The Dwelle Collaborative was the result of a divine connection between two women, both named Esther, occupational therapists and beauty professionals who shared one vision of bringing hope to people in transition through wellness and work support for successful community integration.

 

The Esthers met in Ghana, West Africa in 2009 through USC's occupational therapy international fieldwork program. Four years later, they reconnected and discovered that they had been living parallel lives, engaging in the same careers and passions -- rehabilitating and beautifying people.

 

After learning more about the issues of human exploitation going on in their hometown of Los Angeles, their eyes were opened to the pressing needs of women who have been rescued (or exited) and are in recovery but have had difficulty landing jobs and adjusting to society. The two started working together to co-lead women's beauty/ wellness events including a fundraiser to benefit survivors of human trafficking and women transitioning out of the sex industry.

 

In 2015, through the synergy of generous mentors, community partners, and personal networks who provided support, the Dwelle Collaborative was birthed to unveil beauty and dignity of survivors and empower them to climb new heights to live and do well.