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    <title>The Grit City Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Founder”</title>
    <link>https://www.gritcitypodcast.com/tags/founder</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
    <description>The Grit City Podcast is a weekly audio experience like no other! Hosted from the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington - also known as "Grit City," our show has been entertaining and informing listeners since 2014. And what a ride it's been! 
Every week, we release a new episode that introduces you to the dynamic and inspiring individuals who call the Pacific Northwest home. From local business owners and entrepreneurs to authors, artists, and unique characters, our guests embody the hard-working, blue-collar spirit that Grit City is known for. And let's not forget the occasional drug-fueled weirdo we may have met at a comedy club the night before!
The Grit City Podcast first launched back in the summer of 2014 and quickly built a loyal fanbase of listeners who appreciated the show's unique perspective on the Seattle/Tacoma area. After a brief hiatus in 2017, the podcast was rebooted in 2018, with even more friends and family members involved. It quickly regained its "must listen to" status and went on to deliver an impressive 275 episodes and counting, delivering over 280 hours of audio content to our fans since. With no signs of slowing down soon!
Our mission at The Grit City Podcast is simple: to bring the hard-working spirit of the Pacific Northwest to the world and have a good time doing it! We aim to create a community of listeners who understand and appreciate the concept of "grit". With a focus on local business owners, entrepreneurs, and unique characters, sprinkled with a good dose of humor, The Grit City Podcast is a one-of-a-kind audio experience that you won't want to miss.
So, if you're looking for a weekly dose of inspiration, laughter, and a celebration of the human spirit, look no further than The Grit City Podcast! Subscribe now and join us for the ride!
We would love to hear how you found us.  Get in touch here (/contact/) or: info@gritcitypodcast.com
Looking for a way to support the show?  
Stop by the Store (/store) and pick up some Merch or Check out our Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast):  https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast
</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>The Premier Business, Community, Entertainment, and Nightlife Podcast.  Hosted from The Grit City - Tacoma, Washington!  Located in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>GCP Media</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>The Grit City Podcast is a weekly audio experience like no other! Hosted from the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington - also known as "Grit City," our show has been entertaining and informing listeners since 2014. And what a ride it's been! 
Every week, we release a new episode that introduces you to the dynamic and inspiring individuals who call the Pacific Northwest home. From local business owners and entrepreneurs to authors, artists, and unique characters, our guests embody the hard-working, blue-collar spirit that Grit City is known for. And let's not forget the occasional drug-fueled weirdo we may have met at a comedy club the night before!
The Grit City Podcast first launched back in the summer of 2014 and quickly built a loyal fanbase of listeners who appreciated the show's unique perspective on the Seattle/Tacoma area. After a brief hiatus in 2017, the podcast was rebooted in 2018, with even more friends and family members involved. It quickly regained its "must listen to" status and went on to deliver an impressive 275 episodes and counting, delivering over 280 hours of audio content to our fans since. With no signs of slowing down soon!
Our mission at The Grit City Podcast is simple: to bring the hard-working spirit of the Pacific Northwest to the world and have a good time doing it! We aim to create a community of listeners who understand and appreciate the concept of "grit". With a focus on local business owners, entrepreneurs, and unique characters, sprinkled with a good dose of humor, The Grit City Podcast is a one-of-a-kind audio experience that you won't want to miss.
So, if you're looking for a weekly dose of inspiration, laughter, and a celebration of the human spirit, look no further than The Grit City Podcast! Subscribe now and join us for the ride!
We would love to hear how you found us.  Get in touch here (/contact/) or: info@gritcitypodcast.com
Looking for a way to support the show?  
