Hannah Taylor Skvarla
Co-Founder of The Little Market
Hannah Taylor Skvarla is the co-founder of The Little Market, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artisan groups around the world, particularly focusing on empowering women in underserved communities. Founded in 2013 alongside her friend Lauren Conrad, The Little Market operates as a fair trade shop that sells products made by artisans in various countries, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.125
Background and Education
Hannah Skvarla grew up in Orange County, California. She pursued her education at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where she earned an Associate's degree in Fashion Merchandising (2005-2007), followed by a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from Chapman University (2007-2010) .13
The Little Market
The inception of The Little Market was inspired by Skvarla and Conrad's travels to Africa, where they met women artisans who expressed a desire for better economic opportunities. This led them to create a platform that would not only sell these artisans' products but also advocate for their rights and provide them with a sustainable income. The organization has since partnered with around 70 artisan groups across 28 countries, focusing on creating meaningful job opportunities for women and marginalized communities.236
Personal Life
Hannah is married to Ryan Skvarla, and they have two children, Liora and Luca. Her experiences as a mother have further motivated her commitment to social causes, particularly those affecting women and families globally.23
Through her work at The Little Market, Hannah Taylor Skvarla emphasizes the importance of ethical consumerism and the impact that purchasing decisions can have on global communities.47