Elevating a Global Mission Through Strategic Storytelling

The Brand

‍IBU Movement is a Charleston-based nonprofit and ethical fashion brand that uplifts and employs women artisans around the world. Each IBU piece reflects craftsmanship, heritage, and empowerment, woven together to create opportunity through artistry.

The Challenge

‍As IBU expanded its reach and programming, the organization needed to deepen national awareness of its mission and connect its story with audiences who could help amplify impact, from donors and journalists to women of influence and cultural leaders.

The Approach

‍Wawner Strategies crafted a communications and partnership strategy designed to elevate IBU’s narrative beyond Charleston, positioning the brand as a global voice for women’s empowerment through craftsmanship.

• National & International PR: Secured editorial coverage in national media outlets highlighting IBU’s mission, collections, and artisans.
  
• Strategic Storytelling: Shaped brand narratives that connected product, purpose, and philanthropy, ensuring visibility translated into meaningful engagement.
  
• Press & Partnerships: Organized a high-impact press trip to Uzbekistan with national travel journalist Lauren Mowrey, amplifying IBU’s global story through immersive, first-hand reporting.
  
• Event & Collaboration Strategy: Advised on experiences and partnerships that brought the IBU mission to life for U.S. audiences while honoring its international artisan network.
  
• Social Media Strategy: Developed high-level social frameworks to align storytelling, voice, and visual identity across platforms.
  

The Results

‍The campaign generated national product and editorial recognition, expanded IBU’s donor and advocate base, and deepened its positioning as both a fashion and social-impact brand. Through strategic storytelling, IBU’s global message now resonates with audiences across continents, connecting cause with culture in a tangible, human way.

What They Said

“The team at Wawner Strategies has gone above and beyond to connect Ibu with journalists, women of influence, and unique PR opportunities that elevate the Ibu brand. The team was quick to understand the Ibu mission and story and have secured national product and editorial recognition across multiple platforms. Their service is top notch and we have been delighted to partner with Wawner Strategies as we grow our non-profit, uplifting women artisans across the globe.”
— Lasley Steever, CMO, IBU Movement

The Takeaway

‍By aligning mission with media, Wawner Strategies helped IBU Movement transform awareness into advocacy, elevating women’s stories from across the globe through authentic, purpose-driven visibility.