This week I invite you to explore naturally dyed rugs, crafted in Teotitlan. They’re designed with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail by my partner in France. These beauties can go in any home thanks to their subtle but chic color palette.

In addition to being made using natural dyes, they are crafted on looms that date back centuries. Rooted in tradition, they pay respect to the complex motifs of the Zapotecs, coming from the artists’ memories to represent symbols and stories of the region. Rugs are made by artists who have descended from a long line of weavers. Most artists are fully involved in the process from the dying and preparing of the yarn to the weaving itself. Often the whole family participates.

This month, I am honored to interview Colleen and Margaret Clines, co-founders of the Anchal Project, a sustainable home decor and textile brand. Working alongside artists in India, Anchal is known for its bold, quilted designs.
Colleen Clines was taking a graduate seminar class at the Rhode Island School of Design when she embarked on a trip to India in 2009. Through local leadership, she was introduced to women who were being exploited by the commercial sex trade. This left a mark. She was inspired to collaborate with the local NGO and soon her enterprise came to fruition.

This month, I am honored to interview Karen Gibbs, co-founder of ByHand Consulting. The company, which she runs alongside her business partner, Colvin English, helps artisan businesses create marketing plans to increase sales and profitability, and supports artisan brands in developing ethical supply partnerships with artisan producers.

This month, I hosted a fascinating conversation between Colvin English of ByHand Consulting, Hedvig Alexander, previous Founder of Far & Wide and Co-Founder of Powered by People, and Daniella Mastracci, Director of Operations at Trade & Impact.

This week, I wanted to share an article I recently wrote for CFDA on ethical sourcing tips for artisan brands. I wrote the piece primarily for entrepreneurs and artisan brands who are new to the field but I think it can be of interest to anyone looking for a refresher on how best to incorporate artisanal handcraft production into their supply chain. I dive into what I’ve seen working over the years and have some tips for success in vetting new artisan partners and growing those relationships into healthy, sustainable partnerships.

This month, I'm delighted to present an interview with Harper Poe, someone I always love speaking to about the artisan sector. Harper was the founder of Proud Mary, an artisan accessory brand she began back in 2008. While she's no longer running this business she has a deep love for the field and has been working more recently as a designer for retail chains, doing her best to incorporate artisans into their supply chains.