MarketPlace: Handwork of India

MarketPlace: Handwork of India is an innovative fair trade, not-for-profit organization increasing economic opportunities for low-income women in India and empowering them to bring about changes in their lives, their families and communities. MarketPlace works with 14 co-operatives consisting of 480 artisans in India who produce high-quality women’s apparel.

MarketPlace: Handwork of India is not a strategy, a program, or an academic exercise. Rather, it is a way of life that brings about change in the lives of the women artisans, in their families, and in their communities. Earning a living and supporting their families have given these women the independence and self-confidence to explore different aspects of their lives. They have found the courage to question age-old traditions and beliefs and to develop their own opinions, values and dreams. Combining the old and the new, they have fashioned new lives incorporating self-respect, ambitions, and strength. And at the center of each woman’s new life is family. Above all they will not compromise their absolute belief that they want a better life for their children and that they will do anything in their power to accomplish this.

Social change ripples into the community as leadership building initiatives give the artisans tools for action.

Ginger Blossom: Retailer

What We Sell

The core inventory features primarily home furnishings and accent pieces, and ethnic and tribal collectibles, including rustic pine furniture, furniture made from architectural salvage, and antique Swati and Tibetan trunks.

Textiles include handknotted Tibetan carpets, Turkish and Afghani kilims, Kashmiri chainstitch rugs, Russian soumaks, and flat-woven rugs of the Americas, including Zapotec and Navajo.

Ethnic accoutrements include drums from four continents, glazed and unglazed pottery, woodcarvings, beadwork, masks, ethnic jewelry, clothing, and Native American art and artifacts. In short, there is something for everyone!

Note from Artezano Links:
Ginger is a personal friend who has developed wonderful relationships with her suppliers around the world. If you can make it to her little piece of heaven, the trip will be well worth it!

World Finds: Fair Trade Wholesaler

The mission of WorldFinds is to create beautiful, unique, inspired products that sell on their own merit, while simultaneously helping to improve the lives of the artisans involved.

We have a unique sense of style: a fusion of East and West, modern and traditional, classic and trendy.

WorldFinds imports an eclectic array of women’s accessories and gift items from India, Nepal, and Indonesia. We take pleasure in finding and designing a collection of exceptional items for the style-conscious and socially conscious consumer.

We work directly with all of our artisan groups, and take the time to educate them about current trends in the US marketplace, partner with them to develop new designs, share knowledge and discuss ongoing issues to continually improve our products.

WorldFinds partners with fair trade organizations, self-help groups, and small families of artisans that strive to make a difference in their communities. These organizations have made a commitment to social welfare and provide many services to their producers including: ongoing education and training, health care services, subsidized meals, day care, schooling, and AIDS awareness.