Uptown Liz: Retail philantrophy never looked so stylish

My friend Ramona Russell lost her 28 year old sister, Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Overturf, to a long battle with breast cancer in February of 2006. Liz was a fashionista and one of her dreams was to own a clothing boutique with her big sister, Ramona. Well, if you know Ramona, she's a very passionate and dedicated sister, so she went ahead and created that store and called it Uptown Liz, an online retailer that sells products from companies whose proceeds directly give back to charitable organizations. Uptown Liz was launched this past July 17 which would have been Liz's 30th birthday.

I love the fact that not even death will separate these two sisters from creating the business they dreamed about when playing dress-up as little girls. The cause behind Uptown Liz will no doubt take the company to places that neither one of these ladies could have imagined. In fact, Ramona told me that in the first two weeks of "doors open for business" she has received far more good news than she ever expected.

You can shop for products either by Cause or by Product Category. Currently, there are 30 Causes to support like Alzheimer's, Children's Health, Drunk Driving, and World Hunger, as well as 12 Product Categories such as jewelry, handbags, and beauty products. There are some really cute things in the store, and over time the inventory will grow. The best part of shopping at Uptown Liz is knowing that your money is going to support many people in need.