Hillary Rubin - I Am Not A Mess™

How does your philanthropic giving relate to your business?
I am not a Mess™ was started in August of 2008.  Giving is very important to me on a personal level and it was important at the start of my company as we launch our first product give back and fund the future and now of our planet. I am happy to say that this is part of our foundation to support and give back and acknowledge that we are all connected.

How long have you related your giving to your business?
My business is built on the platform of the work I have done in the world for the past 6 years which is teaching yoga.  Over the years I have donated my services for fundraisers and to help those in need.  I realized there was more I could do to give to organizations to make a difference. Since then my giving has offered me another perspective to helping others that in turn offers me the great gift of sharing. 

My company has really just started and it's important that we start the practice of giving back with our very first product.  So, we plan to donate 10% of our proceeds to an organization that benefits children.  Eventually, I hope to create a fund called the - Believe in Me Fund, to help make children's dreams to come true through creative arts programs as well as start a Fund to offer financial support  to those touched by MS and other Auto-immune diseases to help with the cost of alternative therapies.  But one step at a time and one brick at a time...

Have you found any direct benefits to your business with staff and/or customers?
Yes, many people have commented that they are happy we are supporting children and Kiva are surprised that we are giving back at the start of a new company.  The companies I have joined forces with are also pleased as we share the understanding that we all have a part in creating a world that works for us all.

What other charities and/or causes do you support?
I support the Youth and Family ministry of the Agape International Spiritual Center. 10% of the proceeds of my yoga DVD will support programs that educate and support the youth of Agape.

Others include: Feed the Children, M.S. Society, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, Kidsave, Boston Buddies, Children's Homeless Shelters, Agape International Spiritual Center's Global Works Ministry and their work surrounding Human Rights Violations, Orphanages and Child Assistance, HIV/AIDS, Hospitals and Clinics, and Disaster Relief.
I am also passionate in supporting the Arts through donations, attending events and fundraisers.

If you'd like your business to be profiled on our site (and you've made a grant to Kiva), send an e-mail to feature@kivab4b.org