About Us
We are a socially-conscious, earth-friendly gift shop located in the historic City Market in downtown Indianapolis. We specialize in fairly traded crafts made in Africa. We are a for profit company that promotes social and environmental responsibility.
We have a tremendous amount of respect for the people and cultural traditions of Africa and the rest of the developing world. Our merchandise represents the best in craftsmanship from the continent's many ethnic groups and skilled artisans.
Our commitment to fair trade is about respect, respect for people and respect for the environment. Fair trade (also known as alternative trade) is an economic system that pays artisans a fair wage and in the case of farmers, a fair price for their crops. Fair trade can have a significant impact on African artisans and farmers by by allowing them to support their families and improve their communities.
Our products are from members of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) and the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT). We may also work with producers who are committed to fair trade principles but may not belong to either fair trade organization.
In addition to supporting fair trade, we also support worthy causes in our community. Last year, we donated five percent of our sales to the Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis and we are looking forward to supporting other community organizations in 2008.
Why Did We Choose Africa?
I made my first journey to Africa in 2006, I spent time in Senegal and also got a chance to visit Gambia. I was overwhelmed at the warmth, kindness and hospitality of the African people. I got to see a different side of Africa that is rarely shown on television.
We're used to hearing bad news about the continent from HIV/AIDS, civil war, famines and genocide but Africa is much more than that. Like anywhere in the developing world, opportunities for employment are scarce, even if you are college educated. Imagine wanting to work but not being able to find a job due to no fault of your own?
The fact that we hear news stories about Africans willing to risk their lives by taking a fishing boat from West Africa to Spain speaks volumes to the desperate situation that many Africans find themselves in. This desperate situation is the result of political and economic decisions that none of these people had a role in.
We believe by supporting fair trade and promoting the work of skilled artisans in Africa, we can make a difference.
