Who are our HANDMADE to market members & mentors

Meet the members

The members featured below represent just a small part of our vibrant global community of over 60 artisan entrepreneurs.

  • Eat Radiantly’s mission is to inspire and empower Ghanaian women to reach their full creative potential using traditional pottery techniques.

    Eat Radiantly is a handmade ceramics/pottery artisan company, that produces African inspired serve-ware and cookware pieces, using traditional sustainable Ghanaian pottery techniques with a modern twist.

    Learn more and contact Selorm here.

  • Prosperity from The Mother's house presents handcrafted Terracotta, Blue Pottery products, Mata ni Pachedi Paintings and Lippan art from the villages of India. We aspire to bridge the gap between traditional artisans & craft lovers, to cover the distance between remote villages of India and international craft destinations, to cross the divide between aesthetic products and pocket-friendliness and to find a blanace between a rich design heritage and modern-day needs. So far, Prosperity has been able to bring you fine heritage pottery, Textile Art and Mud and Mirror Work from 7 different regions in the State of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat.

    Learn more and contact Rinkal here.

  • We improve the environment and empower communities through craft skills training.

    MitiMeth was established to address the negative environmental and social impacts resulting from waste by creating new sustainable materials derived from invasive aquatic weeds and agricultural residues.

    Rural communities in Nigeria have been affected by the infestation of water hyacinth infestation for decades. Our creative Founder, had an idea to transform this environmental menace into beneficial use. She befriended Artisans in the Sabo and Ojurin, Bodija communities of Ibadan who had knowledge weaving with doum palm and rattan. She worked closely with the Artisans to produce table tidiers and storage baskets: two fitting products to make from a tangled weed!

    Learn more and contact Achenyo here.

  • Creative social enterprise. Hand embroidered & hand sewn products. Empowering women. Sustainable & upcyclable. Products & gifts for all.

    Learn more and contact Kanika here.

  • Founded in 1996 and registered with the Nepal government under ‘small & cottage industries’, Rochak Hand knit Craft is a dedicated organization that has been providing high-quality hand knitted goods made from natural fibers for over 25 years.

    Led by proprietor Mrs. Rukmani Devi Shrestha and her husband Rajendra Man Shrestha, the company has a talented team of experienced women artisans who craft unique and beautiful hand-made products with a distinct feel compared to their industrial counterparts.

    With a mission to accelerate the world towards a sustainable ecosystem, Rochak Hand Knit Craft is committed to providing quality hand-knitted and crocheted products that are truly one-of-a-kind.

    Learn more and contact Rochak here.

  • Ghana Glass is a sustainable glassware brand with each item crafted with care and creativity in Krobo Odumasi, Ghana. The collective is a dynamic team who fuse traditional glassblowing techniques with modern eco-conscious practices, all while providing opportunities for local artisans to refine their craft and support the preservation of cultural heritage.

    Ghana Glass specialises in one-of-a-kind recycled glass pieces that are handmade using recycled glass. Each item, from drinking glasses to decorative vases, tells a unique story of resourcefulness, beauty, and sustainability. The collection celebrates the art of craftsmanship, combining vibrant coloUrs, intricate designs, and an emphasis on environmental responsibility.

    Learn more and contact Laura here.

  • FAIR WEAVE is a social enterprise offering artisan-made textiles for home décor and wearable pieces while preserving traditional craftsmanship and practicing ethical manufacturing. 

    Our throw blankets, cushions, rugs, towels, scarves, and clothing are handcrafted with 100% natural and eco-friendly materials to create soft and comfortable textures. The beauty of natural landscapes inspires the creations to bring neutral and earthy colors to a feel-good home and your wardrobes.

    Learn more and contact Chomnab here.

  • The new luxury recognizes natural materials and slow design as its source of inspiration.
    We design and produce based on ancestral artisanal techniques and contemporary aesthetic vision, the nose-to-tail philosophy, and the value of the hands of master artisans.
    Original furniture, accessories, and textiles made in Yucatán, Mexico.

    Learn more and contact Mauricio here.

  • Discover the beauty of Yoruba patchwork quilts, a stunning blend of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Each quilt tells a unique story, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Yoruba people. Perfect for adding a touch of warmth and character to any space, these quilts are not just functional but also works of art. Embrace the tradition and artistry with a Yoruba patchwork quilt today!

    Learn more and contact Yemisi here.

  • At Ankole Luxury, we take pride in the superior quality and artistry behind every piece. Our team of skilled artisans brings years of experience, having previously worked with global brands whose collections have featured in prestigious stores like Ashley Pittman, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman.

    Ankole Luxury’s mission is to create sophisticated and fashionable handmade jewelery and bags which combines elegant design with high quality.

    Learn more and contact Veronica here.

  • Josemarie Nyagah is a visual artist who believes in the use of artistic mediums as tools to shift perceptions and craft inclusive transformation in our societies. She is ever curious about the vastness of the human experience and our connection with the planet. Having studied her BA in Peace and Conflict Resolution and with an Honours in Cinematography, she has found that storytelling methods can effectively be used to document and capture powerful, constructive narratives around diverse and often challenging topics.

    Learn more and contact Josemarie here.

  • Khalayi means ‘small and beautiful’; We specialize in PERSONALISED blankies that are handmade just for you and your loves! Our one-of-a-kind [and Made in Kenya] blankies are great for kids and adults, from locally sourced materials, and we use our creativity to make memorable gifts that will be cherished forever. Make sure to check them out out here, as well as other gift items that we have carefully selected to make your gift-giving experience easy, memorable and perfect! If you’re not that great with cellotape and paper, no worries; we’ve got you sorted since all our items are delivered ready-to-gift!

