This month, I'm delighted to share an interview with one of my most experienced colleagues, Catherine Shimony, co-founder of Global Goods Partners along with Joan Shifrin. Global Goods Partners (GGP) just celebrated its 17th year anniversary. It started as an e-commerce brand offering artisanal, fair-trade products. It was one of the first e-retail brands focused on telling the stories of women artists and their communities. GGP has now grown into more design and price-competitive products, allocating more resources to product design to maintain its competitive edge. Catherine has 30+ years of experience in the artisan sector and it's an honor to be able to bring her insights, wisdom, and experience to readers of AOW. Click below to read Catherine's insights on where she sees the industry shifting, what lessons she has learned, her tips for success, and more!

Asturias, where the Cantabrian Mountains meet the ocean in the northwestern corner of Spain. Roughly a third of its territory is protected, so there’s still a sense of discovery and wildness as you walk or drive from one village to the next. Much of the area traverses through Camino del Norte, a gorgeous 865 km (537 mi) walking route. It’s an unpretentious region that allows you to get a feel for real life—the people are reserved but warm and easy to speak with once you engage.

This summer, I ventured to Menorca as I was seeking time in the Mediterranean but without the mass of tourists and a focus on a calm, laid-back destination without pretentiousness, something laid back. For one that loves craft, there is not a lot remaining in terms of craft industry (that I could find) among products per se, but you can still have a lovely experience meeting producers of cheese, wine, and vintage. It's dense in terms of nature, beaches, and the interior to get a feel for the essence of the culture. And spend some time in Mahon and you will feel artsy. up and coming design scene coming through.. I know it’s been changing quickly but if you go off-season, you can enjoy the hundreds of beaches to yourself and the gorgeous trails that surround the entire island. I will preface that I am not an expert on this island but here are a few faves that I came across during my travels, striving to support as many small businesses/ artists in mind:

Happy summer everyone! With pool days and beach trips in mind, I wanted to share some of AOW's favorite handmade terry towels, handwoven in Turkey. These beauties truly withstand the test of time – the texture and quality are exquisite, and their neutral color palette will never go out of style.

This week, I am delighted to share another export-ready product line and material in which Palestine specializes: olive wood. Palestine is home to some of the world’s oldest olive trees, dating back nearly 4,000 years. For millennia, the olive tree has been the pillar of Palestinian agrarian culture and has become a symbol of peace, beauty, and prosperity. Throughout that time, it was also renowned as a beautiful material from which to make durable, resistant, and sustainable products. The craft heritage was first introduced in the 4th Century as a way to provide souvenirs to Byzantine pilgrims and it remains a cornerstone of the artisan industry there today.

This week, I am delighted to share with you a few export-ready Palestinian producers that specialize in hand-painted ceramics. For those looking for either ready-made ceramic pieces or a partner for custom designs, Palestine should be top of mind as a sourcing destination. The history of ceramics in Palestine dates to the 16th Century when Sultan Suleiman commissioned a restoration of the Dome of Rock with handmade tiles painted by Armenian potters. In the centuries that followed there were several periods of restoration during which Armenian potters were employed and brought to Jerusalem. In 1919 the first Armenian pottery workshop was established, and the modern ceramic industry grew from there.