Happy 2nd Anniversary, The Little Market!
At its heart, The Little Market is a simple idea that arose from our travels. On our first trip together, to the island of Bali in Indonesia, Hannah and I would wander into tiny shops, filled to the rafters with handmade boxes and gorgeous hand-dyed fabrics.
In our travels, we also saw how women artisans, in particular, were struggling to make a better life for their families. We were moved by their determination to work toward their children’s future, and we reflected on how we could help.
We started The Little Market to connect artisans with customers who would appreciate the craftsmanship of their work and would value the uniqueness of every piece. The artisans we work with come from disadvantaged communities, and include women, people with disabilities, and individuals living in extreme poverty. We practice fair trade principles, and every purchase from The Little Market generates meaningful income for the artisans and their families.
When we first launched The Little Market, we were working with eight artisan partners in five countries. Today, we carry products from 26 artisan partners in 16 countries, and we’re exploring designs with many more.
I continue to be inspired by the amazing people I have met on this journey:
- The artisans who are working so hard to create a better future for their families and communities;
- Our family and friends who have given us their love and support since the inception of The Little Market;
- The many NGOs doing incredible work around the world to defend human rights and uphold the dignity of all people;
- Our supporters who share our vision for an equitable and just world, and without whom The Little Market wouldn’t exist.
I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for The Little Market!
XO Lauren
