Household Support for Cosmetic Workers at Elegant Beauty

At Elegant Beauty Cosmetics in Guangdong, China, workers identified practical household needs as a shared priority for their Fair Trade Premium. Through a needs assessment, employees expressed a desire for support that could improve sustainability in their daily lives and help address basic living expenses. Workers emphasized that having access to essential goods would enhance their day-to-day well-being and contribute to a stronger sense of stability at home. Based on this direct input, the Premium Management Team allocated $8,110 USD of Community Development Funds to purchase and distribute daily necessities. The workers collectively defined eligibility, making the benefit available to all employees with at least three months of service. To ensure the packages met genuine needs, the committee conducted a survey via WeChat, allowing employees to easily vote for their preferred items on their phones. Workers selected a range of products, including tissues, laundry detergent, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, towels, food items, power banks, and small household appliances. Following the vote, the selected products were purchased and assembled into gift packages. A total of 141 eligible workers received the support. By providing commonly used household items, the project successfully reduced out-of-pocket expenses for employees and addressed everyday needs both at work and at home. The process reflected worker decision-making at every stage, from identifying the priority to selecting the items and confirming distribution, showcasing a truly employee-led initiative.