Our story begins with a small, home-based business in Colorado. For years, we've been empowering and uplifting marginalized artisans in countries like Indonesia and Thailand by bringing their fair-trade, handmade clothes and jewelry to small venues like farmers markets and festivals. But then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everything changed.
Undaunted, we refused to be defeated. We had just returned from our annual sourcing trip in Thailand and Indonesia with new designs we thought would be part of the epic 2020 summer festival season. But as spring approached, we watched our summer schedule of 30 shows cancel one by one. We had a choice to make: park the business until next season and hope we had enough savings to carry us through, build out a Schoolie and live minimally, or put on our big girl panties and create an e-commerce business with all the merchandise we had just bought.
Despite having no marketing experience, product shots, or inclination for social media, we chose the third option. We knew we would be starting from scratch, but we were determined to make it work. And we did.
Our marketing efforts have managed to spread our reach across the country, and customers' positive feedback has fueled our drive. We are gaining traction, and we are placing a reorder for the few items that have sold well online. And here's how you know what you're doing makes a difference: Our primary tailor in Bali was so appreciative of our small reorder that she sent us the following message:
"Thank you for your help and still trusting me, giving me orders. Your order helps me, my staff, and my family during this pandemic. I cannot say anything, just thank you so much."
Your choice to support small businesses like ours has a tremendous impact. While the big box stores may survive with their deep pockets and financial assistance, small businesses across the globe do not. By supporting us, you are also supporting artisans in marginalized countries. And more than anything else, we want you to know that YOUR CHOICE MATTERS!
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