Rhonda LaBatt, 46, runs Scottsdale-based Redemption Market, to help others in need and benefit social causes that provide opportunities for women and the impoverished.

Read along as she details her personal and professional background.

Town/Neighborhood:
Chandler, Ocotillo neighborhood

What I’m excited about why:
I’m excited to see businesses cautiously begin to open and the community begin to become active again after the lock-down has lifted.

What I like most about living here:
There is such support for small business and women-owned businesses in our community. People love to shop local and care about the owners of the companies they visit.

Changes I’d like to see in this area:
I would love to see even more events for local start-ups and for women-owned enterprises. I’m hoping that the extra support for small businesses during the pandemic will continue to grow.

Favorite community cause why:
The Welcome To America Project based in Tempe is one of my family’s favorite organizations to support. It is an incredible non-profit helping newly settled immigrants and refugees to the Phoenix area.

Not only do they distribute donations of furniture, home supplies, bicycles and computers; they also support the integration of these families into their new neighborhoods. It’s so eye-opening to see the difficult circumstances that so many of these new neighbors have gone through, and yet they remain positive and hopeful. It is lovely to learn more about other cultures.

When and why I moved here:
Our family moved here in 2004 as part of the Two Rivers church plant in Gilbert.

Where I lived before:
Madison, Wisconsin

My family:
My husband Kerry is a plant manager at Prisma Graphic Corporation in Phoenix. We have three daughters- Anna, Emily, and Savina. Anna and Emily are students at Arizona State University, studying fashion and business. Savina just graduated high school is starting a surgical technology program at Gateway College.

What I do:
I am the owner of Redemption Market, an ethical boutique where every purchase supports a cause. We partner with over a dozen social justice organizations creating jobs for women rescued from trafficking, refugees, and those trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Our goal is to connect women who want to make meaningful purchases with those who most need dignified employment. We carry fair trade and sustainable handbags, jewelry, home goods and baby toys. Our shop is online at redemptionmarket.com, we have a shop in Scottsdale at The Merchantile, and we also set up at The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market.

What I like most about what I do:
It is so wonderful to see a customer truly care about the beauty of a product she buys and to see the impact the purchase is making in the life of another woman. To see that small actions really do create change on a large scale is why I do what I do.

Previous occupations and why I left:
I used to teach middle school Spanish --- a job that I loved --- but left when we adopted our youngest daughter. She was from Peru and was 10 when we adopted her. I used my teaching background to home school her and teach her English.

If I picked a different occupation, it might have been:
I would love to work in a bakery, connecting with regular customers and making tasty treats!

My interests and hobbies:
I love to bike, swim and camp with my family.

The best and/or worst time in my life:
Although challenging, when we adopted Savina from Peru was truly one of the most meaningful times of my life. Our whole family spent five weeks in Lima, getting to know our new daughter and her culture. To see the impact this had on our other two daughters is something that I will always cherish.

My best/worst habits:
Perfectionism is definitely one thing that I struggle with --- trying to hard to make everything perfect rather than just going for it.

The trait(s) I admire in others:
I’m always inspired by those who are open, vulnerable, and transparent. It is encouraging to see those who are also on their own journey and are willing to share their struggles and wins.

People who inspired me (and how):
To be honest, I’m so inspired by my husband. We are celebrating 25 years of marriage this month, and during that time he has always been so optimistic, generous to others, compassionate, and wise. He sees the best in others and is able to bring out the gold that not everyone sees. He is patient, even when times are difficult.

My guiding philosophy:
I think that the golden rule is one that our society needs now more than ever. If we could all love our neighbors as ourselves, what a difference that would make. I think our actions need to speak even louder than our words.

My advice to today’s youth:
Set down your phone and get involved in the lives of those who are different than you. Volunteer with those who have less than you, and you will find your life a richer place.