Valerie Ragaza-Miao, founder of the Valerie Joseph boutique, has introduced a new boutique at Ward Village, POSHd by Valerie Joseph.

“I consider it the older, socially conscious sister of Valerie Joseph,” said Ragaza-Miao. “I’ve always been a big supporter of community and always wanted to expand awareness of socially conscious brands.”

Ragaza-Miao, whose motto has long been, “Life is short, buy cute clothes,” still delivers the cuteness, but now garments are sourced from microbusinesses that help support women in impoverished countries.

Among jewelry items are Greenie Bracelets that come wrapped around handmade, recycled paper embedded with seeds, allowing purchasers to plant trees with each purchase.

Ragaza-Miao also carries note-filled tins from Gratitude, a company that enlists artists to create products to promote social responsibility and help raise funds for education in at-risk populations. Each note bears a message to brighten someone’s day.

Also part of the lifestyle boutique are small home decor accessories such as pillows, and Ragaza-Miao’s Coco Java line of Hawaiian coffee, at $7.99 for 7 ounces, and gluten-free, coconut-flavored Hawaiian pancake mix studded with candy “confetti” ($9.99).

The boutique is next to Bed Bath & Beyond. For more information, call 942-5258.