Founded on the principles of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment, 700 Rivers does things a little differently. How so? Well, to start, 700 Rivers soaps are hand-crafted by Bangladeshi artisans that have escaped human trafficking, and made from non-toxic ingredients with eco-friendly packaging. 

But it doesn’t stop there. This female-founded company has considered every element of their supply chain and manufacturing – so you can get the best, most sustainable product possible. Sustainable soap with a story.

In this blog we’ll dive into the captivating story behind 700 Rivers, including their mission, intricate supply chain, product offerings, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

700 Rivers Brand Story

Meet Cathy – founder of 700 Rivers. Her family is originally from Bangladesh and immigrated to America before she was born. Growing up in America, Cathy was able to get education and career opportunities that were not often available to women in Bangladesh (and many other parts of the world!)

Recognizing that, Cathy built 700 Rivers to provide meaningful career opportunities for women living in Bangladesh. This female founded brand is a member of the Female Founders Collective, and prioritizes empowerment and growth for women across the world. 

Inspired by the countless rivers and waterways that weave across Bangladesh supporting communities, Cathy envisioned a brand that enriched the lives of workers while sustaining the environment. 

Today, 700 Rivers is a global lifestyle brand that creates a suite of all natural soaps, candles, and self care products. Here’s how they do it! 

Artisans & Supply Chain

Designed in the USA. Ethically handmade in Bangladesh.

Central to 700 Rivers’ ethos is the close relationships they’ve built with women in Bangladesh. They employ women who have escaped human trafficking, and give them fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

By bypassing conventional middlemen and fostering direct artisan relationships, 700 Rivers empowers these women while giving the consumer meaningful insights into the supply chain of the products they are purchasing. 

These women are also given mental health counseling, grief and trauma support groups, and the tools to advance their careers and learn new job skills. 

“When you use a 700 Rivers soap bar, you can get a fresh start to your day while helping our Bangladeshi artisans get a fresh start in life.”

Here’s a closer look at the process:

1. Natural, eco-friendly ingredients are sourced from all over the world – things like coconut oil, aloe vera, and natural jute fiber
2. Soaps are handcrafted in Mymensingh, Bangladesh by women who have overcome human trafficking. To date, they work with 22 artisans!
3. Packaging is handmade from jute fiber by the women of Shuktara Handmade Paper Project in Feni, Bangladesh
4. Their fair trade partners in Dhaka, Bangladesh package and prepare the soaps and packaging materials to be shipped in Raleigh, North Carolina
5. 700 Rivers partners with Gabi’s, a non-profit organization in Raleigh to package their orders. This amazing organization employs 40+ people with special abilities.

700 Rivers Products

Explore the world of 700 Rivers soaps and self care:

• Fresh Start Soaps: with a variety of scents like Orange Clove and Vanilla Chai, you’re sure to find your favorite. The base ingredients feature coconut oil, olive oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
• Bath Bombs: their 100% natural bath bombs are hand molded with love in Raleigh, North Carolina (which happens to be Karma Wallet’s HQ!) Plus, they’re made from skin-friendly ingredients like sweet almond oil and essential oils that create a potent aromatherapy experience while nourishing your skin.
• Shine Bright Candles: say goodbye to toxic candles! They candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and poured and packaged in Raleigh, North Carolina. They’re also phthalate-free, paraben-free, and vegan.

When it comes to packaging their products, 700 Rivers uses plastic-free, biodegradable packaging – so you don’t have tons of single-use waste with your order.

Plus, their formulas are cruelty-free, non-toxic, and utilize organic and botanical ingredients that work with your skin – not against it. 

Karma Wallet and 700 Rivers

As consumers, we hold the power to shape the future through our purchasing decisions.

By choosing brands like 700 Rivers, we can contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world—one product at a time. 

With a name inspired by the countless waterways that sustain communities around Bangladesh, and the globe, 700 Rivers is more than just a self care brand; it’s a movement rooted in sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. 

We’re proud to announce that 700 Rivers is a Karma Collective member – joining a community of brands offering our members exclusive rewards. Sign up for the Karma Wallet Card to get rewarded when you shop with 700 Rivers!

Ready to start shopping? Explore their products below!