This month, I’m extremely honored to interview Keith Recker, someone I have long viewed as an inspiration and mentor. I used to work with Keith as a contributing writer for HAND/EYE magazine, an online publication focused on craft, culture, design and global art that’s guaranteed to inspire. In his role as founder, publisher and editor of the magazine, Keith has developed a vast understanding of the global craft and artisan sector. He’s also spent years working at WGSN and Pantone as a trend forecaster and color expert. He also works as a pro bono Creative Director for various organizations, including the International Folk Art Market. Marrying his appreciation for artisan work and his fascination with color, Keith recently published a book titled True Colors: World Masters of Natural Dyes and Pigments.

Zardozi is registered as a local Pakistani social enterprise working with Afghan refugees and local female artisans who belong to low-income families. Artisan Links, as the name suggests, works with artisans in product development, quality assurance, raw material sourcing and training in tailoring and embroidery from different regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, connecting the artisans to the market. Artisan Links plays the role of a mentor and facilitator to these artisans, who don’t have the resources to reach foreign markets on their own. Artisan Links is a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization, making sure all the artisans are paid fair wages and their products are marketed locally and internationally. Artisan Links has a well-developed export processes and production unit to support this work. For the past few years, Artisan Links has been working with the MADE51 project by UNHCR for refugees. Under the MADE51 project, we get support in product development and marketing.

This month, I sat down for an interview with Amira Marion of Archive New York, a designer, and friend I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for years. She offered her insights on how she’s seen the industry change, for the good and for the bad. She sheds light on the role social media has played in instigating some of those changes, as well as what's working best for her business, where she’s struggled, and how to stay competitive in what has become a very saturated market.

This month, I was honored to interview Marissa Maximo of Anaak Collection. If you haven't yet seen her line of artisanal apparel, get ready to be swept away by her collections. They evoke ease and approachability. Marissa scouts the globe, searching for the highest quality craftsmanship and materials, presenting a chic, bohemian line of feminine apparel. Marissa shares her thoughts on how Anaak competes in the competitive luxury market. Our candid conversation includes her take on artisan as a luxury, her most successful marketing strategies and how she balances artisan and machine-made products to keep up with demand (her key to creating a sustainable business model).

This month Annie interviews Sara Berks, founder of MINNA, a leading brand within the artisan sector. Her company creates ethically-made, socially-responsible home goods rooted in traditional craft techniques. Sara believes “contemporary design should not sacrifice social responsibility or quality – your home should be a reflection of your values.” She’s been putting that belief into action through her business since 2013 so she has a wealth of expertise to share. Enjoy!

This month, AOW connects with Tuulia Makinen Diallo of Tensira. With offices in Paris and Guinea, Tensira offers a unique home décor collection, fusing Nordic design and traditional West African craftsmanship. It’s a collaboration between Tuulia, the company’s designer, and Hamidou Diallo, its manager. Hamidou’s mother was an indigo dyer for more than 40 years in Guinea where Tensira’s workshop is located. She was his source of inspiration for founding the brand. Tuulia was kind enough to sit down with us to share the story of her brand and her tips for staying focused.