We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lorena Jaimes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lorena, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission behind Generous Intentions is deeply personal to me and rooted in my values of empathy, compassion, and intentional living. I’ve always felt a strong pull to help those who are often overlooked—whether it’s people in marginalized communities, animals in need, or the planet we all share. I believe that every choice we make has a ripple effect, and I wanted to create a business that allows people to make choices that align with their values and create positive change.

Growing up, I was inspired by acts of generosity that shaped my worldview. I remember when my parents gave me a new car; my dad didn’t sell my old one. Instead, he gave it to a coworker who desperately needed reliable transportation. That selfless act stayed with me. It showed me that we have the power to use what we have to help others, and it planted the seed for the mission of Generous Intentions.

This mission is meaningful to me because it represents more than just a business—it’s a way to combat apathy and encourage intentional living. I wanted to challenge the idea that shopping has to be purely transactional. Instead, I wanted to create an opportunity for people to feel connected to the artisans who make their products, to know their purchases are making a real difference, and to contribute to causes that matter, like supporting animal shelters or reducing environmental harm.

For me, Generous Intentions is about more than just selling products. It’s about building a community of people who care—about each other, about the planet, and about creating a better future. That’s why this mission matters so deeply to me. It’s not just a business; it’s a reflection of the world I hope to see.

Lorena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Lorena, and I’m the founder of Generous Intentions, an online shop that provides handcrafted, fair-trade gifts, home décor, and jewelry made by artisans from underserved communities around the world. Our mission is to empower artisans, support sustainability, and give back to animals in need, with 10% of every purchase donated to local animal shelters.

The idea for Generous Intentions grew out of a personal journey. I spent much of my life following the traditional path—excelling in school, earning a degree, building a career, getting married—but I reached a point where I felt unfulfilled. I knew I wanted my life to have more meaning and impact. Growing up, I was inspired by acts of kindness and generosity modeled by my parents. Those moments shaped my values and my belief that even small actions can make a big difference.

In 2021, I decided to align my personal values with my work and launched Generous Intentions. I wanted to create a business that not only offered beautiful, meaningful products but also allowed people to shop with purpose. Every item in our collection is ethically sourced, many using recycled or natural materials, and every purchase supports artisans who earn fair wages and work in safe conditions.

What sets Generous Intentions apart is our focus on making an impact in multiple ways. When someone shops with us, they’re supporting marginalized communities, helping to sustain traditional crafts, reducing waste, and giving back to animal shelters—all through one thoughtful purchase. I’m most proud of the ripple effect this creates, not only for the artisans and animals we support but also for the customers who feel empowered by their intentional choices.

For me, Generous Intentions isn’t just a business—it’s a way to combat apathy and encourage people to live more consciously. I want potential customers to know that their purchases matter and that they have the power to make a difference. Whether it’s a handmade luminary, a throw blanket, or a piece of artisan jewelry, every item tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and hope.

At the heart of Generous Intentions is the belief that small, intentional actions lead to big change. I’m honored to share this journey with a growing community of people who care about the world and want their choices to reflect that care. Together, we’re proving that conscious living is not only possible—it’s powerful.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Trust has been a cornerstone in building my reputation within the fair trade and sustainable gifting market. Being the face and heart of Generous Intentions means that my personal values and passion are reflected in every aspect of the business. For those who know me personally, they’ve seen how deeply I care about the mission—supporting people, animals, and the planet—and that authenticity resonates with them.

Markets and networking have also played a huge role. Meeting people face-to-face at pop-ups and local events allows them to see the passion I have for what I do. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about sharing the story behind them—how they’re made, the artisans who create them, and the positive impact their purchase will make. Networking has helped me build genuine relationships, where people get to know not only the brand but also me as a person, which adds another layer of trust and connection.

I think people are drawn to Generous Intentions because they see that it’s not just a business; it’s a reflection of my beliefs and the change I want to see in the world. My enthusiasm for the mission is contagious, and it inspires others to want to be part of something meaningful. Over time, word-of-mouth from these personal connections has been one of the most powerful tools for growing my reputation and building a community of like-minded people who share my passion for conscious living.

Ultimately, trust is built because people feel that Generous Intentions is authentic—not just in its mission but in the way it’s run. From the products I source to the relationships I cultivate, everything is aligned with a genuine desire to make a difference. That trust, combined with passion and community, has been the foundation of Generous Intentions’ reputation.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine connections and cultivating trust through meaningful interactions. When people understand the heart behind Generous Intentions—why it exists and the impact their purchases have—they feel more compelled to support it and share it with others.

One of the key ways I’ve connected with new clients is by highlighting how Generous Intentions offers thoughtful, impactful gifts. Whether it’s business owners looking for client appreciation gifts, realtors creating memorable housewarming packages, or individuals searching for something meaningful for loved ones, our products offer a way to show care while supporting artisans and giving back to the planet. These gifts become conversation starters and leave a lasting impression because they’re both beautiful and purposeful.

In-person opportunities like markets and pop-up events allow me to showcase the unique, handcrafted nature of our products while sharing the stories behind them. Meeting customers face-to-face helps create a deeper connection to the mission, and many of those interactions lead to repeat clients or word-of-mouth referrals.

Networking has also been a game-changer, especially within groups that include professionals like realtors, small business owners, and community leaders. When they see how Generous Intentions aligns with their need for memorable, high-quality gifts, it becomes an easy choice for them. These connections not only grow my client base but also reinforce the sense of community that drives my business.

On the digital side, social media and storytelling have helped me reach people who share my values. Posts and reels that educate, inspire, and showcase how Generous Intentions products make meaningful gifts resonate deeply and encourage others to explore and share what we offer.

Ultimately, I’ve found that focusing on relationships and the practical value my products bring has been the key to growing Generous Intentions. Whether it’s an individual seeking a meaningful gift or a business professional wanting to leave a lasting impression, Generous Intentions offers something truly special for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://generousintentions.com/
• Instagram: https://generousintentions.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenerousIntentions/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@generousintentions