Artesan profile: Nokshi Crafts
We are thrilled to share a recent conversation with founder of Nokshi Crafts, Maisha Samiha, about vision for the organization and the sector. Background – how it all began The Rana Plaza incident was a horrible tragedy that really put into context the complexities of fast fashion and social responsibility, and personally, it motivated me to find […]
Providing a platform for local networks
On 15th October, we had the privilege of hosting the inaugural Fair Play Forum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Convening social businesses, NGOs, artisan producers and fashion students involved in the craft and artisan sector, the Forum provided a platform for each of the stakeholders to engage with each other in meaningful conversation. Leaders from Arayana, DEW, […]
Granny’s DIY Shopper Bags
As of March 2016, the city of Bangalore, India is now plastic free. This means that when shopping at a grocery stores and even some retail stores, one has to have an alternative. What better way to get creative and come up with some great alternatives! In fact, that is precisely what my grandmother did, […]
Reflections on product development: developing a recycled sari skirt line
Product development takes place in different way, including suggestions from consumers. Meg Gerbrandt-Weibe,Member of the Board of the Fraser Valley Mennonite Central Committee – Canada, recently shared with us her experience of developing a line of recycled sari skits with Sacred Mark Enterprise. I grew up in a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) family in Manitoba. […]
Artesan Profile: Sacred Mark Enterprise, Bangladesh
Guest blogger Ishrat Jahan Deepa, Unit Manager – Sacred Mark Enterprise Established in March 2009, by the Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh (MCCB) Sacred Mark Enterprise provides alternative employment for former sex workers. The stories of these women involve abuse, victimization, trauma, and pain. A widow, an orphan, a rape victim, a mother with no […]
Artesan Profile: Madia & Matilda
Madia & Matilda is a developing business and has been established for 3 and a bit years, employing one to ten people. Working as a team, each one specializing in a different area bringing out the best of each of their skills individually to achieve their goal of growing the brand. Madia & Matilda which […]
Coming soon to N. America – Lai Designs!
Artesan Profile: Lai Designs. A conversation with founder and designer, Puja Bhargava Kamath. Lai is a India and California based indie jewelry label under which we design and manufacture unique, culturally inspired collections of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. Cultural and historical references reinterpreted with a contemporary touch is the DNA for Lai which means ‘the […]
Songa Designs launches the Basket Collection
An Artesan Gateway Alert! We recently caught up with our friends at Songa Designs to learn more about their launch of their new Basket Collection. Founder Sarah Sternberg, brought us up to speed on how the collection came about. AG: How did the Basket Collection come about? What prompted you to diversify your products? Handmade […]
Artesan Profile: The Carpet Workshop, Bangladesh
Established in 1997, Protibondhi Community Center (PCC) was set-up to work with people with disabilities and their families. Founded by Taize brothers in Mymensingh, a city 125km north of Dhaka, Bangladesh, PCC provides health, education, medical and skills training through self-help groups and income generating projects, including the Mohila Women’s Club under which the Carpet […]
Valuing handmade and ethically produced products
Pricing of products is often a quandary for many an artisan and brand, particularly when the product is handmade and/or upcycled. There are many factors to consider when pricing handmade products, aside from the physical resources, there is skill, time and uniqueness of product. Sue Reed, from the Woolly Pedlar tackles this dilemma in her […]