Love’s Arm, a local nonprofit organization charged with helping survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction, has opened an online shop to provide an additional revenue stream for their ministry and provide sustainable employment for women survivors in Chattanooga. The store also provides opportunities to support local thriving survivor artists and artisans whose work is for sale on the site.
While The Shop at Love’s Arm currently has a good array of items, from art and candles to books and T-shirts, the ministry plans to continue introducing new products and product lines as they grow.
Adding new survivor art from those served by Love’s Arm is one of the opportunities about which Founding Director Mimi Nikkel is most excited.
“This shop has a purpose and a mission,” Ms. Nikkel explained. “Not only is it supporting the ministry of Love’s Arm, but it’s providing an outlet for the survivors of our organization to share their talents with the world through their art and music.”
This spring, shoppers can expect a new candle in addition to the “Shameless” scent already for sale. The Shameless candle has an important meaning, as the tag line for the organization is “beyond the shame.” Shameless is a statement of freedom and healing, according to Ms. Nikkel, and the aroma provides a very calming blend of frankincense and lavender, promoting self-care and inner peace.
In addition to the new candle, patrons can expect a new T-shirt in the coming months, as well as products from Thistle Farms in Nashville. As for new art and music, Ms. Nikkel explains that “we have to wait for artist inspiration in creative expression for new pieces to be offered for purchase through the store.”
One of the current pieces of art available at the shop in poster and note card format is a portrait of Jesus titled Perfect Love by survivor Teresa Whisenant. On having her artwork on display and for sale in the shop Ms. Whisenant said, “It’s an opportunity for me to share the miracle of love and healing I am experiencing each day.”
In addition to being the founder of Love’s Arm, Ms. Nikkel is also a trafficking survivor and artist whose music is featured in the store.
“I began composing songs at twelve, at the height of my own sexual abuse and trafficking,” Ms. Nikkel reflected. “I did some recording in the nineties but then went through many years of being lost in trauma and could not write or even play my guitar. In recent years, through much continued healing, songs are once again being birthed in me. I found a wonderful producer, Daniel Nelson, and am recording again from a new place, having found my voice in my healing.
“’Running After Me’ is my response to the relentless healing love of God I continue to receive every day. It was inspired by Psalm 139. It will be released through streaming services, but I first wanted it to be an offering for Love’s Arm. All proceeds from downloads purchased at The Shop at Love’s Arm go to support the women survivors we serve in providing sustainable employment for them,” she concluded.
All purchases from the shop help cover the costs of transitioning a displaced woman to a residential facility where she can begin the road to recovery.
Love’s Arm was founded in 2005 with a mission to engage, empower, and transition women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction toward a Christ-centered community of grace. Currently, the non-profit offers street and strip club outreach programs in Hamilton County, Chattanooga, and North Georgia; Rahab’s Rest, a cost-free holistic recovery home for women survivors; and numerous advocacy initiatives.
For more information about Love’s Arm, to volunteer or make a donation, visit lovesarmoutreach.org, email info@lovesarmoutreach.org, or call (423) 580-6553.