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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Creative social enterprise. Hand embroidered & hand sewn products. Empowering women. Sustainable & upcyclable. Products & gifts for all.
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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.
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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.
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Maadili Collective fosters partnerships with small-scale artisan communities where opportunities are limited or non-existent in order to promote economic freedom and stability.
We are dedicated to co-create innovative designs intended to enhance skill levels, create a platform for artistic expression, and nurture genuine connections between artisans and customers. We have a commitment to adapt and grow with artisan partners, while celebrating their unique culture and craft.
Maadili Collective wholeheartedly believes that business has momentum to transform lives.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Artisan International is a celebration of the global African Diaspora - its artistry, history, and heartbeat. We partner directly with artisans in Ghana, Uganda, Jamaica, Burkina Faso, and beyond to bring soulful, story-rich decor into your home.
Meet Some of our mentors & Speakers
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Based in New York City – Luxury Infused Consulting and Business Strategy for Brands
With over 15 years of experience in the luxury industry, Marilisa Barbieri is a seasoned professional managing a specialized consulting company that provides luxury business consulting and digital services.
She specializes in assisting creative entrepreneurs in elevating their brand presence, driving sales, and establishing online authority through strategic digital branding. Her approach is result-oriented, prioritizing profitability and growth. Through a range of courses, workshops, and programs, she guides clients in developing well-structured business plans to achieve sustainable growth.
Beyond coaching, she actively collaborates with organizations such as Positive Luxury, NEST, The Luxury Institute, NY NOW, Maison & Object, Tory Burch Foundation, and more.
Her engagements encompass sustainability advising, mentoring, and leading workshops at institutions like the Design & Decoration Building, Pacific Design Center, and New York School of Interior Design.Website: Marilisa Barbieri Website
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Based in New York City –Fashion Wholesale Consultant & Artisan Business Strategist
Susan Soriano brings over 10 years of fashion industry experience across luxury and contemporary brands in the USA and Italy, having worked with prestigious companies including Lacoste, Brunello Cucinelli, and Prada. Her comprehensive background spans the entire fashion business cycle - from design and product development to wholesale and retail operations.
With international experience in both American and Italian markets, Susan understands the complete product journey from concept to consumer. She now specializes in helping artisan entrepreneurs successfully enter and thrive in the US wholesale market, drawing from her end-to-end industry knowledge.
Currently volunteering with R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Susan provides strategic market entry guidance to international artisan brands, helping them navigate competitive positioning, pricing strategies, and trade show preparation while preserving their cultural authenticity.Website: Susan Soriano LinkedIn
Contact: susansori76@gmail.com
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Based in Austin, Texas – Fairtrade Wholesaler & Founder of Matr Boomie
Manish Gupta was struck by the material poverty of his homeland. With deep respect for
the rich culture, and potential of rural Indians, he began to build a model of trade and
started Matr Boomie .
He started partnering with grassroots organizations to transform unskilled women and men
into master artisans. Manish established a team in India to guarantee clear, efficient
communications and high-quality production. He gathered a team in Austin, Texas, to
design collections that entice Western Market while honoring the culture & craft of India.
A decade and half later, that little company has grown into a leading fair trade wholesaler
and innovator in ethical, sustainable business. Manish is also actively involved in creating
opportunities for at-risk communities and fighting homelessness in Austin, TX.
Website: Matr Boomie