Rebecca Bender's story is one of tragedy, survival, and triumph. At the vulnerable age of 18, she found herself ensnared in the dark world of human trafficking. Enduring unimaginable physical and emotional abuse, she spent nearly six years in the clutches of her traffickers. However, Rebecca's spirit remained unbroken, and with an unwavering determination, she managed to escape and went back to the darkest places she had seen to help others escape too.

Her journey towards healing and justice was fraught with challenges, but it laid the foundation for what would become the Rebecca Bender Initiative. The Initiative was founded with a dual purpose: to support survivors on their path to recovery and to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of human trafficking. In 2014, Rebecca officially launched the Initiative, fueled by a burning desire to make a difference and prevent others from suffering the same fate.

The Impact on Communities

Human trafficking is not a distant issue; it is a cancer that permeates communities worldwide, leaving scars on its victims and staining the very fabric of society. The Rebecca Bender Initiative recognizes the far-reaching consequences of this crime and endeavors to address its impact on communities.

Trafficking doesn't discriminate—it preys on the vulnerable, exploiting the marginalized and disadvantaged. By using her personal story to train first responders, Rebecca has made a difference in shifting systems that prohibit victims from being seen, shedding light on the faces behind the statistics. This awareness is crucial in fostering empathy and understanding within communities, ultimately fostering a collective effort to combat human trafficking.

The Initiative engages in education and outreach programs, equipping communities with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond effectively. By empowering individuals with the tools to identify and report suspicious activities, the Rebecca Bender Initiative plays a vital role in preventing the further spread of this insidious crime.

Accomplishments and Milestones:

Since its inception, the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved significant milestones in the fight against human trafficking. One of its notable accomplishments is the establishment of comprehensive training programs for law enforcement, first responders, and social service providers. These programs are designed to enhance the understanding of trafficking dynamics, equipping professionals with the skills needed to identify and assist survivors and has trained over 118,000 professionals to date.

Furthermore, the Initiative has been instrumental in shaping legislation aimed at strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. Rebecca's advocacy work has influenced policy changes at both the state and federal levels, creating a more robust legal framework for prosecuting traffickers and supporting survivors. After being appointed to the United States National Advisory Council, RBI has had a seat at reviewing and informing Congress on state responses that include over 120 recommended changes nationwide.

The Initiative's survivor support program, Elevate Academy offers a lifeline to those on the path to recovery. Through mentorship, courses, and vocational training, survivors are given the tools to rebuild their lives. This holistic approach recognizes the complex journey of healing, addressing not only the immediate physical and emotional needs but also the long-term goals and aspirations of survivors and has assisted nearly 1600 survivors spanning 600 U.S. cities and 19 countries

Looking Forward

While the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved remarkable success, the battle against human trafficking is far from over. The organization remains committed to its mission, constantly evolving its strategies to stay ahead of the ever-changing tactics employed by traffickers.

The power of community engagement is at the forefront of the Initiative's approach. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, social services, survivor leaders and the community, a united front is formed against human trafficking. Community members are encouraged to be vigilant, to report suspicious activities, and to support survivors in their journey towards recovery by partnering monthly with RBI and other local organizations.

Rebecca Bender's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit—a phoenix rising from the ashes of despair to bring about positive change. Through the Rebecca Bender Initiative, she has not only transformed her own pain into purpose but has also ignited a flame of awareness and action in communities around the world. She isn’t the only phoenix, there are survivors around the world stepping in and using their voices for change. When you partner with us, you partner with us all!

Human trafficking is a scourge that thrives in the shadows, but with advocates like Rebecca Bender leading the charge, the light of justice and compassion pierces through. As we stand united against this heinous crime, we honor the survivors, champion the cause, and work towards a future where no one falls victim to the darkness of human trafficking. The journey is ongoing, but with organizations like the Rebecca Bender Initiative, we can collectively strive for a world free from the chains of exploitation and oppression.

We are so honored to be able to give a portion of proceeds to help empower this incredible organization. You shop, we give. 🖤

Saint Jane was founded with women in mind. Starting with clean, sacred botanicals to empower your skin but our mission is so much more than that. 

Our namesake Saint Jane de Chantal was an incredible woman anointed into Sainthood for healing women that society wouldn’t touch...the sick, unwed mothers, and the shunned. Her life’s work was founding the Order of Visitation that accepted women that were rejected. When heavily criticized for her unusual approach, she famously replied, “I’m on their side.” She was the patron of forgotten women, widows, and those who are separated from their children. Saint Jane empowered women and is our inspiration to do the same in everything we do.

