An ethical entrepreneur, whose perfumes have given Afghan farmers an alternative to growing heroin poppies, will be discussing her business in Holmfirth.

Barb Stegemann, creator of the ‘Seven Virtues’ perfume range, will be speaking at Holmfirth Fair Trader, Huddersfield Road, on May 19 (6.30pm).

The Canadian businesswoman’s fragrances use ingredients sourced from poverty and conflict stricken countries, including Afghanistan and Haiti.

Ms Stegemann’s venture was inspired by a near fatal axe attack by an Afghan teenager on her friend Cpt Trevor Greene, of the Canadian army.

Afghan farmers are often forced – either by poverty or the Taliban – to grow poppies for heroin.

Seven Virtues, which includes an Afghanistan Orange Blossom fragrance, aims to give farmers an alternative income by growing the ingredients for perfumes instead.

Other Seven Virtues fragrances use ingredients from Haiti, Israel, Iran and Rwanda.

Ms Stegemann, who convinced business magnates on the Canadian version of Dragon’s Den to invest in her company, pays her farmers over the odds.

Barb Stegemann of Seven Virtues ethical perfumes

But it’s not just about making money, Ms Stegemann says.

Ms Stegeman said: “I promised Cpt Greene I would take on his mission of economic empowerment in Afghanistan while he healed.

“I realised I didn’t have a way, so I created a new way – I buy the legal orange blossom and rose oils from the farmers in Afghanistan to support and encourage them to stop growing the illegal poppy crop and I make perfume with it.”

Mark Lewis, of Holmfirth Fair Trader, said: “Our mission is to promote high quality products that make a positive difference and The Seven Virtues perfumes are a perfect example.

“I am sure that Barb’s story will inspire our customers to try the products and help reverse the cycle of war and poverty.”

For more information and tickets visit: www.fairtrader.coop or call: 01484 690515.

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