Global Artisan Partners

CRC	"The very first principle of Fair Trade is Creating opportunities for small producers or other marginalized groups and that is what we are all about." 'CRC or Craft Resource Center was founded in 1990 by Irani Sen and the late Manoranjan Walia. The goal is to promote self-determination amidst India’s artisan community through comprehensive capacity-building: leading to sustainability of their craft as a dignified, creative and adequate source of livelihood. This is done on the basis of Fair Trade Practices that are enshrined in its business policies and which are in conformity with the principles of Fair Trade.' Read more about the CRC story here!
EARTH Recycled Jewelry	Tris: "Everything I make is handmade using rubber from inner tubes from motorbikes and bikes. Indonesia has a very bad problem with local landfills filling up with used tires, which don't decompose and result in very serious pollution of the land and waterways. I studied art at Academy of Visual Art and Design in Yogyakarta. The idea of recycling used materials is something I thought about for a long time, especially after my son was born, which made me think about the problems that he will experience with pollution. I'm very proud to be able to turn trash into art."
Effi	"I was born in Sulawesi and had very traditional upbringing. My husband and I moved to Java 10 years ago and started a small business making beaded jewelry. My husband is very talented and has a lot of ideas, always creating new designs. I coordinate the production and try to find clients to sell to. We opened a small shop in a tourist area, but you can't always depend on tourists, so we're very happy to be able to supply Fair Trade businesses because we know we can always count on them for orders."
Ekachai	Ekachai works in Chiang Mai, Thailand, an area increasing in tourist appeal. He learned from his father-in-law and has started a workshop in his home. He now has 10 workers producing silver jewellery with him. They create beautiful hand stamped or carved pieces using high quality silver.
Fermin	Fermin lives in the outskirts of Lima, Peru. He learned his trade from his father, who learned from his father. Committed to helping his team develop their skills and capabilities in silversmithing, Fermin models his business after Fair Trade principles. By strengthening his team's management skills and production capabilities, their products gain wider access to local and global markets.
	Freeset is a fair trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata's sex trade. They make quality jute bags and organic cotton t-shirts, but their business is freedom! "We would like to see the 10,000 sex workers in our neighbourhood empowered with the choice of leaving a profession they never chose in the first place."
Fulia Weavers	Weavers in Fulia, West Bengal, India use century old techniques to weave their beautiful scarves. Sudhnangshu started a co-operative to prevent weavers from being taken advantage of by travelling merchants. By standing together, they have more control over their products and earn a respectable living. Although Sudnangshu passed away in 2006, his vision is carried on by Fair Trade partners.
Jessica	When Jessica's third child was diagnosed with a lung disorder, she quit her job to stay home with her daughter. She started creating glass jewellery. As it increased in popularity, she created a Fair Trade workshop. Jessica encourages her team to improve their skills and ensures they make fair wages.
Karyawati	Karyawati lives in Bali, Indonesia. She specializes in a style of jewellery called Jawan. First working in a silversmithing factory, then learning from a master artisan, she now has her own workshop where she heads a small group of women silversmiths. She is happy that pursuing a skill she loves also allows her to provide for her family. She says because of Fair Trade her daughter has a better life and a better future.
Nimai	Nimai infuses his work with traditional skills and cultural identity. He uses a variety of techniques while working with stone and silver, crafting them into wearable art. The Fair Trade movement seeks to enable small producers like Nimai, to move them from income insecurity to economic self-sufficiency and ownership.
Rabi	Rabi is from Nepal, considered one of the Least Developed Nations. It is totally landlocked making exporting difficult and expensive. Rabi's team of 20 people creates jewellery that reflects their history and heritage, containing many spiritual symbols. Many of the team are his family, including his mom who leads the packaging team. They create wonderful pieces of silver set with stones.
Ram	Working in India, Ram's team creates beautifully beaded jewelry. Following principles of fair trade means Ram's team are paid fairly and working conditions are safe. Fair trade ensures that pre-payments and/or prompt payments are made to avoid financial disadvantage for the producers. Long term partnerships encourage growth, increased value and promotion for all trading partners.
	UPAVIM Crafts is a Fair Trade, self-governed, non-profit Guatemalan women's cooperative. The sale of their handmade gifts and crafts helps support an alternative primary school, daycare, and medical clinic in the community where they live.
Yuyut	"I was born in Banyuwangi, East Java and went to school there, until I finished high school. My mother is a seamstress and works for herself at home. I learned sewing from her, as I was helping her when she was busy. My aunt saw my work and thought it was pretty good. She asked me to come and work with her making handbags. Handbags are more difficult to make than sewing clothes. The material is thicker and different textures are used together in one bag. I enjoy the challenge that this presents."