“Heart in Hand”

Heart in Hand is more than a world boutique…

Heart in Hand (www.heartinhand.ca) is a place you can connect across borders. You can connect to cultures, traditions and social realities different than your own which enrich and deepen your own experience and understanding of the world. It is also a place where you can take small actions that have real end-results in empowerment and alleviation of poverty in countries very far from your own.

Why is this important?

Because we believe that there are no first, second and third worlds… we live on the same planet and we are part of the same human family. It is not possible for one country to be truly advanced and developed without the global alleviation of social and economic marginalization and inequity. We must care about poverty in countries far from our own because they are our own.

You’ve heard it said… “we rise by lifting others” (Robert Ingersoll).

Maybe you’ve also heard it said… “doing good is good business” (Raymond Ackerman).

And at Heart in Hand, we agree that business can be a force for good, and a way to uplift the world around us. It requires love, compassion and a desire to create good by doing good. That’s why we are focused on creating opportunities for artisans in “developing” countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to an international market through long-term, fair trading relationships.

What is our process?

All of the products in our World Boutique are fairly traded and handmade. Specifically, we currently work with approximately 20+ artisan organizations in 10+ countries around the world, and we are always growing these numbers. We have started small so that we can learn as we grow… it is essential to us that we always add value to both the artisan and the buyer. The artisan groups we work with vary in size, but we ensure that each group prides itself in the work they do and that we pride ourselves in our partnership.

When we enter into partnership with artisans who create handcrafts, we work to ensure that their business models are built on sustainability, that standards for safe working environments are met, and the income provided meets or exceeds cost of living.

Artisans are paid in full for their handcrafts before the items are sent to us. This ensures that they have the capital needed to source raw materials and begin production, sewing, carving, weaving, and painting.

We also actively re-invest back into the local communities to provide education, employment, and empowerment. For example, we support and fund some of the most life-changing initiatives, such as: vocational training, microfinancing of loans, education for at-risk children, employment of marginalized women, medical care and entrepreneurship education.

Why is artisan empowerment important?

Traditional fair trade, particularly for handcrafted goods, was designed to fight poverty through commerce and long-term partnerships. It was founded on the bold belief that when marginalized populations have reliable income, work, and a place to sell their goods, they thrive. They put food on the table, provide education for their children, save for the future, and enrich their communities.

We believe that where there is access to dependable and fair income, there is also the opportunity to live an empowered life of dignity and freedom. When people can plan for their future, afford education and access medical care, entire communities flourish.

And by investing in partnerships with those who are traditionally excluded from the global economy, we are taking steps toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

What makes our products empowering?

All of the fairly traded, ethical and handmade products in our boutique do some important things; namely:

• Promote cultural tradition and appreciation: Fair trade products celebrate the cultural diversity of communities around the world. Fair trade artisans often incorporate traditional craft methods into unique products that protect their cultural heritage and enable you to enjoy the beauty of their craft.
• Use ethically sourced and sustainable materials: Fair trade promotes the use of reused, reclaimed, upcycled and recycled materials. This helps conserve, preserve and cultivate the environment.
• Empower women with skills and opportunity: When women earn a fair wage, they can support their families, their families grow stronger, they gain confidence, and they reinvest in the future.
• Protect and support vulnerable children: Fair trade respects the local laws and customs of producer groups. Often, this allows women to work at home to stay with their children or childcare services are provided on site.
• Help to fight against human trafficking: Many fair trade brands go above and beyond paying a fair wage. They invest in the well-being, safety and livelihood of each artisan – including fighting human trafficking by providing alternative employment under safe working conditions.

What does all this mean for YOU?

We are the connectors, bringing the incredible strengths and products of artisans, makers and producers to the Canadian (and international) market. In turn, you become a most essential part of the story when you shop with purpose.

• Every purchase improves the lives of artisans by supporting their craft and providing a fair, stable income.
• Every purchase improves the lives of marginalized and vulnerable communities by creating jobs, supporting education, and providing skills training.
• Every purchase contributes to a world in which women are educated, empowered and entrepreneurs.
• Every purchase contributes to a world free from extreme poverty, gender violence, and human trafficking.
• Every purchase contributes to ethical, sustainable and holistic fashion, textile and design industry.
• Every purchase expands our ability to deepen artisan relationships, explore new partnerships, and continue our work to break the cycle of poverty.

In other words, at Heart in Hand, every purchase empowers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[I wrote this blog post for my current passion project, called “Heart in Hand“. Part world boutique and part volunteer movement, Heart in Hand is all about connecting people across borders. The website (www.heartinhand.ca) also includes a blog to feature stories about the artisans who make our beautiful fair trade products and the ethos behind what we do.]