In a beautiful, repurposed white house in South End sits BraveWorks, a mission-driven nonprofit-meets gift shop. The entire business is built around equipping women who are overcoming trauma to express their artistic talents and earn a living, all while offering shoppers their totally unique, beautifully-made sustainable gifts in Charlotte NC. Whether it’s jewelry, a bag, or home decor, meaning is woven into every bead, stitch, and design.
Executive Director Kyla Harvey works alongside a dedicated team that includes Program Director & Licensed Therapist Lauren Smith, Program Coordinator Aliyah Bradley, and Artisan Production Supervisor Roxanne Sandlin.
Kyla chatted with us to share more about the mission, the artisans, and why choosing local this season can make an impact that lasts far beyond the holidays.
Tell us about the mission behind BraveWorks. Why the focus on women?
BraveWorks equips women overcoming trauma to heal, grow, and earn income with dignity. We pair trauma-informed counseling and coaching with skill-building and workforce readiness. In short, we focus on women because stabilizing a woman’s life often stabilizes a family. This creates ripple effects in housing, education, and economic mobility.
How do you select sustainable gifts in Charlotte NC for the shop? What are they and where do they come from?
We curate through three lenses: dignified wages, quality and design, and ethical storytelling. Our collections include jewelry, bags, and giftable accessories made by local artisans in Charlotte. Additionally, we work with global partners in East Africa and Latin America. Every piece is traceable to a workshop where women are earning fairly and building skills.
What inspires you to do this work? What does your day-to-day look like?
Every day at BraveWorks, I am surrounded by stories of resilient women choosing hope and showing up for themselves, their families, and their future. My role stretches across program spaces, our retail shop, partner meetings, fundraising efforts, and cheering on artisans in ETCH (12-week healing and skills) and EMERGE (13-week workforce readiness). While the administrative side of my work requires making tough decisions, stepping into program spaces to hear updates directly from artisans always fills my cup. Plus, watching them in their element, healing, learning, and creating, puts meaning to my “why” and keeps me grounded in the heart of our mission.
Why encourage holiday shopping at a place like BraveWorks instead of a big box store?
Because your purchase is double impact. You’ll take home a beautiful, high-quality gift, and your dollars will help a woman begin her journey toward healing and stability. Your purchase fuels stipends, job readiness, and healing programs, moving a woman closer to economic confidence. And unlike a big box store, you’ll know who made the product, how she’s paid, and the difference your support makes.
What makes BraveWorks unique in a city like Charlotte?
Our whole-person model: trauma-informed care plus paid skill-building and workforce readiness, with a faith-in-action posture that honors every woman’s journey. We walk alongside beyond graduation with case management and employer connections.
What can people expect if they’ve never visited the shop?
A warm welcome, beautiful ethically-made goods, and stories behind every piece. We’re happy to help with gifting, price points, and packaging. Then, you leave with something you love and a story you’re proud to share.
Anything else we should know?
In 2025, we served 123 women through ETCH. In 2025, we launched EMERGE and Beads of Bravery to meet women where they are. If our mission resonates, visit the shop, host a Sip & Shop, or join us as a monthly donor. Ultimately, your partnership keeps us walking with women, long-term.
In summary, whether you’re picking up a statement bracelet, a timeless leather bag, or a simple gift that carries deep purpose, shopping at BraveWorks means your holiday dollars go further, supporting women as they step into healing, stability, and confidence. This season, consider giving gifts that give back: Every purchase at BraveWorks is more than a present—it’s part of a woman’s journey forward.