Stop by the Store (/store) and pick up some Merch or Check out our Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast):  https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Grit City Podcast - Tacoma, WA, Washington, PNW, Pacific Northwest, Small Business, Entertainment, Talk, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Comedy, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Artists, Nightlife, Authors, Tacoma podcast, after hours tacoma, cities near tacoma wa, city podcast, classic podcast, entertainment podcast, comedy podcast, tacoma comedy podcast, gcp podcast, gcp twitter, grit city, grit city tacoma, grit shirts, most popular podcast, pacific northwest podcast, patreon podcast, pnw shirts, seattle podcasts, tacoma city, patron grit city podcast, patrion grit city podcast, patreon grit city podcast, the grit city podcast,tacoma washington attractions, entertainment in tacoma, entertainment in tacoma wa, tacoma entertainment, entertainment in tacoma washington, Tacoma food, tacoma mindset, mark sargent podcast, edgar valentine, once upon a superhero, bigfoot field researchers organization, BFRO, Jake Bird, streetbeefs scrapyard, Grit City Magazine, Surge Tacoma, espionage cosmetics, mark sargent, mark sargent youtube, edgar valentine glass, tacoma sirens, bigfoot podcast, the ventures walk don't run, suzanne akerman, isaac olsen, mark sargent website, wierd elephant movies, tacoma nightlife, deena ingley, penny palabras, discord podcast</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>GCP Media</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>gritcitypodcast@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
  <itunes:category text="Places &amp; Travel"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Comedy"/>
<item>
  <title>GCP: House Of Cannabis</title>
  <link>https://www.gritcitypodcast.com/311</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
  <author>GCP Media</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/2378d312-200c-4b87-9350-56c038ed9cdc/a188254b-df48-4787-9b48-f79dab65f655.mp3" length="38633820" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>311</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>GCP: House Of Cannabis</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>GCP Media</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Kevin Heiderich, co-owner and co-founder of House of Cannabis, sits down with the guys to talk all things cannabis.  House of Cannabis has three locations around the state, Tacoma, Twisp, and Tonasket.  Follow them on their socials below and stay tuned, there are plans for a fourth shop to open in the near future!   </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:18:30</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;Kevin Heiderich, co-owner and co-founder of House of Cannabis, sits down with the guys to talk all things cannabis.  House of Cannabis has three locations around the state, Tacoma, Twisp, and Tonasket.  Follow them on their socials below and stay tuned, there are plans for a fourth shop to open in the near future!   &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;01:31 – Justin talks about recording live at the Union Club, welcomes Kevin, and Brogan and Scott reflect on hanging out with Black Jesus back in the day.  Kevin talks about opening up shop at the old auto parts building on 57th and Yakima, the challenges that came with getting the last cannabis license in the city of Tacoma, and the other two stores they have in eastern Washington.   &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;19:31 – Kevin talks about the money that’s taken in monthly, they talk about Cannabis taxation, and Justin expresses his appreciation of the costume contest at the store.  Jeff talks about getting into using marijuana and they reflect on hotboxing it at Justin's house in the Rainbow room. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;39:33 – Kevin reflects on smoking at concerts back in the day, his love of hanging at the parking lot at The Gorge Amphitheatre, and Justin talks about the different ways people can experience cannabis.  Kevin talks about where he feels Washington is at in the weed culture compared to other US states, how he ended up in Washington, and his first experience with cannabis.     &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;58:23 – Justin talks about the cannabis-infused sorbet on the market, Kevin talks about the edible topicals available, and Brogan expresses his love of the cannabis bath salts he’s tried in the past.  Kevin explains what types of products that have come across that were a “Hell Yes” and ones that were a “Hell No”, the glass distributors he works with, and hanging with the band Spin Drift. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Thanks, Kevin, for the enjoyable conversation, looking forward to your next visit with the crew!  Special Guest: Kevin H.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Grit City Podcast - Tacoma, WA, Washington, PNW, Pacific Northwest, Small Business, Entertainment, Talk, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Comedy, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Artists, Nightlife, Authors, Tacoma podcast, after hours tacoma, cities near tacoma wa, city podcast, classic podcast, entertainment podcast, comedy podcast, tacoma comedy podcast, gcp podcast, gcp twitter, grit city, grit city tacoma, grit shirts, most popular podcast, pacific northwest podcast, patreon podcast, pnw shirts, seattle podcasts, tacoma city, patron grit city podcast, patrion grit city podcast, patreon grit city podcast, the grit city podcast,tacoma washington attractions, entertainment in tacoma, entertainment in tacoma wa, tacoma entertainment, entertainment in tacoma washington, Tacoma food, tacoma mindset, tacoma nightlife, discord podcast, Jeff's Capades, Coaster Questions, Is It Tacoma, Scott Topics, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Kevin Heiderich, co-owner and co-founder of House of Cannabis, sits down with the guys to talk all things cannabis.  House of Cannabis has three locations around the state, Tacoma, Twisp, and Tonasket.  Follow them on their socials below and stay tuned, there are plans for a fourth shop to open in the near future!   </p>

