Artesan Profile: Lush Bazzar

A conversation with Timbrel Chyatee   The Brand Lush Bazaar is a socially conscious fashion label that began over three years ago. It has grown from an accessory label to a clothing label and the best is yet to come! Lush Bazaar sells handcrafted, Indowestern clothing that tells a story of empowerment and inspiration. Our […]

Kantala launches crowdfunding campaign

The Business With its mission to be global fashion house known for ethics and artisan fashion accessories, Kantala targets the fashionably conscious and responsible consumers who not only value ethical and sustainable business processes but also appreciate colourful and functional designs and high quality finishing. Having conducted extensive market research on the overall fashion industry […]

Friends of Basha – Supporting the women behind Basha Enterprises.

Social businesses that work within the artisan sector, often establish a separate nonprofit to support the socio-economic needs of the producers whom they employ. We recently caught up with founder, Robin Seyfert to learn more about Friends of Basha, and how it supports many of the women who work at Basha Enterprises. Basha Enterprises is […]

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, […]

Artesan Profile: Mustard Seed Africa

Mustard Seed Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland We recently caught up with Gail Mqhele Mawocha, Director at Mustard Seed Africa, to learn more about the brand and how it is investing in women. Mustard Seed Africa (MSA) is an organisation with operations in Zimbabwe and Swaziland that focuses on social and economic empowerment initiatives for women […]

An online marketplace for Dharavi artisans

Dharavi, Mumbai is home to what is often referred to as one of the largest slums in Asia. Depicted in several films, including Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay and Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, it is a city within a city and home to over 1million people. Dharavi is often cited for the informal economy and enterprise […]

Artesan Profile: Mayamiko, Malawi & UK

Having worked in the two thirds world in developing economies, Paola Masperi founded Mayamiko in 2008 as a charitable project with the aim of turning it into a sustainable business. Patterning with artisans in Malawi, Masperi was keen to take a holistic approach in providing individuals with opportunities through education, skills training and access to […]

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 […]