    Learn more and contact Lulu here.

  • Civic is a project to re-imagine and re-make the world, one neighborhood at a time.

    We’re inviting you to join a global open-source R&D department for maybe the biggest question of our age - how do we make change happen faster, cheaper, and better, together?

    Learn more and contact Jonathan here.

  • The Gennie Brand is a luxury fashion brand headquartered in Ghana, west Africa. Founded by Ms Dzifa Tay in 2009, Gennie is Inspired from a place of total freedom; independence, authentic and personal essence and styled carefully for women and children around the globe. From contemporary couture to casual clothing, Gennie focuses on statement ready to wear garments, exploring inspirations and making fashion memories with her clients. The Gennie brand is for women who aspire to live unapologetically whatever fashion means to her whiles being expressive with her clothing. Wearing Gennie is a must have experience. We dare to bring out your authenticity whiles complementing your beautiful body. We style to stand out.

    Learn more and contact Genie here.

  • LUM is a slow fashion brand rooted in reverence , for heritage, for craftsmanship, and for the quiet power of handmade things.
    Born between Paris and the highlands of Mexico, LUM exists to honor the artistry of Indigenous textile traditions and the women who carry them forward.

    Learn more and contact Stephany here.

Meet Some of our mentors

  • Based in New York City - Social Entrepreneur / Social Impact / Design / Buyer Relations

    Creative Marketing Consultant with 10+ yrs of experience specializing in mission artisan and brand development, handmade design, market sourcing, brand launch and merchandising.

    Dondrill is a former Senior Producer and Marketing Consultant for NYNOW and American Handcrafted. She also has experience with global trend sourcing, senior content producer, podcast host, social impact and inclusion mission partner, buyer relations and sustainable design review committee.

    Dondrill is also the Founder of Ahmesa,where the art of gathering by hand at home is artisan food, table décor, textiles and cooking beautifully inspires journeys.

    Website: https://www.ahmesa.com/

    Contact: dondrill.glover@gmail.com

  • Based in Austria – Philanthropy / Community Development / Social Impact

    Alina Serban has 8 years of experience at ERSTE Foundation, focusing on community development and social entrepreneurship across Central and Eastern Europe. In 2018, she founded co/rizom Verein, which she continues to lead. Her work centers on co-design, the commons, and participatory development to drive social and environmental change.

    co/rizom Verein partners with artisan communities in Europe and beyond, offering incubation and capacity-building programs that preserve traditional crafts. They facilitate collaboration between artisans, designers, and experts—providing access to creative and market knowledge, production technologies, business tools, and international exposure.

    Website: Homepage - Co/rizom

    Contact: alina@corizom.org

  • Based in France – Artisan Sourcing / Buyer Relations / Ethical Trade

    Annie O. Waterman is the founder of AOW Handmade has spent the past 16 years traveling the globe, working to build relationships between artisan suppliers and retailers.

    Annie lives a life in motion, continuously traveling to far-flung destinations to connect with new makers on the ground to discover unique handmade sources. Annie aims to bring buyers fresh, soulful, and competitive goods that are often difficult to track down.

    Website: https://www.aowhandmade.com/

    Contact: annie@aowhandmade.com

  • Based in Washington DC - Training Director / Entrepreneur / International Development Expert

    Lauren Barkume is the Training Director at HANDMADE to MARKET. Since joining in 2006, Lauren is an expert in international development, artisan programs and training. Lauren spent nearly 9 years based in South Africa working directly with entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses in the region, developing community co-created programs, designing and running practical business skills workshops for small business owners, and working in collaboration with artisan communities across Southern Africa.

    Lauren is also a photographer who has taken many of the images on this website. Lauren cares deeply about facilitating responsive, community driven development.

    Contact: membership@creativelearning.org

  • Based in New York City – Artisan Sourcing / Buyer Relations / Export Training

    Nathalie Tancrede is a social entrepreneur and artisan advocate who enjoys working side by side with creatives to help them reach their highest potential.​

    Over the last decade, Nathalie used her expertise in capacity building, training, sales and marketing combined with her human resources management and operations skills to connect global brands such as Macy’s, West Elm, Anthropologie, and international designers to artisan communities around the world.​

    Nathalie collaborates with organizations like NYNOW, Creative Learning, Caribbean Export and more to lead tailored export marketing training to artisan enterprises seeking to reach global markets.

    Contact: haitiepathways@gmail.com

  • Based in New York City – Artisan Product Development & Design

    Aviva Maya Shulem is a multidisciplinary designer and educator with over two decades of experience in luxury design and product development. A Parsons School of Design graduate, she built her career at companies including Donghia, Inc. and Swarovski LTD, designing furniture, lighting, and home accessories in collaboration with influential figures in art and design.

    In 2014, she founded Aviva Maya Design, a consulting studio that partners with nonprofits and design studios on product development, brand strategy, and design management. She balances her studio work with teaching at Parsons and volunteering with IDSA’s disability department to promote inclusive, universal design. Her design philosophy celebrates artisanal craftsmanship while embracing digital fabrication and materials innovation, with research interests in human-centered design, biomaterials, and social responsibility.

    Website: Aviva Maya Shulem Design

    Contact: amshulem@gmail.com