By Carol Fisher-Linn
Pardon our French but this story is about a product named Bitchstix.
A one-of-a-kind product that seeks to inspire, empower, and change lives for the better.
On her journey to the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg became known among some of her male colleagues as a “Bitch”. When she found out, she responded: “Better a bitch than a mouse”. Google Bitchstix.com and these will be the first words you read on their website. This sassy sounding product has a very serious mission and that’s why we at The Villager feel their story is important to tell. From their website, “BITCHSTIX is more than just a balm. It’s a call to action to transform a “bad” word into a force for good. It’s a one-of-a-kind product that seeks to inspire, empower, and change lives for the better.” Their mission is: “To awaken people to their self-worth, and to encourage them to live boldly and courageously. We do this in two ways: By putting “BITCH” in the name of a product that soothes and restores. We’re appropriating a word that has historically been used to inflict shame and attaching it to an agent of restoration. By putting our money where our mouth is. BITCHSTIX donates to retailer-nominated nonprofit organizations that support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.”
The product can be purchased online. There is a store in Toronto (The Latest Scoop on Ossington Avenue), and of course I chuckled when I saw there is a store in Chappaqua, NY. I imagine ‘Hills’ is a steady customer at the store that carries it. What is outstanding for the company is that they have each of their retailers across America nominate a nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic abuse sexual assault. So, let’s say Adventure Bound onthefly carried the product. They could nominate Cattaraugus County Community Action Domestic Violence Program or in Chautauqua County, The Salvation Army of Jamestown – Anew Center would receive a goodie bag filled with $300-$400 worth of products from the company (so they don’t invade their own stock and profits) to donate to their chosen program for domestic abuse survivors. Then, at the end of the donation cycle for Bitchstix, all the selected agencies are put into a drawing and two receive $20,000 each to support their programs. As the owner, Emily Kennerk from Indiana says, “the need is great. The need is real. We have to act.”
Although their lip balms are now found in beauty boutiques and gift shops around eastern/central United States, the owner originally envisioned her product to be used by sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers (they offer an awesome muscle rub stix – all organic), hence the suggestion that Adventure Bound onthefly carry the product. These are products that would fit well in our local trade environment. Bitchstix’s goal is to build a better world. From their support of assault and abuse survivors to their commitment to using safe, eco-friendly ingredients that do no harm to our environment, BITCHSTIX is committed to making a net-positive impact on the world.
In a September 2020 podcast (Episode 91 Taking Care In Business, Emily Kennerk of Bitchstix), Kennerk had these inspiring words to say: “This issue affects every person on earth. We may not realize that others are going through it. So much shame is attached to abuse that people keep quiet about it. My company would not function if it were not for its social aspect.” She goes on to talk about responsibility for others. “Businesses need an awareness that there can be a social good to your company. You can do a lot of good and have an impact on other companies. The tide is changing. Commerce is a great way to talk about social problems.”