I came with my two children and the Artisan leader gave me a big hug and told me I could start work on Monday!

Now, I’m able to pay for school for my kids and feed them. I can pay my rent, and this Artisan community has helped me a lot with medical needs.

My job also helps me care for my mom and dad. We all live together in a one room rented house.

My dream is to own my own home where everyone has their own room.” – Erna, Mini Stars of Haiti Ornaments Artisan in Haiti

As a child, Claude worked alongside the Artisans in his village to provide for himself.

As a teen, he sold handcrafted Noah’s Arks at local fairs.

Now in his late 20’s, Claude is highly respected by the dozens of Artisans he oversees in his workshop.

Every purchase of this Steel Bethlehem Ornament helps support Claude and his community of metal Artisans in Haiti.

Jina’s very happy being a producer with skills! She no longer fears being expelled by anyone, because now she can earn on her own with her skills and talents. 

Jina believes in freedom and an independent life which she’s able to fulfill through her work

She believes, “Hope of learning and rising comes with every new order!” – Jina, Merry Mice Ornament Trio Artisan in Nepal

Now, this twenty-four-year-old is able to support her parents, send her younger brother back to school, and buy land to build her family a home.

She even co-manages the workshop’s entire capiz production process, along with the owner’s granddaughter!

“Emelyn is an inspiration to her Artisan community!” – Artisan Leaders in the Philippines

Without my work, my life would be a mess for sure.

All of the people who buy our products, even if they buy a small piece, are a huge help to us!

I dream of giving my daughters the education I wasn’t given.

My work is definitely helping me achieve my dream.

I can save money to achieve it in the future.” – Ana, Artisan in Peru

His income as an Artisan allows him to support his daughter’s dream of attending college to become a doctor.

Bholo has proven himself to be a talented, responsible, and dedicated worker.

But he also recently shared a fun fact about himself with Trades of Hope! He enjoys playing ludo with his wife during his leisure hours!

During an argument about his dissatisfaction with the dowry money, her parents paid him to marry Laxmi, Laxmi was set on fire.

She survived, but her husband was fatally injured when he tried to save her.

As a widowed single mother with deep scars and physical limitations, Laxmi learned to stitch in this workshop.

Now, she’s able to support her three children and mother in a home she built with the income she’s earned as an Artisan.

“The accident changed the person I am. It made me a stronger person mentally and physically. I have enormous physical limitations. The damage is done, and there’s no coming back from that. But I consider myself really lucky to be alive. I don’t think I would have had the will and determination to make it to this level, as I have my own house today.”
– Vijaymala, Happy Holiday’s Gift Tote Artisan in India

There is immense joy in working with everyone!

I’ve got something that is more than a family here!

Here, I work with dignity and hard work.

This Artisan community has helped me enormously!

I didn’t take anyone’s help to educate my son. I did it alone!

How much I have traveled! From struggling to survive to actually living now!” – Dilshad, Merry Mice Gift Tote Artisan in India

Each festive and colorful creature she creates is totally unique!

Alicia’s work as an Artisan allows her to enjoy fellowship with other women in her village or work from home when needed.

As an Artisan, Alicia enjoys a safe job with fair wages that provides financial sustainability, authentic community, and lasting hope.

This Artisan community who makes our Alpaca Ornament Set supports many families in Alicia’s rural village in Mexico.

Using a traditional backstrap loom, she weaves the thread into cloth to make clothing for her family.

Then, Maria uses the scraps to sew festive traditional stuffed animals like Minnie the Elephant!

Each festive and colorful creature she creates is totally unique!

Every purchase supports a local woman-owned business that supports many families in Maria’s village.

Working on my own means being independent, and I love my independence!

I can fulfill my kids’ demands on my own.

I can save to extend my workshop and fulfill my dream to open a showroom!”

– Reena, Wonderland Beanie Artisan in Nepal

She would not have the courage to speak as she does today.

She believes that being an Artisan partner with Trades of Hope helps her stand confidently against a society that discriminates against women as she pursues her dream of being a social entrepreneur.

“My work has definitely improved our economic and social condition.” – Rita, Artisan in Nepal

They only do household work, but I work and support my family.

I also encourage other women to join me for work.

I’m earning. I’m financially independent, and I can spend money on me.

My dream is that my children should get a good education.

I can make sure that my children get better higher education in the future!” – Kavita, Estaa Throw Blanket Artisan in India

Now she works alongside her brothers as an equal Artisan partner with the support of their Artisan community.

This Artisan community recently made improvements to their family’s workshop by adding safety equipment and better lighting.

Ekra is grateful for her work and for the financial support of her Artisan community, especially during the recent COVID-19 lockdown in India.

Her husband is immensely supportive and lets her pursue this dream, and that’s something which is really rare in rural areas.”

– Artisan Leaders in India

“We want to give our children the opportunity to study, as we didn’t have this aspect while we were growing up”.

– Muskan, Gather Serving Set and Hope Spreader Set Artisan in India

Her Artisan leaders recently shared one of her favorite memories with us, “One moment that stands out was when a study group from one of our buyers visited and everyone had a nice time by having lunch together.

The ladies from our Artisan community taught the visitors how to wear a ‘saree’ and don the makeup that a married Indian woman usually sports!”

– Rinku, Nicholas & Nadia Reindeer Artisan in India

There was a dad who even tried to get a bank loan, but he wasn’t able to get it, so they left to a public hospital where conditions are not the same. In fact, you can get even sicker.

Because of that experience, Sara and I decided to create a fund through our Natalia Blend Coffee to help babies in Guatemala receive the care they need in ICU.

– Pablo & Sara, Christmas Blend Coffee Artisans in Guatemala