year-old girl from South Florida who has a small business called Tame&Treat that focuses on using sustainable materials to create fashion forward products, especially jewelry made from the bio-based resin. The resin used is made from annually renewable resources and offers the safest and greenest alternative to traditional epoxy resins made from fossil fuels to lower your carbon footprint and create using more Eco-friendly products. Tame&Treats goal is promote the use of sustainable fashion as fast fashion has rose destroying the planet and the people living in it. As the fashion industry takes up ten percent of the world's carbon footprint (that's five times output than airline travel combined) and is the second highest polluter in the world, Tame&Treat understands that the fashion industry takes a toll on climate change. Our ethically made products aims to address problems caused by fast fashion. 

Also, Tame&Treat focuses on women's rights in their communities to empower women and young girls to help raise our voices to advocate for freedom of violence, leadership roles, strengthening health and well being, and economic mobility. Specifically, Tame&Treat has worked on serving women in the Miami community who have unfortunately been affected by domestic abuse, especially during the coronavirus Pandemic. Through advocacy, Tame&Treat works with engaging in advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs to fight for women's equal rights. Our small business donates monthly to The Women's Fund (TWF) which goes towards ads across park benches and billboards in the South Florida community to inform women to call for help and let them know they are not alone, along with 500 programs serving over 75,000 women and girls. And lastly, through collective impact with one-on-one meetings with TWF to discover more ways we can work together through media. Collectively, these actions empower women to realize a world where power and possibility aren't limited by gender.

Tame&Treat will use The HP Girls Save the World Prize to expand the variety of different products that we can fabricate including not only jewelry, but bags, clothing, etc, building a brand identity that is 100% sustainable. Through this we are able to protect our planet, the people living in it, and promoting the use of sustainable fashion something that is rare in the fashion industry.  With the prize, Tame&Treat will be warranted the opportunity to find better material alternatives for a business in the fashion industry (Most of the sustainable materials and instruments are more costly than materials that are bad for the environment). 

Also, The HP Girls Save the World Prize will allow us to give back to not only the women in need in our communities, but communities beyond South Florida. The prize money will allow us to bring more attention to fund the events in specific non-profit organizations such as The Women's Fund of Miami, increase marketing for non-profits (The Women's Fund) advocating for women's rights in Florida, and or use it to further take action in advancing the engagement in advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs in my community to fight for women's equal rights. 

Lastly, with The HP Girls Save the World Prize Tame&Treat will use it on marketing statics and methods to further advance and find exposure within our business. More exposure, amplifies an audience to hear our mission and message, and further inspires people to take action. 

I am a seventeen year-old girl from South Florida who has a small business called Tame&Treat that focuses on our ethically made products that aim to address problems caused by fast fashion and strives to empower women to realize a world where power and possibility is not limited by gender.

Till this day, true gender equality does not exist in any parts of the world. Strengthening women not only is important for their own well-being, but is necessary for the social development of the communities in which they reside in, warranting an access to opportunity to contribute creativity and critical services to all levels of society, whether it may be the workforce or at home. 

Tame&Treat focuses on women's rights in their communities to empower women and young girls to help raise our voices to advocate for freedom of violence, leadership roles, strengthening health and well being, and economic mobility. Specifically, Tame&Treat focuses on the domestic violence pandemic within Covid-19. The worldwide lockdown put many women at disadvantage in their homes as domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent globally/27 percent in the US in 2020. Creating a violent and silent existence, the women and young girls trapped inside their homes were not able to be seen at work or school which prevented them to search for help. The burden of this brutality increased severe levels of anxiety and depression damaging them psychologically, physically, and sexually. Through this oppression, it is difficult for these women and young girls to acquire jobs, study, and create equal opportunities for themselves.  

Through advocacy, Tame&Treat works with engaging in advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs to fight for women's equal rights. Our small business donates monthly to The Women's Fund (TWF) which goes towards ads across park benches and billboards in the South Florida community to inform women to call for help and let them know they are not alone, along with 500 programs serving over 75,000 women and girls. And lastly, through collective impact with one-on-one meetings with TWF to discover more ways we can work together through media. Collectively, these actions empower women to realize a world where power and possibility aren't limited by gender.

The Pozen Social Innovation Prize will allow us to give back to not only the women in need in our communities, but communities beyond South Florida. The prize money will allow us to bring more attention to fund the events in specific non-profit organizations such as The Women's Fund of Miami, increase marketing for non-profits (The Women's Fund) advocating for women's rights in Florida, and or use it to further take action in advancing the engagement in advocacy interactions as informed by Legislative Affairs in my community to fight for women's equal rights. 

Lastly, with Pozen Social Innovation Prize Tame&Treat will use it on marketing statics and methods to further advance and find exposure within our business. More exposure, amplifies an audience to hear our mission and message, and further inspires people to take action.