About
OVERVIEW
Founder's story
Ten years ago I had my first chance to travel out of the country, to Ecuador. The experience really changed my life, and I knew I had to find a way to come back to this wonderful place. Ten years later we are working with over 20 families in Ecuador and are even employing people here in the states to keep up with the orders. We couldn't be more pleased with the results of our grass roots effort to get these talented artists out into the world wide marketplace.
Our mission
To create a working relationship with local artists from the Amazon to the Andes of South America, with the goal of improving conditions for these artists.
Our philosophy
Everyone deserves a chance to help improve themselves and the lives of those they love.
The types of products we sell
Handcrafted musical instruments, organic jewelry, finger puppets, natural wool clothing and accessories, arts and crafts.
Where the producers live and work
From the Amazon to the Andes in South America
Projects we support
Ecotourism Development
Business Training
Computer Skills Training
Market Trends Education
How we select what we sell
We usually meet our artists in open market places for the initial encounter. We then visit the home or workplace where the item is being produced to assure conditions are safe and employees are properly treated. We observe how the product is created, with emphasis to impact on the environment. Once all aspects of Fair Trade have been explored we accept the artist and their products into our coop of artists.
What makes us unique
All of our items are hand made, not mass produced.
More information about us
We also give back to the community beyond making purchases! Past projects include buying school supplies for the poor, working with locals on improving ecotourism, revitalizing historic sites, and educating local farmers on how to make their farms provide more money through exportation.
We'd also like to tell you
We appreciate your business! Your purchase helps many people, directly. From all of our artists and myself, we thank you for your purchases.