I absolutely love specialty items that have some sort of meaning behind them. When you are using something that has a significance it can be a real conversation starter too. Dsenyo is a company that is a member of the Fair Trade Federation who works with groups in Africa and Latin America to create jobs for those less fortunate. When it comes right down to it, you buy gorgeous handmade items and besides just getting cute accessories you are helping change the lives for women and families across the globe.
My daughter here is sporting one of their gorgeous handmade aprons. Yes, it is in fact adult size but since I am the photographer she is wearing it for me in her own play kitchen. I really like to bake so I will be using this a lot in the kitchen. More importantly I told her all about where the apron came from, who made it and why it is all important.
Dsenyo partners with women and artisans in Africa and Latin America. They
create long-term relationships with their workers to help them on their way out of
poverty. Through their work with Dsenyo, producers benefit from a vital
boost to their business. They provide them with the training, support and
all materials needed to fulfill the orders. With the fair labor wage
they earn, most producers reinvest in growing their local business,
paying school fees for their children, and buying clothing, fertilizer
and household goods that they couldn’t otherwise afford. It really is a win for everyone involved.
They are so much more than aprons though. Check out those adorable flower alligator clips for girls! Or this gorgeous Malaika Tagu necklace made with a guinea fowl feather and other charms. Truly one of a kind!
Your probably wondering what exactly is a fair wage in those countries as that is exactly what I was thinking when I first discovered Dsenyo. Here is a direct quote from their website.
Our partner artisans make the equivalent of a local teacher’s salary which is 3-4 times above the minimum wage. In Malawi that comes out to about $100-$120 per month, whereas minimum wage is equal to only around $24 per month. In a country where 51% of the population lives below the poverty line, working with Dsenyo is a huge boost for these women and their families. In addition to wages, our partners also receive free technical and business training and order management support.
Those numbers make me feel good knowing that the artisans are not being taken advantage of. I have come to love the idea behind the Fair Trade Federation.
Of course it is so much nicer to see these things in person and touch and feel the quality of the craftsmanship for yourself. A wide selection of their fair trade products and accessories are available
in various locations throughout the United States and Canada. You can find a location near you. So next time you are picking out a gift for someone definitely consider Dsenyo Fair Trade Goods since they look great and help serve a purpose.
Connect: You can connect with Dsenyo on Facebook and/or @dsenyo on Twitter.