Social Impact Series: Eva Hernández Tolentino, Amarella – Mexico

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are showcasing the individuals who make up the artisan industry. Today, we are honoured to presentEva Hernández Tolentino who works with Amarella. My name is Eva Hernández Tolentino. I was the first artisan to join Amarella´s team. I currently live with one of my sons, my daughter and my husband. […]

Social Impact Series: Minke Dancha, Connected in Hope – Ethiopia

In honour of International Women’s Day, we are showcasing the individuals who make up the artisan industry. Today, we are honoured to present Minke Dancha who works with Connected In Hope.   My name is Minke Dancha and I think I am about 60 years old. I live with my three sons and one daughter. I […]

Unique dishes : Papier Mache bowls that look like crockery!

Social entrepreneur and papier mache aficionado Paul Dass has come out with series of new papier mache products that we couldn’t wait to share! These papier mache bowls and dishes look just like crockery and could have fooled us. Paul is the founder and director of proVision India, a nonprofit that develops practical, sustainable ways […]

Letting serendipity lead to a weaving village in Laos

Guest blogger Mary Louise Marino is a startup social entrepreneur and founder of Indigo Lion Artisan Boutique. Her three-month journey across Southeast Asia and Northeast India is in part to connect with artisan groups, learn about their work, and begin selecting her initial collection for her shop. Serendipity connected her with village weavers in Thabou […]

Sustainability in Gift, Home Decor and Fashion

This past weekend, we got to visit the Handmade Global Design section at the NY NOW trade show and it was terrific to catch up with some old friends (including Aid to Artisans , Darzah, Child’s Cup Full and Stitchwallah) and make new friends too! With the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals fresh on everyone’s mind, […]

Artesan Profile: Prokritee, Bangladesh

Late last year, we featured Swapan Das (Executive Director at Prokritee and Chairperson of ECOTA) as he shared his thoughts on Fair Trade. We caught up with Swapan recently to learn more about Prokritee, a fair trade company in Bangladesh that supports over 1,500 artisans in rural areas. Founded in 2001 as a an auxiliary […]

Artesan Profile: Amarella, Mexico

We recently caught up with Lina Moreno Velez, founder of Amarella to learn more about how she was inspired to set up an organization that supports and preserves Mexican artisans and their culture. Originally from Colombia, we were intrigued by her story and vision and wanted to share this with you. The idea to set […]

National Association for Indian Crafts

Jaya Jaitly, founder of  Dastkari Haat Samiti, a national association for Indian crafts, has spent her career working with Indian craftsmen throughout the subcontinent, empowering the disenfranchised to develop a sustainable livelihood through crafts. In a recent interview on Yourstory.com, Jaya talks about the path that led her to the career that has, in many […]

Social Impact Stories: Jeanne Nyirangiinshuti, Songa Designs Rwanda

Showcasing the individuals who make up the artisan industry. Songa Designs My name is Jeanne Nyirangiinshuti. They used to call me Mama Kibaki. I am working at a cooperative called Buranga mean ‘Beauty’, since 2008 and I am in charge of quality control. I am 34 years old, married with 3 kids. I have finished […]

Social Impact Stories: Moyna, Basha Bangladesh

Showcasing the individuals who make up the artisan industry. Basha Moyna* has husband and son who is 3 years old. Her husband works and earns 300 Taka per day by which they purchase food. She pays the house rent, cable bill and puts some money in savings. Her husband says he is contributes a lot […]