Weaving a better future for deprived communities
IT was while teaching English in some of the poorest rural communities in Laos that Fiona Hunsley and Paul Barber had an idea to help local women improve their lives.
"We are inspired by original, handcrafted textile products, and by the producers and artisans who make them," explains Paul from Harrogate.
The pair decided to give up teaching to concentrate full-time on importing the handwoven textiles – scarves, clothing, bags and gifts – and work directly with people in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Their business, From The Source, was set up in 2007, and imports a carefully selected range of fashion and interior products, providing an opportunity for a range of producers to export to the UK for the first time.
"We believe in good quality, beautiful products that are made to last and made fairly. We hope to make people think about the origins of things they buy, and provide a range of fashion products and gifts that are unusual, beautiful and ethical,"
says Paul.
Through their contacts in Laos they built up a network to ensure that more than a third of the money raised from sales of goods went back to the people that made them.
"These women had no way of selling their products to a wider market and therefore had no way of earning any money to improve their lives and the lives of their families."
Paul said by working with organisations such as the Laos Women's Union, they wanted to improve their
skills and develop long-term relationships that can help contribute to social and economic development that is fair and sustainable.
From The Source has also teamed up with the Roddy Scott Foundation, set up in memory of the Yorkshire journalist killed in the Chechen conflict in 2002.
His parents Robin and Stina, from Nidderdale, set up the Foundation to help a poor part of Georgia which was dear to Roddy's heart. They are also helping areas of Afghanistan and Paul and Fiona have joined forces with them to export and trade their handicrafts.
"We aim to offer good value to UK consumers, and the opportunity to own these beautiful handmade products that can help make the world a better place," say Paul and Fiona.
From The Source is one of 50 businesses taking part in the Keen Green & Ethical Trade Market in Harrogate this week.
The four-day market, from December 3-6, will feature stalls selling ethically-traded arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery, together with homemade produce, organic and free range foods. There will also be an emphasis on local food and crafts.
To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be live music and craft demonstrations.
Paul Kennedy, director of Market Square Group which has organised the event, said: "Increasingly, people care more about where their food comes from and the ingredients that are used.
"Similarly, original, handmade and/or ethically traded arts, crafts, clothing and jewellery are holding their own in these difficult economic times, as people become more careful about how they spend their money."
www.fromthesource.co.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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