<p>01:31 – Justin talks about recording live at the Union Club, welcomes Kevin, and Brogan and Scott reflect on hanging out with Black Jesus back in the day.  Kevin talks about opening up shop at the old auto parts building on 57th and Yakima, the challenges that came with getting the last cannabis license in the city of Tacoma, and the other two stores they have in eastern Washington.   </p>

<p>19:31 – Kevin talks about the money that’s taken in monthly, they talk about Cannabis taxation, and Justin expresses his appreciation of the costume contest at the store.  Jeff talks about getting into using marijuana and they reflect on hotboxing it at Justin&#39;s house in the Rainbow room. </p>

<p>39:33 – Kevin reflects on smoking at concerts back in the day, his love of hanging at the parking lot at The Gorge Amphitheatre, and Justin talks about the different ways people can experience cannabis.  Kevin talks about where he feels Washington is at in the weed culture compared to other US states, how he ended up in Washington, and his first experience with cannabis.     </p>

<p>58:23 – Justin talks about the cannabis-infused sorbet on the market, Kevin talks about the edible topicals available, and Brogan expresses his love of the cannabis bath salts he’s tried in the past.  Kevin explains what types of products that have come across that were a “Hell Yes” and ones that were a “Hell No”, the glass distributors he works with, and hanging with the band Spin Drift. </p>

<p>Thanks, Kevin, for the enjoyable conversation, looking forward to your next visit with the crew! </p><p>Special Guest: Kevin H.</p><p>Sponsored By:</p><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cosmicbottles.com/">Cosmic Bottles</a>: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cosmicbottles.com/">Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!

Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.

Every day: 11am - 10pm

27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://grimworkshop.myshopify.com?sca_ref=4613249.F9OcP9BmKt">Grim Workshop</a>: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://grimworkshop.myshopify.com?sca_ref=4613249.F9OcP9BmKt">Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight.
A Family Owned and Operated Company
Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas</a></li></ul><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast?utm_source=notes">Support The Grit City Podcast</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="House of Cannabis (Tacoma) (@tachousecanna) • Instagram photos and videos" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIw">House of Cannabis (Tacoma) (@tachousecanna) • Instagram photos and videos</a> &mdash; Veteran Owned. Locally Owned. 21+. </li><li><a title="Kevin Heiderich (@kevinintacoma) • Instagram photos and videos" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIx">Kevin Heiderich (@kevinintacoma) • Instagram photos and videos</a> &mdash; Former USN Sailor 🦑 Co-owner and co-founder of #houseofcannabis &amp; #houseweed</li><li><a title="House of Cannabis – Washington&#39;s Premier Cannabis Retail Stores. Veteran Owned. Locally Owned." rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIy">House of Cannabis – Washington's Premier Cannabis Retail Stores. Veteran Owned. Locally Owned.</a></li><li><a title="House of Cannabis on Facebook" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzI3">House of Cannabis on Facebook</a> &mdash; A fully compliant 502 Washington retail cannabis store.</li><li><a title="Mr. Moxey&#39;s" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzI4">Mr. Moxey's</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Kevin Heiderich, co-owner and co-founder of House of Cannabis, sits down with the guys to talk all things cannabis.  House of Cannabis has three locations around the state, Tacoma, Twisp, and Tonasket.  Follow them on their socials below and stay tuned, there are plans for a fourth shop to open in the near future!   </p>

<p>01:31 – Justin talks about recording live at the Union Club, welcomes Kevin, and Brogan and Scott reflect on hanging out with Black Jesus back in the day.  Kevin talks about opening up shop at the old auto parts building on 57th and Yakima, the challenges that came with getting the last cannabis license in the city of Tacoma, and the other two stores they have in eastern Washington.   </p>

<p>19:31 – Kevin talks about the money that’s taken in monthly, they talk about Cannabis taxation, and Justin expresses his appreciation of the costume contest at the store.  Jeff talks about getting into using marijuana and they reflect on hotboxing it at Justin&#39;s house in the Rainbow room. </p>

<p>39:33 – Kevin reflects on smoking at concerts back in the day, his love of hanging at the parking lot at The Gorge Amphitheatre, and Justin talks about the different ways people can experience cannabis.  Kevin talks about where he feels Washington is at in the weed culture compared to other US states, how he ended up in Washington, and his first experience with cannabis.     </p>

<p>58:23 – Justin talks about the cannabis-infused sorbet on the market, Kevin talks about the edible topicals available, and Brogan expresses his love of the cannabis bath salts he’s tried in the past.  Kevin explains what types of products that have come across that were a “Hell Yes” and ones that were a “Hell No”, the glass distributors he works with, and hanging with the band Spin Drift. </p>

<p>Thanks, Kevin, for the enjoyable conversation, looking forward to your next visit with the crew! </p><p>Special Guest: Kevin H.</p><p>Sponsored By:</p><ul><li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cosmicbottles.com/">Cosmic Bottles</a>: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cosmicbottles.com/">Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!

Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.

Every day: 11am - 10pm

27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042</a></li><li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://grimworkshop.myshopify.com?sca_ref=4613249.F9OcP9BmKt">Grim Workshop</a>: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://grimworkshop.myshopify.com?sca_ref=4613249.F9OcP9BmKt">Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight.
A Family Owned and Operated Company
Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas</a></li></ul><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast?utm_source=notes">Support The Grit City Podcast</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="House of Cannabis (Tacoma) (@tachousecanna) • Instagram photos and videos" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIw">House of Cannabis (Tacoma) (@tachousecanna) • Instagram photos and videos</a> &mdash; Veteran Owned. Locally Owned. 21+. </li><li><a title="Kevin Heiderich (@kevinintacoma) • Instagram photos and videos" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIx">Kevin Heiderich (@kevinintacoma) • Instagram photos and videos</a> &mdash; Former USN Sailor 🦑 Co-owner and co-founder of #houseofcannabis &amp; #houseweed</li><li><a title="House of Cannabis – Washington&#39;s Premier Cannabis Retail Stores. Veteran Owned. Locally Owned." rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzIy">House of Cannabis – Washington's Premier Cannabis Retail Stores. Veteran Owned. Locally Owned.</a></li><li><a title="House of Cannabis on Facebook" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzI3">House of Cannabis on Facebook</a> &mdash; A fully compliant 502 Washington retail cannabis store.</li><li><a title="Mr. Moxey&#39;s" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTU5MzI4">Mr. Moxey's</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Olowo-n'djo Tchala - Founder and CEO of The Alaffia Foundation</title>
  <link>https://www.gritcitypodcast.com/157</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
  <author>GCP Media</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/2378d312-200c-4b87-9350-56c038ed9cdc/d987852b-84db-4546-bb8e-e974244d751b.mp3" length="27321033" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>157</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Olowo-n'djo Tchala - Founder and CEO of The Alaffia Foundation</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>GCP Media</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>On this episode, the guys talk to Olowo-n'djo Tchala, founder &amp; CEO of The Alaffia Foundation, (TAF).  TAF is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>54:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/2378d312-200c-4b87-9350-56c038ed9cdc/episodes/d/d987852b-84db-4546-bb8e-e974244d751b/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;On this episode, the guys talk to Olowo-n'djo Tchala, founder &amp;amp; CEO of The Alaffia Foundation, (TAF).  TAF is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality.  They execute their Alaffia Empowerment Projects in Togo, West Africa that support Fair Trade producer communities. TAF provides a platform for individuals and organizations around the world to partner with Alaffia, by sharing resources, skills, time and money. This public support is critical to Alaffia impacting more lives in Togo.  Empowerment Projects are Alaffia’s mission in action, funded by the sale of their products. Targeted development ensures basic needs are met for a dignified life. This allows Togolese communities to provide their skills and knowledge to the rest of the world and rise out of poverty.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;01:21 – Justin shares how listeners can find GCP online, Olowo-n'djo talks about how often he gets to go back home to Togo, and talks about where he grew up in Togo.  He discusses when he began to understand ways he could help uplift the African people, what life was like for him as a child in Togo, and explains how that experience has drove him to do what he is doing today.  He talks about how TAF came to be, how the creation of the products was a way for them to generate money to support their mission, and how their business not only helped with creating jobs in Africa, it also created jobs locally as well.   &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;13:13 - Olowo-n'djo talks about how he ended up in Olympia, where the name of the company came from, and the real meaning of Alaffia.  He talks about what some of the difficulties are in getting out of poverty, the guiding principles of the organization, and the importance of us to see the world as one community.  He talks about the importance of having to do multiple things to make an impact on poverty, the reasoning behind planting 90,000 trees, and how deforestation is contributing to starvation. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;25:52 - Olowo-n'djo shares that 1 of 16 women in Togo have a chance to loose their life in giving birth, the impact that has on the children they leave behind, and discusses the schools that Alaffia has built.  He talks about the other project of donating bicycles Togo, the impact that has on preventing children from dropping out school, and the amount of human trafficking that is happens in Togo.  He talks about the importance of family and culture to him, how the company blew up in 2018, and the organizations intent to make their products accessible and affordable to all American communities. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;39:08 – Olowo-n'djo talks about the want to give everyone the ability to give in the world, the fact that changes can be made by things as simple as being mindful about what you purchase, and what he does to relax and have fun.  He talks about exercising daily being important to him and that though he knows Alaffia has made a huge stride on removing poverty, he always feels like there is more to do.  The guys closedown the show reflecting on the amazing conversation.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Thank you Olowo-n'djo for joining the podcast and sharing the awesome things TAF is doing! Special Guest: Olowo-n'djo Tchala.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Grit City Podcast - Tacoma, WA, Washington, PNW, Pacific Northwest, Small Business, Entertainment, Talk, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Comedy, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Artists, Nightlife, Authors, Tacoma podcast, after hours tacoma, cities near tacoma wa, city podcast, classic podcast, entertainment podcast, comedy podcast, tacoma comedy podcast, gcp podcast, gcp twitter, grit city, grit city tacoma, grit shirts, most popular podcast, pacific northwest podcast, patreon podcast, pnw shirts, seattle podcasts, tacoma city, patron grit city podcast, patrion grit city podcast, patreon grit city podcast, the grit city podcast,tacoma washington attractions, entertainment in tacoma, entertainment in tacoma wa, tacoma entertainment, entertainment in tacoma washington, Tacoma food, tacoma mindset, tacoma nightlife, discord podcast, Washington, Olympia, entrepreneur, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, founder, CEO, The Alaffia Foundation, TAF, 501(c)3,Africa, Fair Trade, education, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>On this episode, the guys talk to Olowo-n&#39;djo Tchala, founder &amp; CEO of The Alaffia Foundation, (TAF).  TAF is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality.  They execute their Alaffia Empowerment Projects in Togo, West Africa that support Fair Trade producer communities. TAF provides a platform for individuals and organizations around the world to partner with Alaffia, by sharing resources, skills, time and money. This public support is critical to Alaffia impacting more lives in Togo.  Empowerment Projects are Alaffia’s mission in action, funded by the sale of their products. Targeted development ensures basic needs are met for a dignified life. This allows Togolese communities to provide their skills and knowledge to the rest of the world and rise out of poverty.</p>

