ABLE was created to give back. Founded with the intention to give better opportunities to women, founder Barrett Ward felt his life change after going on a mission trip to Peru in 2001. At the age of thirty-one, switching from a career in corporate sales to one in the nonprofit world, he and his wife, Rachel, decided to move to Peru when Rachel accepted a work opportunity in Ethiopia. The pair moved there to pursue helping women who were living in difficult circumstances.
In 2013, he began teaching women – many of whom had been trafficked – how to make scarves to sell during the holidays. Scarf making is a largely male-dominated industry in Addis Ababa, but with training and dedication, these women sold over four thousand scarves in just two months.
Transitioning from scarves to leather, Barrett became aware of the leather factories in Ethiopia that curated goods with intricate detail and design. ABLE then began collaborating with manufacturers across the world to create leather totes, wallets, and small leather goods. This new product expansion allowed ABLE to continue to support vendors in Ethiopia and help them grow their own businesses. With thoughtful consideration, ABLE values top-quality products, wage levels, and especially how they care for women in the workplace. Fashion is one of the largest employers of women worldwide, and women make up 75% of the fashion workforce. In 2017, ABLE created a social impact reporting tool called ACCOUNTABLE, which measures the impact on its supply chain and workers, most of whom are women.
Misti Blasko was recently hired as the first female CEO of ABLE. Bringing twenty-five years of diversified experience in the fashion, retail, and consumer goods industries, she has held various senior executive and leadership positions at leading fashion brands such as AllSaints, True Religion, John Varvatos, and BCBG. In addition to her expertise in growth strategies and operational efficiencies, she is actively involved in GenHERation, a female empowerment network, and serves on the Board of Women in Retail Leadership.
“It was through the Women in Retail Leadership Circle that I was introduced to Nashville’s best-kept secret: ABLE,” Misti says, speaking on how she first became part of the company earlier this year. “I was drawn to the brand because it seamlessly blends good products with an even better mission. Then, when I was introduced to the leadership team and the incredible women working at ABLE, I knew I had found the place I wanted to be for my career journey.”
As a woman in retail leadership, Blasko shares that supporting organizations that foster growth and education for women in the industry is a personal and professional passion of hers.
Sharing what it means to her to be part of an organization that thrives on giving back to the community, Misti states, “Working in retail, it should come as no surprise that I have been selling ‘stuff’ my entire career… now, however, I have been given the opportunity to give back to the community and support women not just in Nashville but internationally through ABLE. It is powerful to be a part of a brand that not only participates but seeks to create opportunities for positive change beyond profit.”
At ABLE’s Nashville headquarters, women make up 99% of the team. The thoughtfully curated collection, featuring high-quality leather bags, women’s apparel, denim, and handmade jewelry, is designed to blend style, functionality, and comfort–ensuring you both look and feel your best. Prioritizing quality and longevity, ABLE also makes it their mission to find the most environmentally responsible materials that stand the test of time and wear. ABLE also works to create safe, dignified jobs both in Nashville – where their home office, jewelry studio, and fulfillment center are - and around the world through their partnerships with value-aligned manufacturers.
“To me, giving back builds a sense of community, purpose, and responsibility,” Misti shares. “It recognizes that no one is entirely on their own, and by giving back, individuals and organizations can help to uplift their neighbors experiencing challenges, contribute to social equality, and create a cycle of support and empowerment that turns into tangible change. On a personal level, giving back can bring fulfillment and meaning, knowing your efforts are making a positive impact on others" lives.”
Together with their customers, they believe they can drive the fashion industry forward, demonstrating the positive impact that occurs when both the customer and the worker are valued.
“It is important to me to be a part of a brand that truly gives back.”