Area fashion truck sells items from 'vulnerable communities'
Like many other young travelers, her "eyes were opened" to the different working standards and living conditions that existed a plane ride away.
Items for sale include jewelry, T-shirts, shoes and greeting cards from Asia, Mexico, India, the United States and more.
The most popular item is the lightweight leather earrings crafted by artisans living in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains.
"The heart and the vision that Em has for valuable women in vulnerable communities is so apparent in the way she does business, both behind the scenes and with her customers," Anna Davis, a N.C. State University student and one of two interns at The Flourish Market, said in an email.
The Flourish Market gives other women the chance to support these valuable artisans and makers to bring meaning to their lives and other people's.
About a year ago, Sexton started raising money on Tilt, an online fundraising site similar to Kickstarter, to start The Flourish Market.
The Flourish Market has been up and running for nine months, and Sexton, who previously worked in communications at an investment bank, said she has already surpassed her first sales goal.