<p>01:21 – Justin shares how listeners can find GCP online, Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about how often he gets to go back home to Togo, and talks about where he grew up in Togo.  He discusses when he began to understand ways he could help uplift the African people, what life was like for him as a child in Togo, and explains how that experience has drove him to do what he is doing today.  He talks about how TAF came to be, how the creation of the products was a way for them to generate money to support their mission, and how their business not only helped with creating jobs in Africa, it also created jobs locally as well.   </p>

<p>13:13 - Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about how he ended up in Olympia, where the name of the company came from, and the real meaning of Alaffia.  He talks about what some of the difficulties are in getting out of poverty, the guiding principles of the organization, and the importance of us to see the world as one community.  He talks about the importance of having to do multiple things to make an impact on poverty, the reasoning behind planting 90,000 trees, and how deforestation is contributing to starvation. </p>

<p>25:52 - Olowo-n&#39;djo shares that 1 of 16 women in Togo have a chance to loose their life in giving birth, the impact that has on the children they leave behind, and discusses the schools that Alaffia has built.  He talks about the other project of donating bicycles Togo, the impact that has on preventing children from dropping out school, and the amount of human trafficking that is happens in Togo.  He talks about the importance of family and culture to him, how the company blew up in 2018, and the organizations intent to make their products accessible and affordable to all American communities. </p>

<p>39:08 – Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about the want to give everyone the ability to give in the world, the fact that changes can be made by things as simple as being mindful about what you purchase, and what he does to relax and have fun.  He talks about exercising daily being important to him and that though he knows Alaffia has made a huge stride on removing poverty, he always feels like there is more to do.  The guys closedown the show reflecting on the amazing conversation.</p>