Women are incredible beings. We work hard, we get things done, and we overcome impossible obstacles every single day. We are mothers, care-givers, nurturers, innovators, independent thinkers, makers, doers and so much more. We deserve to be celebrated, uplifted, and championed at every step and in every facet of life. We are meant to have a seat at the table, to be at the front of the class, and most importantly to lead. 

That is our mission at Saint Jane. To empower women in every facet, starting with skin wellness and harnessing that power into other areas of life. We want to use our platform and our voice to give a voice to others, to uplift each other and to champion each other.

Our giveback mission is female-centric. Some of the incredible organizations we support with our dollars and with voices are Lipstick Angels, Girls Crushing It, Humble Bloom, and the Loveland Foundation. These organizations help women directly whether they are fighting illness and in need of joy, cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, de-stigmatizing the hemp industry or helping minority women overcome trauma. Their missions are powerful and we are so grateful to lend our support.

We hope that you join us in our mission. Starting with self-care and self-love as a strong woman and radiating that strength to other women. We are stronger together, always.

It’s no secret that Vitamin C is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare. In the 1920’s a Hungarian scientist named Albert Szent-Györgyi became interested in the cell respiration and energy production in plants, and would meticulously study any “browning” or interrupted growth. While conducting a series of experiments, he discovered that he could delay these interruptions by adding citrus juice to nurture the plants. Eventually, he would learn to isolate what he believed to be the protective acid agent in the citrus juice, and made the game changing discovery of Vitamin C. 

Our skin is just as delicate as the botanicals in Albert’s studies, and infusing Vitamin C into your skincare routine can be just as powerful as the results he witnessed in his discovery.

Like many ingredients, not all Vitamin C is created equal. There are different variations, different potencies and different levels of quality. We believe that in order to transform the skin, only the best Vitamin C will do.

We use an innovative form of Glycerin-Encapsulated Vitamin C that goes into every drop of our award-winning The C-Drops and Bright Repair Eye Cream to deliver potent benefits to your skin. Glycerin is a natural hydrator that is known for its ability to deeply absorb past the skin’s surface. In combination with Vitamin C, it increases the efficacy in visibly brightening, smoothing texture, and nourishing the skin. Delivering Vitamin C to your skin in this form also helps to improve your skin barrier and provides a level of protection against skin stressors.

 Our Vitamin C is formulated for top level potency. Active at 20% in C-Drops and 10% in Bright Repair, the brightening and resurfacing power is at its highest level of efficacy. Our decision to infuse Full flower Hemp Extract into the formula helps to soothe on contact, and keeps irritation at bay...a common problem with traditional Vitamin C skincare. The way these two ingredients perform is a beautiful balancing act, a dream for even the most sensitive complexions. 

Like all of our ingredients, our Vitamin C is held to the highest standards of clean beauty. Sustainably sourced and thoughtfully formulated, we never compromise when it comes to keeping every component meticulously clean.  A clean approach to skincare for peace of mind so you can squeeze the day. 

“Life is a wondrous phenomenon. I can only hope that someday man will achieve a deeper insight into its nature and its guiding principles and will be able to express them in more exact terms…To express the marvels of nature in the language of science is one of man’s noblest endeavors.” — Albert Szent-Györgyi

I’ve always been inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit. I must get it from my great grandmother, an extraordinary woman (and personal inspiration) who came to California as a mail-order bride from Italy where she became a mother of 7 and made a living growing grapes with my great-grandfather. She believed in achieving more, so she went to the bank, took out a $10,000 loan and started our family heritage in the wine business. She became one of our country's first female entrepreneurs seeding well-known wine brands Franzia and Gallo.

Growing up with such a deep family history in winemaking ignited my passion for botanicals and cultivation. I joined the industry myself (I developed Cupcake Vineyards and many others), and it was that journey that eventually led me to start Saint Jane. Infusing all of this knowledge of botanical ingredients and the power they hold, and channeling female empowerment from my great grandmother’s story. 

So where does beauty come into the mix? I’d always had a passion for cosmetics and had my eyes set on Sephora, the leader of innovation. I interviewed in 2007 and became Sephora’s 1st unpaid MBA intern. (I was paid in makeup, which was fine with me!) I learned the business, I soaked up every moment, I dove in head first. This eventually led to my role in Creative Marketing for Kendo. It was an incredible opportunity to build Sephora exclusives like Marc Jacobs, Disney, and Elizabeth and James. 

