Hi folks:
My partner and I own a small beading and jewelry supply business in
Northern BC and part of what we do is to support charities and
non-profits. We are currently involved with 3 international
organizations: Akonye Bead, Beading for Life, and Made by Survivors,
all who not only do great things but their artisans produce wonderful
work. And as our business evolves we are finding that the ready made
jewelery market is becoming one of our biggest sellers. We would like
to increase and broaden our current stock to include works from
around the world using Fair Trade suppliers.
Heres the problem, find suppliers that are reputable and adhere to
the guiding principals of the Fair Trade movement. Its easy to find
many suppliers who say they are Fair Trade but there seems to be no
mechanism that we can use to check on them and as its also our
reputation on the line we need to be sure that these suppliers are
indeed doing what they say theyre doing. We have found some suppliers
that are either religious or politically based (10,000 Villages) that
even though they do great things, were just not comfortable with.
So if you know of a good supplier or know where we can check on
suppliers we would be grateful. They need not be inclusively
jewelery, purses, handbags, scarves and other fashion accessories we
could also use. And before someone comments, we do support local
artisans with either consignment sales or them renting tables from
us.
Chris and Kate
Topaz Bead Gallery
www.topazbeadgallery.ca