<p>Thank you Olowo-n&#39;djo for joining the podcast and sharing the awesome things TAF is doing!</p><p>Special Guest: Olowo-n&#39;djo Tchala.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast?utm_source=notes">Support The Grit City Podcast</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Alaffia" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzI0">Alaffia</a> &mdash; A movement for change.</li><li><a title="Alaffia (@alaffia) on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ0">Alaffia (@alaffia) on Instagram</a> &mdash;  Clean, plant-based &amp; fair trade beauty</li><li><a title="Alaffia on Facebook" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ1">Alaffia on Facebook</a> &mdash; We're cultivating beauty, equality, and empowerment in West Africa. Alaffia aims to alleviate poverty and advance gender equality through the Certified Fair Trade of indigenous resources and community empowerment initiatives.</li><li><a title="Alaffia (@AlaffiaSkinCare) on Twitter" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ2">Alaffia (@AlaffiaSkinCare) on Twitter</a> &mdash; Our mission: Alleviate poverty &amp; gender inequality in West Africa thru fair trade of sustainable resources, indigenous knowledge &amp; social investment</li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>On this episode, the guys talk to Olowo-n&#39;djo Tchala, founder &amp; CEO of The Alaffia Foundation, (TAF).  TAF is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality.  They execute their Alaffia Empowerment Projects in Togo, West Africa that support Fair Trade producer communities. TAF provides a platform for individuals and organizations around the world to partner with Alaffia, by sharing resources, skills, time and money. This public support is critical to Alaffia impacting more lives in Togo.  Empowerment Projects are Alaffia’s mission in action, funded by the sale of their products. Targeted development ensures basic needs are met for a dignified life. This allows Togolese communities to provide their skills and knowledge to the rest of the world and rise out of poverty.</p>

<p>01:21 – Justin shares how listeners can find GCP online, Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about how often he gets to go back home to Togo, and talks about where he grew up in Togo.  He discusses when he began to understand ways he could help uplift the African people, what life was like for him as a child in Togo, and explains how that experience has drove him to do what he is doing today.  He talks about how TAF came to be, how the creation of the products was a way for them to generate money to support their mission, and how their business not only helped with creating jobs in Africa, it also created jobs locally as well.   </p>

<p>13:13 - Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about how he ended up in Olympia, where the name of the company came from, and the real meaning of Alaffia.  He talks about what some of the difficulties are in getting out of poverty, the guiding principles of the organization, and the importance of us to see the world as one community.  He talks about the importance of having to do multiple things to make an impact on poverty, the reasoning behind planting 90,000 trees, and how deforestation is contributing to starvation. </p>

<p>25:52 - Olowo-n&#39;djo shares that 1 of 16 women in Togo have a chance to loose their life in giving birth, the impact that has on the children they leave behind, and discusses the schools that Alaffia has built.  He talks about the other project of donating bicycles Togo, the impact that has on preventing children from dropping out school, and the amount of human trafficking that is happens in Togo.  He talks about the importance of family and culture to him, how the company blew up in 2018, and the organizations intent to make their products accessible and affordable to all American communities. </p>

<p>39:08 – Olowo-n&#39;djo talks about the want to give everyone the ability to give in the world, the fact that changes can be made by things as simple as being mindful about what you purchase, and what he does to relax and have fun.  He talks about exercising daily being important to him and that though he knows Alaffia has made a huge stride on removing poverty, he always feels like there is more to do.  The guys closedown the show reflecting on the amazing conversation.</p>

<p>Thank you Olowo-n&#39;djo for joining the podcast and sharing the awesome things TAF is doing!</p><p>Special Guest: Olowo-n&#39;djo Tchala.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast?utm_source=notes">Support The Grit City Podcast</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Alaffia" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzI0">Alaffia</a> &mdash; A movement for change.</li><li><a title="Alaffia (@alaffia) on Instagram" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ0">Alaffia (@alaffia) on Instagram</a> &mdash;  Clean, plant-based &amp; fair trade beauty</li><li><a title="Alaffia on Facebook" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ1">Alaffia on Facebook</a> &mdash; We're cultivating beauty, equality, and empowerment in West Africa. Alaffia aims to alleviate poverty and advance gender equality through the Certified Fair Trade of indigenous resources and community empowerment initiatives.</li><li><a title="Alaffia (@AlaffiaSkinCare) on Twitter" rel="nofollow" href="https://click.fireside.fm/e/MTAzNzQ2">Alaffia (@AlaffiaSkinCare) on Twitter</a> &mdash; Our mission: Alleviate poverty &amp; gender inequality in West Africa thru fair trade of sustainable resources, indigenous knowledge &amp; social investment</li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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