Artisans

Awamaki, Peru

Deep in the Peruvian Andes, in the Sacred Valley near the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, Awamaki supports rural women in setting up and running their own businesses. 

Awamaki invests in the training of the artisans and connects them to the global market.

Following the principle "Woven in Community" (you can find out more about the "Ayllu" principle on the blog), Awamaki works closely with the artisans in the Andes according to fair trade principles. 

Every single product is made by hand using traditional weaving and knitting techniques. On site in Ollantaytambo, Awamaki not only offers handmade products, but also sustainable travel experiences.

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Kara Weaves, India

Kara Weaves works with local weavers in Kerala, India to create contemporary design textiles using traditional fabrics and techniques. 

Each product is made from local fabrics that are handcrafted on traditional wooden looms. The production is complex: the yarn is handwoven, washed, dried and then spun on bobbins. Only then does the actual weaving begin - a process that takes several days. 

Since February 2013 they are certified members of the Fair Trade Forum of India, the WFTO country network and WFTO-Asia. 

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Womencraft, Tanzania

WomenCraft is a Fair Trade certified social enterprise based in Ngara in remote northeastern Tanzania. They weave unique baskets with natural fibers and recycled materials.

Their mission is to improve economic opportunities in the conflict-torn triangle of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania by bringing together rural women, fostering their professional growth and giving them access to the global market through their crafts. 

Since its inception in 2007, WomenCraft has taken a peace-building approach: by connecting women from diverse backgrounds and working together as one company with a common purpose. These relationships have eased tensions between refugees and refugee-hosting communities, creating unity in a conflict-torn region.

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Zuahaza, Colombia

 Zuahaza was founded in 2019 by designer Tatiana Ordoñez. Zuahaza means “my sister” in Muisca, the language of the indigenous peoples who lived in the Cundiboyacense region of Colombia. And that's exactly what Zuahaza stands for as a social enterprise: the embodiment of "sisterhood", good working conditions and mutual support in the design and manufacturing process. 

Tatiana's designs are inspired by the grand diversity of Colombia and brought to life together with a partner artisan cooperative in Santander.

Zuahaza wants to share Colombia's diversity, history and future vision with the world through her unique products. 

More about Zuahaza