When I created Saint Jane, I wanted it to feel like a beautiful marriage between my two biggest passions, beauty and botanicals. The journey has led me here, to building Saint Jane and crafting botanical and nutrient-rich formulas that transform the skin. 

Seeing this brand in Sephora stores and on sephora.com is a dream come true. I got my start there 13 years ago and it's surreal to see my own brand on it’s shelves. They took a chance on me then, and now they are taking a chance on Saint Jane. I couldn’t be more grateful. 

Every day I go to work and channel the fierce courage of my great grandmother. I think about all she accomplished when it wasn’t normal as a woman to pursue entrepreneurship. She had the guts to take the risk. I’d like to think that some of that spirit is in Saint Jane, inspiring women to be powerful, transformative, and to change the world.

Meet Renata Helfman, a philanthropist, clean beauty advocate and an inspirational addition to our Saint Series. Always searching for ways to share her knowledge and help those around her, Renata began volunteering with cancer patients at Cedars Sinai in 2011 and was surprised to learn that the hospital did not have a beauty program in place. Specifically, she made it her mission to bring beauty, compassion and human touch to patients in need through offering complimentary, personalized, and oncology-sensitive beauty and skin care services. That’s when she founded Lipstick Angels. Renata shared her story with us, and we know you’ll find it just as inspiring as we do. 

Q: What inspired you to start Lipstick Angles?

A: I started Lipstick Angels because I was looking for a way to give back simply as a volunteer. I was a busy makeup artist working around the country and when I looked for an opportunity to work with cancer patients in a hospital setting I could not find one, so I took it upon myself to create it.  It definitely was not easy but the organization always had a life of its own from day one. I am so happy that now there is a venue for other makeup artists and aestheticians to give back in this capacity and of course an organization that is looking at people living with cancer with a mind, body and spirit connection.

Q: Because of the Pandemic, you’ve had to pivot and find new ways to reach cancer patients virtually.  Can you tell us about it? 

A: Yes, I am so incredibly excited that we have launched a virtual platform for our classes and private sessions. We can now send our patients a wonderful variety of skincare , make up and wellness products directly to their homes .We then set up a private Zoom call for them to work directly with a Lipstick Angel. We feel that this is a unique opportunity to expand our footprint and be able to reach more and more cancer patients in need. We are thrilled that we will be able to do this even when we go back into the hospital and have more options for patients to connect with us.

Q: Makeup and beauty can be transformative, especially for those who are going through Chemo. Can you share some of your favorite moments since starting Lipstick Angels?

A: Well, there are so many incredible moments. But I can remember one that always sticks out. I was actually working with this beautiful woman in the infusion center while she was getting her chemotherapy and tears came to her eyes after I showed her how she looked in the mirror. When I asked her if she was ok she just said that she was so happy that today she was not going to hide in the car when she picked her daughter up from school, she was going to go in and get her. This was a huge moment for our organization to understand how cancer affects the whole family and I always see that little girl’s face and how she must have felt seeing her mom come into the school and get her and feel like herself again.

Q: You are an advocate for clean beauty.  Why is using clean beauty/skincare important for you?

A: Clean beauty for me is very personal. When I discovered all of the chemicals in the personal care items almost 20 years ago my life really changed for the better. I was suffering from some health issues and I knew I had to clean up my act and learn what was really going into my body. Thinking about it now, who could have imagined how important it would be for my career now working with people living with cancer. There is no reason for anyone not to be educated about what they are putting on their skin ( it is your largest organ) but as a cancer patient you have to be even more careful about everything you do. Staying as healthy as you can imagine is vital to keep your immune system strong so you can get through the chemotherapy and or radiation.

Q: How can we support and get involved with Lipstick Angels?

A: There are lots of ways to support Lipstick Angels. If you are a makeup artist or aesthetician and you are interested in volunteering please visit our website Lipstickangles.org. You can also make a tax-deductible donation on our website - every dollar helps us deliver our programs around the country! Also, supporting brands like Saint Jane who we have partnerships with is such a beautiful way to show your support and receive the gift of beauty yourself.

Q: What are your secrets to self-care and balance?

A: I think that’s the key is definitely balance in everything in life. It is a hard lesson to learn but I will say if you can be kind to yourself and others and let yourself color outside of the lines once in a while it is a really good thing!

Q: If you were to be anointed into sainthood, what would it be for?

A: I hate to say it but I think I would be the Saint of Overworking! I don’t look at it as a negative at all, I just love what I do and get excited to get up every day and lead this organization with all my heart and soul. 

Bonus Q: What's your favorite SAINT JANE product and why do you love it?