Every bit as proud of the award-winning work The Edge Agency creates on behalf of its clients, founder Alexandra Radford also revels in her company’s stature as a women-owned business. The Metro Atlanta branding firm recently received two prestigious certifications – Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Both mark significant achievements for Radford’s company seven years after opening its doors in 2017. To celebrate, Radford and her team gifted clothing, makeovers, and a professional photo shoot to the residents of the House of Cherith. The support of the women-focused nonprofit served as a way for The Edge Agency to pay their accomplishments forward to women in need. 

Launched in 2014, House of Cherith provides safe housing and supportive services where women can recover from the trauma of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The Edge Team selected the nonprofit because they were touched by its mission to help its residents reclaim their dignity and self-worth, renew their faith in humanity, and rekindle their passion for a lifetime of success. The branding agency partnered with Beauty Babes ATL to provide hair and makeup to House of Cherith residents. In addition to the gifts of a makeover and photoshoot, Edge is taking up a collection of gently used clothes to help the nonprofit’s residents build a wardrobe and feel empowered. Radford and her team welcome the community to join them by bringing their clothing donations to Thrive Coworking space at 500 Buford Highway in Suwanee through the end of 2024. 

“Women can be incredibly impactful, and I’m beyond honored that The Edge Agency is made up of so many talented and powerful women,” said Radford. “Both of our certifications were achieved after a rigorous vetting process, and – instead of simply celebrating in a traditional way – we felt compelled to pay it forward. As a branding company founded in faith, the choice to support House of Cherith was a natural one for me and my team. We chose to honor its residents because, honestly, nothing breaks our hearts more than the most basic human rights being denied to anyone. We loved the idea of planting a seed of hope in women who have felt hopeless. So many successful female leaders get to enjoy the little luxuries of life. If for no other reason than to make the residents of House of Cherith feel special for a day, that was enough for us to lavish these ladies with some well-deserved glitz and glam. After all, that’s what women do best – we lift each other up when we’re down. That’s what it’s about. It was an impactful day, and everyone in the room got the opportunity to feel beautiful. Besides being made to feel as special as they are, these ladies now have professional headshots that they can use on their social media profiles and resumes as they get back on their feet.” 

Widely recognized by corporations, government agencies, and other entities, to achieve the WBENC Certification, companies must be at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. Established in 1997, the WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States and a leading advocate for women-owned businesses in corporate and government supply chains. An offering from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the WOSB certification levels the playing field for women business owners – paving the way for The Edge Agency to compete for federal contracts. 

In addition to achieving these two certifications, The Edge Agency is a participant in the inaugural Gwinnett Chamber Foundation Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program – designed to open doors for supplier diversity certifications and opportunities for women, minorities, and veterans alike. Companies or organizations seeking to launch, pivot, or elevate their brands are invited to learn more about The Edge Agency, its capabilities, skilled team, and the industries it serves by visiting www.TheEdgeAgency.net. They are also encouraged to follow The Edge Agency on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.